What are some misconceptions about your religion?

[Superhyperactiveman]

We do not believe that animals do not have a soul. Animals have souls. What we believe is that animals do not have IMMORTAL souls. Your pet has a soul... it just disappears when he dies. Any priest, teacher, or other religious figure that told you animals don't have souls was only saying that because, for whatever reason, they didn't think it wise to make the distinction.

But this goes against the belief that all entities (Animals and humans)come back as eachother in lives to come and lives that have past. What I mean is that all our souls live on in different stages of different lives. Sometimes your a God or close to Godly (i.e Buddha would probably have been in a godly form after he died as Siddartha) or you could be an animal or a human (which are two different realms of living apparently). Basically, saying that Animals souls die with their bodies contradicts your own religion.

I would just like to say Im Buddhist too and am glad to see someone who understands how Buddhism works as more of a philosophy than a religion. Do you also agree that Buddha was not fat as he is portrayed in many images? Because when I learnt about him I was told that he wasnt fat as he was a prince.

True, but you have to remember that I combined Buddhism with Christianity. I wasn't even raised Buddhist, I adopted it into my already present Christianity. So, reincarnation is something I'm still struggling to wrap my head around, especially where animals are concerned. Really, that's one of the few things about Buddhism and Christianity that don't blend. Most of it is really similar, so it blends well. I do believe in the Eightfold path, the Middle Path, and the Four Noble Truths, however.

And you're correct, the Buddha was not fat. I don't remember exactly how that got started, but come on. The dude achieved enlightenment by meditating for 49 days straight, not eating at all. How do you expect him to be fat?

Actually, the Buddha was said to be extrememly attractive. He had to reprimand a lot of his followers because they wouldn't listen during his teachings, due to being so enamored by his beauty. And these were straight men. The Buddha was so drop-dead gorgeous that he could entrance straight men with his looks, on a purely asthetic level. He was a sexy *****!

Another intersting fact: Apparently, he could touch his palms to his knee-caps, while standing up, without bending over...

 

[Lady Nilstria]

Another intersting fact: Apparently, he could touch his palms to his knee-caps, while standing up, without bending over...

Darn long arms! O_O

 

[Random Argument Man]

I'm some sort of agnostic. A few people thinks I can't decide what I want in life. It's religion and the fact some people hardly know what kind of person I am that gives misconceptions about me.

 

[TheGreatCoolEnergy]

Christianity-

1.-We are all fanatics trying to force our religion down every one elses throats. No. Just no. A good example of one or two recking it for the masses.

2.-We don't believe in proven scientific facts. Once again, another example of a couple idiots recking it for the rest of us.

EDIT: one more:

3.-That anyone who doesnt follow the bible word for word line for line will spend enternity burning. I believe in heaven and hell, but I don't think that if god loved us he would make it so hard to get to salvation.

 

[Superhyperactiveman]

unlike most atheists, i have no problem with atheism being called a religion. just like any other religion, my atheism is a personal set of beliefs that i developed from years of learning and introspection. i also think my beliefs deserve the same legal protections as any other religion.

Is it true that jews don not belive in hell? Because i've considerd becoming Jewish if that was true.

yes it's true. although there are also christians who don't believe in hell.


EDIT: oh, and by atheist i mean that i am open to the possible existence of God but i do not live my life any differently because of it.

Then you are not atheist. Atheism is a complete rejection of the existence of God. If you're even open to it slightly, you are an agnostic... At least I think so. I have a really bad habit of coming off as an expert on subjects I am, at best, averagely educated. But as far as I can tell, you're an agnostic.

 

[Chipperz]

I was raised Catholic, and I've heard some nice ones. Like how Catholics are really Christians.

That if you don't believe what we believe you'll go to Hell - Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. If you're a good person, you'll go to Heaven. Only the worst of the Fundies believe that if you're not a Christian you'll go to Hell. Eeeeeeeeeeeevery Christian I know believes that Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Taoists etc will all end up in Heaven (or their version of it, which is exactly the same place!) if they haven't been cunts to people. I personally also believe that Bhuddists get reincarnation if they aren't ready for Nirvana (which I think is how it works?), because that's what they want, but I'm unsure of the churchs official position.

