I love the power of sermons in Baptist churches, I love the traditions and rituals of Catholic Churches, I love the openness of ideas in Unitarian Churches, and I love the inner peace of Buddhism. Can't I study them all and take the good of what I like from each?
2007-11-17 11:52:45 · 15 answers · asked by Ohio Girl 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
YES you can! Good for you! God is far bigger than the religions which others have created. Use the traditions which serve to bring you into communion with God. He is delighted to meet you and meet WITH you through all of these means. Congratulations! Love, joy and peace be yours! Namaste.
2007-11-17 12:00:47 · answer #1 · answered by Jay 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
To Study? It's fine.
To Practice? Well, it's not practical.
Why? First, you have to know the best things to do in every religion. Can you do all the best things of all of these religions you mentioned when they have to be done?
For example, in Buddhism, the ten precepts of morality are the highest for a lay person. There you can't use perfume, you can't sing, you can't wear beautiful cloths, you can't eat after noon etc and also you have to meditate in silent. These ten silas precepts are to support meditation to achieve such calmness in supreme. Do you think this is compactable with other activities of other religions? And all other religions will ask you the same amount of training or prayer. Can you do that?
Sure you can't at once. Then you can favor a religion a day or a month. Now you're trying to become a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer, a tennis player at the same time.
Can you become all of them? Or will you waste all your time and becoming nothing in the end?
2007-11-18 06:47:22 · answer #2 · answered by Fake Genius 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religion is just that. It is, or can be a smorgasbord of a person taking what they want and leaving what they do not like. The Pharisees of the Bible did just that. They put burdens on men which they would not lift themselves the Bible says.
Salvation is not religion. The Bible teaches clearly, there is only one way. Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man cometh unto the Father except by me."
Romans 3:23... "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." This verse means that religion is only religion, and it falls short of the righteousness required to enter into heaven, righteousness equal to the glory of God.
The rich man in hell lift up his eyes and called for "Father Abraham." This is a term used only by the religious Jews to denote Abraham as their Father. He was religious, but in hell.
You need salvation, not religion.
2007-11-18 08:18:54 · answer #3 · answered by Pastor T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Someone observed that the Japanese people follow both Shintoism and Buddhism, but as an American, that isn't something I've been able to verify.
May you find real peace in your study. And please remember what Jesus said: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest . . My yoke is easy and My burden is light". (Matthew 11:28-30)
2007-11-17 20:13:10 · answer #4 · answered by Brother Jonathan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you take it as a way of living (overcoming your trouble, finding happiness, leading a morally good life etc), sure, why not ?)
If you are looking for answer for 'next/future life', then you will surely find them all conflicting, and you finally have to decide on one (you can still practice those non-conflicting teachings).
2007-11-18 05:32:21 · answer #5 · answered by Prajna 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's all up to you. Remember, you have to be comfortable in what you believe in. In the end, it is not about what you think people will like about you practicing a certain religion, but it is about you and your journey for spiritual attainment. Remember: it is YOUR spiritual journey. Take what you learn and incorporate it in your daily life.
That is not a bad idea you know. Who knows if God shows himself and his nature in the religions you're looking in? It also depends on which one you think is valuable to you in your life, even if you think all of them have something to do about it.
It is just like family. There are just things about them that you both love and dislike. Same goes with friends, music, books, etcetera.
Edit:
I like the answers of Lakely, Sheilasays, and Stifled Pain. They opt for an optimistic and open-minded Spiritual exploration for an individual.
2007-11-17 19:59:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I guess you could practice more than one, but not believe in all
Rev. Ann Redding is an Episcopal priest who claims she has also accepted Islam.
2007-11-17 20:35:45 · answer #7 · answered by Renata 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure... You have to judge for yourself that which is of value.
I think it's a splendid idea. Spread the love all over.
2007-11-17 20:03:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't see why not. As a Catholic I am wondering this myself. Any of these are better than demonic worship.
2007-11-17 19:59:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
no because you can't fully believe in it because they all contradict each other.
2007-11-17 20:41:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