Do you tell others what your beliefs really are?

Question

I am curious as I grew up in a community where it was better off to say I was Catholic rather than doubtful. I do not hate, by any means, the tradition I was brought up in. I'm just curious if it is easier to say you are Christian or Muslim or whichever in certain communities? My current community is very accepting of everything and it has influenced my choices, positively. Any perspective on this from all? Thank you and many blessings:)
Me: Tibetan Buddhist with Hindu leanings

I am not the 'thumbs down fairy' so sorry if that happens..... hmmmmm...... let's just accept for once in an evening:)

Answer 1

All beliefs are ridiculous. But, if someone asks me what my religion is or what I believe in, I'll give them a provisional label of "Buddhist". As you know, Yogini, there's ultimately no believer, no act of believing, and nothing to believe in, so "I believe in xyz" is a non-starter. Beliefs are nothing but thoughts, anyway, and are not something that you possess. Don't let them define and limit you, as if you really have to make a choice and cling to it or you'll cease to exist. Nonetheless, if someone asks me, I will tell them I am a Buddhist because it has the potential of beginning a dialogue.

Answer 2

Well...honestly the community I live in isn't too accepting of any non-Christian. But if asked, or if it's brought up, or in any way relevant- I'll gladly state that I'm Wiccan....many times that gets a negative or hesitant response- but sometimes people start to ask questions and learn. And that's always great =).

I don't think you should have to hide who you are and what you believe from anyone. [[as long as you're not pushing it at them]]
Blessed be.

Answer 3

If asked I state what my religion is (Asatru Heathenism) and I wear my Valknot and Thor's Hammer openly. I'm open about being an elder in the community and spiritual leader of my Kindred. People in the community know I'm a resource for information on Heathenism.

It's interesting though - when I'm visiting my cousin's church (several 100 miles away), everyone assumes I'm Christian and don't ask.

Answer 4

I don't discuss religion or politics with anyone. It is a dangerous subject and I don't feel that I am intelligent enough to discuss either.....well, intelligently! I also don't really know what I actually believe, that may be part of the problem. I was brought up as a Lutheran, but don't really like some of the stodgy beliefs of that church. Maybe someday I will look into something else.

Answer 5

That depends. Ever it depends. In some instances, such as in a shared forum, say, like that of a college class, this is maybe a safer medium to tell others because others are telling of theirs and safely exposing beliefs of all kinds with one another. Silence is its own law: one is to hold one's counsel and remain silent; the other side is to speak where speaking is integral to the importance at hand, without which doing, interestingly, can be a violation of that law.

Above all, one must abide one's nature, temperament, and inner perception and feeling on the matters of religious beliefs -- whether participating in, say, college class exchanges or otherwise.

Answer 6

It's on a need to know basis
I never lie.
If asked, I share what is required at that time.
I am true to God within. 98%.
The other 2% would cause disharmony which is not in my scheme of things, so I don't go there.
I don't see myself as having "beliefs", for me it is a way of life, values, morals, living truly, knowing what is required, understanding God, listening to my intuition and moving on that.
I took the Belief-O-Matic test and it indicated by "belief" is Hindu.
Quite interesting to take the test actually.
I am not interested in labels, but found it curious.
I certainly would not call myself Hindu, although I understand the "thinking".

Peace to all
God Is Gracious

Answer 7

Most of the people that I know never bring up religion. As it should be. Religion and politics should be reserved for only the select few. The select few I choose to discuss these things with know that I'm an atheist. Others do not matter. If someone is ignorant enough to bring up the subject, I'll give them an earful.

@>}----}----

AD

Answer 8

Yes, absolutely...always. My daughter says that I tend to give ppl a "bucket full of information" when what they were seeking was a "drop"...however from MY perspective, I AM only giving them a "drop" when compared to the "Ocean of information" that I would LOVE to share with them.
To share the Truth, and all the ways you can KNOW that it is the TRUTH..is a wonderous and adventursome way to live.
I do not regret it for a moment!

To know the TRUTH is to be FREE!

Answer 9

Surroundings can influence how forthcoming you are about your religious beliefs. I at one time worked with some Fundamentalist ladies. At the time, I was active in a Wiccan coven.

Though I was comfortable with my husband knowing about my religious activities, I did not at all want my co-workers to know. When I was with them, I never, ever discussed any religion but Christianity.

Answer 10

I don't talk about it unless people ask. And even then, I decide if I want them to know. I'm not afraid of what they think, or what they'll say, and I could care less if they disagree (most do disagree)...but mine is a very feared religion, and unless I'm sure I'll get support, I see no reason to put myself at risk.