So, you believe that if someone is a good person--but they only accept and worship God (not Jesus as their Lord and Savior)--they will go to Heaven? Don't Catholics and Christians believe that, in order to get to Heaven, you must accept that Jesus is God? I ask because some of the religions you've mentioned don't accept Jesus as God, and that He died on the cross to save humanity from their sins.

I'm not--in any way--trying to disrespect you. I'm merely curious.

Ah no, the way I've been raised to believe, anyone can get in, they were just the first three non-Christian religious groups that came into my head I've always been told that everyone from Atheists to the Pope have an equal chance of getting into Heaven - people get judged on actions, not on beliefs. It's just that Christians get it rammed down our throats what's needed, but I can't quite believe that anyone can't get "Don't be an arsehole to people".

Of course, the way I've been told it, it actually means that Fundies that campaign against gay marriage/rock and roll/D&D have less chance of getting into Heaven than atheists that don't bother anyone else. That really is the way I feel everything should be

 

[Cakes]

Then you are not atheist. Atheism is a complete rejection of the existence of God. If you're even open to it slightly, you are an agnostic...

No, not really. You're making it sound like atheists say "we believe there's no god, no matter what", which isn't the case. I dunno, I'm a very-very weak atheist, so maybe I shouldn't speak for them.

 

[Cakes]

snip snip kind of universalism snip snip

Isn't there the whole "You can only get to heaven through Jesus" thing? Your views are great and all, but don't they sort of go against the bible?

 

[Arkhangelsk]

That I actually belong to an organized religion. I have my own religion. If anyone makes an organized religion out of that, I'll convert.

 

[DRADIS C0ntact]

Christianity-

We do not take a large chunk of the Bible literally. Unless we're fundamentalist, which most of us aren't, we accept a lot of it, especially the stuff in Genesis and Revelations, as being figurative: a metaphor. So, Creation, Noah's Ark, the Tower of Babel... most of us admit that things didn't exactly happen this way.

We do not reject evolution... Let me say that again... WE DO NOT REJECT EVOLUTION!!! Except for, again, the fundamentalists. What we reject is the idea that Humans evolved out of monkies. Because, this implies that humans are not spiritual beings created in the image of God, but that we're a random accident like all the other animals.

Okay...I don't even know how to word a response because I'm so taken aback...

This man is wrong. That's all that needs to be said.

I don't know if you're saying I'm wrong because you're Christian or not, but I assure you that the only people who believe in the Bible literally and completely reject evolution are fundamentalist: people who base their understanding of God entirely on faith, without reason. Most of us will admit that doesn't make sense when confronted with that, and we accept it.

If that is what you believe, then you are not Christian. There is no picking and choosing which parts of the Bible you want to believe if you are truly Christian.

 

[WayOutThere]

Then you are not atheist. Atheism is a complete rejection of the existence of God. If you're even open to it slightly, you are an agnostic... At least I think so. I have a really bad habit of coming off as an expert on subjects I am, at best, averagely educated. But as far as I can tell, you're an agnostic.

Gnosticism is the belief that knowledge of God is possible. Agonistics believe that God is inherently unknowable. Christians can be agnostic. Martin Luther rejected the idea The Sacrament of the Eucharist is symbolic of Jesus' body and blood saying that if it was meant to be symbolic Jesus would have said that. When asked what was really going on he said "I don't know" (paraphrasing). His position was that rationality had gone as far as it could go and that "God knowledge" is closed off to us.

I cannot stress this enough, atheist DO NOT reject the idea of God 100%. Even Richard Dawkins describes himself as 99.9% sure of Gods non-existence. I am open to the possibility of a God existing but I will not believe one does until I see some evidence. Claims of 100% certainty should never be made about any claim about reality ever.

Then you are not atheist. Atheism is a complete rejection of the existence of God. If you're even open to it slightly, you are an agnostic...

