Do you believe in jeeeeeeeeeeebas

[Xena]

yes for me

 

[xkikix]

I've voted no but when i'm really scared or worried like when I had a bleed in pregnancy I would sort of pray and say something like "Please god if you do exsist please make sure it'll be ok" So I dont know whether that makes me religious or not, but I am more a non believer than a believer???!

 

[newmum]

Yes, I believe in Jesus and am a christian.

K.xx

me too

 

[zebrastripes]

Squiglets post pretty much sumerised my view (just a hell of a lot more articulately then i would have)

I beleive in something, all religions relate to the same god, and i hate the small minority of people using religion as a weapon to hurt others if gives it all such a bad name.

I get quite annoyed cos im not obviously religious, if anyone asks i'll tell them, but i dont talk about god or particulary care if someone doesnt beleive cos thats your view, but people seem to think it's fine to be quite horrible about religion and it's views and stereotype those who beleive. i guess its my own fault for doing philosophy at uni but they're constantly poking fun at religion or dismissing it with no thought and everyone seems to find it funny to do. I also went to a CofE school even though i'm catholic, and even there you get stupid comments . In RE it was always made out that all catholics are extreme and try and inforce no sex before marriage and gays are evil and all those other very old ideas people always call on when in reality that is not what its about.

Religion and church, for me, creates a community, they help raise money for good causes and it allows you support from people who generally have similar beleifs to you. No-one comments on my huge bump and lack of husband, they only care that me and Tally are doing well, to me thats what religion should be about, not the "cult" idea or enforcing you're beleifs on others.

I think you are right, to an extent. i think I can be quite dismissive about religion at times, and I shouldn't. However where I live, religion is taken to severe extremes. Religion does create a community- my dad comes from Cambridge and his side of the family aren't religious, yet they are always in church activities etc.

However over here, religion is vicious, narrow minded and poisonous. Religion broke up my family for 6 years and is still causing havoc in it to this day (long,horrible story) Religion has meant people over here have been getting killed for the last 40 years. We put up 50 foot walls to seperate those of different religions, so they don't rip each other to shreds. This in turn has led to a narrow minded and backward society. Fair enough, the troubles have stopped and it is improving, but it is still there.

For instance the wife of our first minister said the other day that homosexuality was an "abomination" vile" "a mental illness" She's a bloody politician fs!

Anyway, you get the idea. Explanation if I ever come across as a bit Antichrist lol

 

[KJ]

"Religion" and believing in Jesus are 2 completely different things.

"Religion" is the ritualised side of belief.

"Believing" is having a personal relationship.

K.xx

 

[beanie]

I did believe in God until the day I asked a minister why my mum had to die and was told "because God wants the good people up in heaven". I couldn't understand why any God would not only take my mum away at a time I really needed her (I was 14) but would do so in such a horrible way (mymum had ovaria cancer, then a stroke which robbed her off her speech and she was right handed which is controlled by the left side of the brain and could't even communicate with us). Then my dad died horribly too. So I say to my old beliefs. I don't believe in heaven,my views are like those of Jade's but I do believ peoplelive on through us remembering and talking about them. When my dad was dying he was talking to mymum so his last thought was of my mum which comforted me.

 

[Squiglet]

... someone said to me that you need religion in your life and that there are no aesthists on the battle field... She was right.

She wasn't! I hate this general trivialisation of atheism (There's no atheists in foxholes) It's such a misjudgement (and insulting to atheists!) To suggest that atheists will suddenly drop their whole belief system and cry out to 'god' when faced with death or great suffering is ridiculous!

I think for me the thing that proved this point was my ex... He was the biggest atheist out... didn't follow any religion, didn't believe in anything he couldn't see or touch... then he joined the army as a Medic and was sent to Afghanistan, Helmand province... he came to see Tia in March and gave her a set of his dog tags...it has a cross on it and a mary medallion... I obviously pointed it out to him... he said having been in a country, where everyone wants to kill you, seeing this friend get shot and killed, trying to save him only for him to be shot again... to hear his friend screaming for their mums as they bleed to death in his arms, others say nothing... praying to god to take the pain away before they slip away, to try and save small children after being blown apart... changed his perception of religion...

The things he told me about what happens over there, the terrible things he had seen, I have no concept of it... there is nothing in our ordinary life to compare it to, the news doesn't even tell a fragment of the story ..and with all deepest respect for all atheists here... I think that unless you are faced with that level of human tragedy on that scale or that monstrosity,...you cannot actually say how you would react or if maybe your idea of there not being a greater power might change. War is something most westerners confine safely to their TV sets while tucking into their nice cooked food, I know because I do it too... I've not been fighting on the front line in a foxhole in a war zone.

My ex was a broken man when he came back... a shadow of his former self...he hadn't changed as such... but he was a very different person. For him just believing that his friends go to a better place kept him going, and while still isn't religious per say... he has begun to have beliefs.

