Posted on 04/21/2010 7:43:38 PM PDT by West Texas Chuck
OK, a lot of y'all will freak on this, but I am not a Christian. Not that I have any problem at all with His teachings, but I decided a long time ago I didn't want Jesus to die on that cross to expunge my sins. I'll take the hit to my own Karma. Laugh if you want, but this is what I believe: Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism.
I was raised Southern Baptist. My grandfather was a deacon in the church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. I remember unlocking the church with him before the sun came up, and going to Sunday School. Ortho Orville Oliver would probably spin in his grave to hear this but at his funeral I decided his religion was not what made sense to me. I think I was 12 at the time. I was a hippie for years, and then I was pretty much Godless for a long time, like those are different things. Then I met a girl who is what they call a "fortune baby" meaning she was born into this philosophy. Her old 75+ year old Japanese momma made her what she is, and she made me what I am, in a quasi-religious sense. It's a Japanese thing. I've been fascinated with Japanese culture since my first karate class, and before. Ni Gojuryu karate really started me down this path, several decades ago.
I don't worship Buddha, Soka Gakkai International is not about that in any way, we just believe in personal responsibility for the Karma we create for ourselves. There is no such thing as good Karma, all Karma is pretty much bad (sin?). It is a debt you create and carry. I believe in reincarnation and a lot of things that will probably make your skin crawl if you are Christian.
I have no problem with Christians. I'll stand and fight and die with you because you believe in a righteous God. Please don't hate me because I am a Buddhist.
Hate me because I am good looking ;)
Intolerance is what I have seen often, rather than hatred. That, and arrogance, in that those of all faiths who truly believe that theirs is the only true faith often are so judgmental of others, so condescending to those who believe otherwise.
In my opinion, when it comes right down to it no one really knows, and that is why it is called faith. Faith is believing in something you cannot prove, but truly believe.
I don't have a label. I have my own beliefs that don't fit perfectly into any religion. So, I don't discuss them because I take hits from all sides.
I have seen several people on this site say that one cannot be a conservative without being a Christian. That always throws me for a loop.
Simply do not discuss opinions out of the norm, unless you want to get into an argument about it, and are ready to be attacked.
I used to engage in "discussions" because they were interesting to me, but I grew tired of the personal attacks, so I don't do it anymore.
that’s fair enough...I’m 52 and the older brother
much so..13 years my sibling’s senior
I don’t insist everyone be Christian though it’s my belief system
Jews ...the conservative ones are just fine with me. Don’t know many Buddhists...most Asians I know are Catholic so that killed that.
Don’t cotton to Islam though and would prefer it be very very very limited here.
One thing that makes me scratch my head are those who believe what they believe simply because that is what they were taught to believe, rather than doing the soul searching to find what really calls to them.
If they are on in the same, so be it.
Well said. I happen to be a Christian, but I am constantly trying to examine my faith. I do recognize that it IS faith, and not objective knowledge. This tempers any arrogance or condescension I might otherwise have, because if someone questions me, ultimately I have to acknowledge that the basis for what I believe and practice as a Christian is largely and ultimately based on faith. That said, I do believe that there is evidence of God’s existence all around, and that science contains more than enough gaps in what it explains to leave PLENTY of room for God’s existence. I believe in Jesus Christ, His life and His resurrection after death, for which I believe there is a credible historical record.
And, of course, I believe that what I believe is correct, and that those who don’t believe as I do are wrong. If I believed otherwise, I would believe THEM, but then I would believe that THAT was correct and others were wrong. Who in the world believes something they think is wrong? But, as I said, this is what *I* believe, and I understand that others do not believe as I do. I may try to convince them, but I have no reason to attack, berate or belittle anyone who disagrees. I expect the same kind of respect in return, but I am prepared to handle condescension and attacks by those who disagree...
Exactly. You put into words thoughts that have often jangled about in my head.
The other three in the top five I've never even heard of...3. Sikhism, 4. Jainism, 5. Unitarian Universalism.
I lean more toward the Mennonite faith than anything else, but don't fit there 100% either.
LOL I have 13 grandchildren and sometimes it was them and me against their parents (when at my home, my rules) that was the fun part....they knew grandma would stick up for them and as a by product they also respected my opinion when their parents were right and they were wrong...grandchildren are God’s reward for having kids of your own....:O)
Amen, sister. I quit asking what was allowable. If it is at my house it should be allowable. And when we go out if you want dessert first, have at it. There is nothing more precious than hearing one or more scream out my name when they see I’ve arrived. More love than I deserve.
You sure are right....and when your granddaughter brings her girl friend for a visit with me it an honor I don’t deserve either...(that was when they started to get drivers licences.) Have a great day...:O)
I can live with that, but I can't figure out how I scored 15% with Secular Humanism.
This reveals more than you’re likely to want to face right now.
Think about it.
The title to the thread is "I am not a Christian, and considerable drivel about my reasoning on this." Did you expect "almost every sentence" to contain the words, "'EternalVigilance,' often multiple times"? We are all aware that you are one of the top members of the self-appointed Mutaween here, but surely there must be limits to what you think you should attempt to control.
In a statement of personal belief, rational people would find multiple instances of the letter "I" in no way surprising. Of course the writer would use the word "I." He's writing about himself!
Perhaps you missed that. Perhaps it's really all about EternalVigilance, even though West Texas Chuck unrealistically thinks his personal beliefs are about him and not you.
Because everything really is all about you, isn't it?
Think about that.
Okay. I thought about it.
No, it’s not all about me. I’m a Christian. It’s all about Christ.
I’m surprised you’ve detected a difference.
Of course you are.
Of course I am. There has been no evidence to the contrary.
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