No, not really. You're making it sound like atheists say "we believe there's no god, no matter what", which isn't the case. I dunno, I'm a very-very weak atheist, so maybe I shouldn't speak for them.

Perhaps you shouldn't but regardless in this case you are right.

-----

I'll respond to the rest of your post tomorrow.

For the record, please try to keep any response to this clean. What you typed was just barely not fuel for a flame war of proportions most epic.

I like religion threads, I'm not about to start a flame war and justify Escapistian's dislike of them.

I understand your need to be cautious but save for maybe that "Your God" part I think my post was quite tame.

 

[manic_depressive13]

Then you are not atheist. Atheism is a complete rejection of the existence of God. If you're even open to it slightly, you are an agnostic...

No, not really. You're making it sound like atheists say "we believe there's no god, no matter what", which isn't the case. I dunno, I'm a very-very weak atheist, so maybe I shouldn't speak for them.

Actually, that is exactly what atheists say, only hopefully with better syntax. Sorry to break this to you, but you're not athiest at all, you're agnostic.
Try not to have an existential crisis, plz

 

[A Weary Exile]

The biggest one is probably that it's a religion - it's not.
Atheism is not a fucking religion, Jesus Goddamn Christ.

Just like "no chair" is not a style of chair.
It's a lack of a chair.

I can't even begin to understand how this is difficult to comprehend.

This is the first instance I think I've agreed with Max in my short time on the Escapist.

Bravo Max!

 

[WayOutThere]

Actually, that is exactly what atheists say, only hopefully with better syntax. Sorry to break this to you, but you're not athiest at all, you're agnostic.
Try not to have an existential crisis, plz

This is misconception. To claim complete certitude of claim about reality (even evolution) is a faith. Science can only give us probabilities. We can be 99.9% certain evolution is true but never 100%. We can be 99.9% certain that unexplained scientific mysteries have natural explanations. We can never reach 100% is science. Few athiest actually make a 100% claim.

Agnostism is something entirely different as I explained above.

Actually I have not yet in one of my posts on this thread tried to clear up a misconception about athiesm. Let it be this then.

 

[Mad World]

I was raised Catholic, and I've heard some nice ones. Like how Catholics are really Christians.

That if you don't believe what we believe you'll go to Hell - Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. If you're a good person, you'll go to Heaven. Only the worst of the Fundies believe that if you're not a Christian you'll go to Hell. Eeeeeeeeeeeevery Christian I know believes that Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Taoists etc will all end up in Heaven (or their version of it, which is exactly the same place!) if they haven't been cunts to people. I personally also believe that Bhuddists get reincarnation if they aren't ready for Nirvana (which I think is how it works?), because that's what they want, but I'm unsure of the churchs official position.

So, you believe that if someone is a good person--but they only accept and worship God (not Jesus as their Lord and Savior)--they will go to Heaven? Don't Catholics and Christians believe that, in order to get to Heaven, you must accept that Jesus is God? I ask because some of the religions you've mentioned don't accept Jesus as God, and that He died on the cross to save humanity from their sins.

I'm not--in any way--trying to disrespect you. I'm merely curious.

Ah no, the way I've been raised to believe, anyone can get in, they were just the first three non-Christian religious groups that came into my head I've always been told that everyone from Atheists to the Pope have an equal chance of getting into Heaven - people get judged on actions, not on beliefs. It's just that Christians get it rammed down our throats what's needed, but I can't quite believe that anyone can't get "Don't be an arsehole to people".

Of course, the way I've been told it, it actually means that Fundies that campaign against gay marriage/rock and roll/D&D have less chance of getting into Heaven than atheists that don't bother anyone else. That really is the way I feel everything should be

I see.

So, if I may ask, what religion do you believe in?

 

[Chipperz]

snip snip kind of universalism snip snip

Isn't there the whole "You can only get to heaven through Jesus" thing? Your views are great and all, but don't they sort of go against the bible?

