Thread: Question for those who are religious.

Originally Posted by Unelias

Are you, like many are in Finland, so called "tapakristitty"? It would translate as habit Christian? You belong to church, you maybe go there once in a Christmas, maybe. You have maybe some idea of major points in the teachings but no more than that. Lastly, religious life means nothing in practice to you?

It is quite usual here.

I guess you could say that. I go to Xmas and Easter service, and if I can get up on a Sunday, my mom and I go. If not, we watch online through my church's live streaming.

Hah. I doubt I have even basic knowledge of the teachings. I just know what I've read though my Alice in Bibleland children's books. I've only really read Genesis in the Bible. Like I said, my view of God is simplistic. You could even go as far as saying "childlike".

Religious life....could you explain that a bit more? I don't think I understand what you're asking.

Well by religious life I mean that I doubt religion affects to your life in any major way or restricts it? Concept of sin, the ten commandmends, fear of god etc. ( for Christianity ofc)

What you described is very usual here for Christians they don't bother to resign the church but neither do they bother to go in its sermons etc.

As for information, in case someone didn't know, I am not religious.

Originally Posted by Jeff777

I choose to follow whatever God cater's to my feelings of insecurity regarding the afterlife. The ideologies don't matter...just as long as whatever fictitious belief I choose to believe helps me sleep better at night. White lies are always the most comforting ones. Especially when you really believe them. No matter how irrational they may be.

If I didn't know any better I'd swear you were Huey Freeman. You talk just like him...lol

I am religious because when I die a martyr, I will go to heaven and live in peace

As Omnius pointed out, there is a difference between being religious and spiritual for me as well.

I am a deeply spiritual being. I've felt connected to God since I was a very young child. But "spiritual" in and of itself can be dangerous for me. It's a high. The feeling is very similar to when I was disassociating during my brief time as a Stripper. Being spiritual is hard to explain in words. For me, it's a connection to all life... the feeling of music... the healing properties of sex. I connect it also to when I was studying spiritism and witchcraft. It's having control of the course of your life and the forces which guide it.

Being religious, while also an intense feeling, has a lot more involved. It's changing my life for the sake of my beliefs, even when doing so is dreadfully hard. It's living up to the highest standards and expecting more of myself than I often provide. It's placing my hands and life in the hands of someone greater than I- and it's VERY hard to reliquish that control lol.
I am happier when I give in to my truly spiritual side. I'm a "defeated perfectionist" and striving to be a religious pillar is more tiring and anguishing than I could ever explain. But I love my God passionately and being a Christian means we disowning ourselves and our own wants. It requires a lot of balance, motivation and determination. I'm still trying to get a hand on those things, which is what causes my sorrow. It's not my God but myself.
I stick with it because of the love I have for Jehovah God and his Son.
In return, I'm given Bible understanding. When I actually apply the things I learn, I have a happier family life. Before I was disfellowshipped [df-ed], I had an entire congregation (about 50 people) whom I love dearly and shared my life with. Before I was df-ed, I had satisfying work of sharing with other people things from the Bible in the door-to-door Ministry. When I return, all those people will welcome me back with open arms and many happy tears. I'll also be healthier because I wont be smoking or cutting any more and my conscience will be cleared (as clear as it ever can be fore me lol).

jesus christ... Zhaylin, do you realize that your have an inordinately high number of posts considering your join date?

lol- what can I say? You guys are great and this is a great place to waste time and procrastinate with my packing
I got my suitcase packed, now I just have to work on my carry-on and setting out the pet food for the neighbor... then I need a shower!!
5 hours to go and counting

Originally Posted by Unelias

Why do you chose to follow the deity you are following? What are your motives?

Because when I die my soul will get stuck on the ceiling, duh.

But besides that, it's just a weird feeling I have that I can't explain (yet). I'm actually in the middle of exploring my religious feelings and seeing where that takes me.

Goodbye everyone. Try not to have too much fun while I'm gone