 

[aramintalovegrove]

Im not religious at all but would say that I am open to spirituality.

My Dh assumed that DS would be christned (er why? we are not religious so why decide what our son will believe)

I really wanted to show DS all the main religions as his school rams christianity down the kids necks (even though it is just a state school and has a few muslim pupils )We took him to several mosques, gudrajas, temples, churches synogogues etc and spoke to people who practised the beliefs

He has really taken to the teachings of buddihsm and has attended sessions with a monk at our local temple (above those we arranged to give him a taster of what it was all about) and at 6 was going to 2 hour meditation sessions!

 

[Suzie and Faith]

Squiglets post pretty much sumerised my view (just a hell of a lot more articulately then i would have)

I beleive in something, all religions relate to the same god, and i hate the small minority of people using religion as a weapon to hurt others if gives it all such a bad name.

I get quite annoyed cos im not obviously religious, if anyone asks i'll tell them, but i dont talk about god or particulary care if someone doesnt beleive cos thats your view, but people seem to think it's fine to be quite horrible about religion and it's views and stereotype those who beleive. i guess its my own fault for doing philosophy at uni but they're constantly poking fun at religion or dismissing it with no thought and everyone seems to find it funny to do. I also went to a CofE school even though i'm catholic, and even there you get stupid comments . In RE it was always made out that all catholics are extreme and try and inforce no sex before marriage and gays are evil and all those other very old ideas people always call on when in reality that is not what its about.

Religion and church, for me, creates a community, they help raise money for good causes and it allows you support from people who generally have similar beleifs to you. No-one comments on my huge bump and lack of husband, they only care that me and Tally are doing well, to me thats what religion should be about, not the "cult" idea or enforcing you're beleifs on others.

I agree!

I believe in God. Technically I am a Christian but I hate the way that people pressume this means I think they are going to hell or that I am going to try to convert them or tell them what to do.

My faith is based on just that, faith. A belief that things will be ok, that I am being looked after by God.

My daughter's name was chosen because if me and Matt have a problem with anything in life we tell each other to 'have a little faith' to believe that things will work out.

I don't judge people who don't believe in God. I don't believe they will go to hell and I am not anti-things like 'typical' Christians are seen to be.

I understand the idea that every religion has a similar basis and I think it's great to believe in something and if it helps people through life then that's fantastic.



P.S I don't believe the bible in a literal sense in a lot of cases. I see it more as stories designed to teach morals and things.

 

[Princess_Puddles]

I believe there was something, whether that was Jesus or not I don't know and don't think I ever will. I would never critisize anyone who did though, I think its lovely how people have their own beliefs and when I at school I used to love learning about all the different religions.

 

[Misslarue]

... someone said to me that you need religion in your life and that there are no aesthists on the battle field... She was right.

She wasn't! I hate this general trivialisation of atheism (There's no atheists in foxholes) It's such a misjudgement (and insulting to atheists!) To suggest that atheists will suddenly drop their whole belief system and cry out to 'god' when faced with death or great suffering is ridiculous!

..and with all deepest respect for all atheists here... I think that unless you are faced with that level of human tragedy on that scale or that monstrosity,...you cannot actually say how you would react or if maybe your idea of there not being a greater power might change.

You only have to spend a little time on the internet and you will find many accounts of atheist soldiers who were in the foxhole. The most famous one is Philip Paulson, a Vietnam veteran who actaully won the first "Atheist in Foxhole" award.

I really feel for what your ex has been through I think the majority of people do feel a need to turn to god in times of crisis. I can understand how people have a need to believe in something. Human nature needs hope. But as true atheist I realise I am in the minority and obviously I can only speak for myself and avoid generalisation.
I was a pratcising Christian once so I can remember how great and indulging it felt to believe in an higher being esp in dire circumstances. If I was in a middle of a war zone, I am sure I would be screaming for my mum or for a painless death............but to an almighty being high in the sky, that I don't believe exists? For me, it would be like praying to the Easter bunny!
The phrase 'there's no atheist in a foxhole' can only be written by a believer!

The closest situation I have in my own life is when Dan was 2 weeks old (4 weeks prem anyway) he was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties. I was in the ambulance with him and he stopped breathing. The blue lights went on, oxygen came out, they took him off me and for an agonising 30 seconds, I thought he was dead. It must have happened at least 40 more times over the course of the night. I have never been so scared and sick in my life.............. But not once did I pray or even think of god. Again to me it would be like praying to the easter bunny to save my son!!
Some could argue its not the same as war. Hopefully I will never find out.
But it will be the closet (I hope) to a harrowing traumatic experience. As a mother you would lay your own life down for your baby without question. The pain of their death would be worse than your own. It's as close as I can fathom.

On a side note, I've always thought how ironic the phrase 'there's no atheist's on the battleground' is..............considering the job soldiers are sent to do

 

[ShineyHappyPeople]

"Religion" and believing in Jesus are 2 completely different things.