Naah, the whole "Do unto others" and "Love thy neighbour" things supercede all the other rules. The Good Samaritan is a good example - even Jesus made the point that just because someone's of a different faith, doesn't mean they can't be good people - good people follow the big two rules of Christianity, so they get into Heaven.

Funny story - researching a bit while making statements that I KNEW would get me questions, I found that most major religions (even non-Abrahamic) have a "Love thy neighbour" clause, and that most religions are actually VERY similar about the big things - it's kinda hard to say that people of other religions can't get into Heaven, 'cos so long as you stick to the big stuff of not being a twat to other people, you're on the right track.

EDIT - Ninja'd by MadWorld

*snip*

I see.

So, if I may ask, what religion do you believe in?

I was raised a Catholic, and for the most part, I still am. I don't go to church except for Christmas because I personally believe that God is everywhere and that it's less sincere to have a set "prayer time" than just living my life and trying to be a good person.

 

[Tdc2182]

I was raised Catholic, and I've heard some nice ones. Like how Catholics are really Christians.

That if you don't believe what we believe you'll go to Hell - Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong. If you're a good person, you'll go to Heaven. Only the worst of the Fundies believe that if you're not a Christian you'll go to Hell. Eeeeeeeeeeeevery Christian I know believes that Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Taoists etc will all end up in Heaven (or their version of it, which is exactly the same place!) if they haven't been cunts to people. I personally also believe that Bhuddists get reincarnation if they aren't ready for Nirvana (which I think is how it works?), because that's what they want, but I'm unsure of the churchs official position.

So, you believe that if someone is a good person--but they only accept and worship God (not Jesus as their Lord and Savior)--they will go to Heaven? Don't Catholics and Christians believe that, in order to get to Heaven, you must accept that Jesus is God? I ask because some of the religions you've mentioned don't accept Jesus as God, and that He died on the cross to save humanity from their sins.

I'm not--in any way--trying to disrespect you. I'm merely curious.

Don't worry, that was in no way disrespectful. It depends on how you personally interpret the bible. I personally believe that as long as you don't make others lives miserable, then your good. And I'm sure that god wouldn't get to pissed if people didn't think jesus was his son, as long as they understand what he did.

 

[Tdc2182]

To be honest I could probably fill entire volumes with my views on religion, and still fail to do them justice with my words. My views are complex, sometimes self-contradictory, and remain subject to my continued personal growth. That being said here's a rundown of the basics.

- Generally I'd rather not refer to myself as being anything. For the purpose of general conversation I'm an atheist, but only so much as it requires no further explanation. The only reason I don't simply state that I have no religion is because that implies that my beliefs are an empty hole waiting to be filled.

- My core belief is that there is no God, no meaning to the universe, no heaven and no hell. I believe in science in so far as it can demonstrate truths that exist whether or not they are proven, however not being a scientist myself and unable to fully understand scientific procedures I cannot really back this up with anything. Fundamentally I have chosen to believe that this life and this world are all I get, as such the only meaning that can be applied is that which we create for ourselves.

- Whilst I theoretically have nothing against those who believe different to me, I have strong issues with those who seek to convert others to their ways, or who will project their beliefs upon the world at large. I'll admit that this is quite an emotional one to me and therefore very difficult to rationalise. I attended a Church of England primary school, where my personal non-belief was not accepted (I basically decided I didn't want to believe in God long before I had been introduced to the concept of atheism), and to this day I seem to be plagued with Christians seeking to convert me. I would like to be respectful of others' beliefs, but this is difficult when they do not afford me the same courtesy. As a general rule of thumb I try and remain respectful until the second time somebody tries to convert me, at which point it crosses into being offensive.

I am religious but I don't try to convert people, (in fact people that do try to convert are pretty annoying) But have you ever considered that they believe that they are trying to help you out?

 

[Nigh Invulnerable]

I'm a member of the LDS church (Mormon) and there's a ton of things people think about us that I'm not even going to really go into. If anyone has questions feel free to fire away. No, we do not have horns, sacrifice babies, or think that black people are inferior for some reason.