"Religion" is the ritualised side of belief.

"Believing" is having a personal relationship.

K.xx

Completely agree

 

[Squiglet]

On a side note, I've always thought how ironic the phrase 'there's no atheist's on the battleground' is..............considering the job soldiers are sent to do

Thats always interested me too

but to an almighty being high in the sky, that I don't believe exists? For me, it would be like praying to the Easter bunny!
The phrase 'there's no atheist in a foxhole' can only be written by a believer! Laughing

I don't believe in an almighty being high in the sky I am not a believer, so the statement is erroneous... I can assure you I have never prayed to such a being in over 15 years... Theres more to religion than just Christianity and there is more to belief than the belief of an all powerful almighty being Athisim itself could be considered a religion, after all Buddism for example has no theism, no belief in a higher being, yet is a recognised religion... but the basic construct of the word atheism denontes its not... but the way some atheists zealously guard their beliefs can be akin to the same human passion that surrounds other religions. Just a personal view of course.

When Tia nearly died at 8 months... I didn't pray to an almighty god... but I did say to myself... please please let her survive this... to some that would be praying, even though it was directed at no god at the time. I'm sure anyone in the same situation thinks the same... its a silent pray to yourself...I prayed to Tia too... please hunny, get better soon... for I do worship her...

But I do believe there is more to this existance than just what we can see and hear, you can't see or hear energy...but does that mean it doesn't exist? ...I could explain but I honestly don't think people want to a) hear it, b)understand it c)want to read the 20 pages of waffle I need to explain it d)its personal and I don't really want to share it. I would say I was religious...but not in the way most think...

 

[Miss.Monroe]

100% no. After studying Sociology and religion at college this only confirmed my already Athiest veiws. I fail to belive the bible, how can we follow the word of a man who would have been astonished by a wheelbarrow.

I like the concept of buddhism, karma, inner peace and contentment within the soul. i just cant 'convince' myself to belive in them.

I have far too many questions that religious people cant seem to answer.

 

[laetitia85]

I'm a christian. I believe in God, and that Jesus is the son of God.

To me being a Christian does not mean being 'religious'.
being a Christian means that you have faith, that you have developped a personal relationship with God, that you trust God and that you have accepted jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

Also I believe that God does not bring pain to people. But he may allow some pain and suffering to get to us so that we can seek him, have faith in him that he will deliver us and make us stronger.

 

[laetitia85]

"Religion" and believing in Jesus are 2 completely different things.

"Religion" is the ritualised side of belief.

"Believing" is having a personal relationship.

K.xx

Completely agree

me too

 

[kazlin]

I have pagan beliefs, I don't believe in a set religion. My beliefs are personal to me and I rarely discuss them...if I do, it would be on a pagan related forum

 

[uncle_bens]

I believe in God, heaven and hell and all that jazz.

 

[Misslarue]

but to an almighty being high in the sky, that I don't believe exists? For me, it would be like praying to the Easter bunny!
The phrase 'there's no atheist in a foxhole' can only be written by a believer! Laughing

I don't believe in an almighty being high in the sky I am not a believer, so the statement is erroneous... I can assure you I have never prayed to such a being in over 15 years...

Sorry hun, not you! I meant whoever coined the phrase in the first place. I think it was during WW2 I would google it but my dinners ready!
(And obvioulsy the 'almighty being high in the sky' was about how I saw it)

When Tia nearly died at 8 months... I didn't pray to an almighty god... but I did say to myself... please please let her survive this... to some that would be praying, even though it was directed at no god at the time. I'm sure anyone in the same situation thinks the same... its a silent pray to yourself...I prayed to Tia too... please hunny, get better soon... for I do worship her...

I def agree about the silent 'prayer' to yourself. I did will Dan to pull through. It wasn't directed at any higher being or spirit but to my baby himself.
I do worship him too!!

 

[fuffins1981]

It has been very interesting reading through this thread.

I was Christened C of E. I started attending church in my late teens. I found that I had too many questions that could not be answered.

So, I stopped going to church and decided to focus on what my own beliefs were. I looked into many ideas and decided on ones the resonate most with me.

I do believe in a creator. I believe that Jesus did exist. Whether he was the son of God....I cannot say I believe that. I believe that Bible is like Aesops fables or the tales of Hans Christien Anderson....A book of stories with a moralisitic message. I feel like it is also a book of Chinese whispers. Tales were passed on for years, before being written down. I also feel that many of the same stories can be found in books of many religions and cultures....Just with adaptations.

I consider myself to be a Spiritualist. I believe in life and it's continuation beyond the human form.
So, I am not religious. I just have beliefs. I feel they are plucked from different religions. However, they are what I believe....For now.

I feel as my life evolves, my beliefs will mature and change. I am happy for them not to remain static. I like to think that with new knowledge comes new enlightenment.

I totally respect others beliefs and am happy aslong as it remains peaceful