Hey boys and girls, I am sitting at uni wondering if our community is really that anti-religious. I myself am a former Catholic who attended church almost every week up until I was 14, when I found out I could not question my faith over matters regarding my sexuality and female reproductive rights, after confessing that I had touched someone "inappropariately" I was refused communion by some arsehole priest who possibly was upset he didn't get a piece of the action. Also, I don't ever think that people who I knew who went to church did it for reasons other than to appear like they were doing something good in their community, whilst still many were having affairs and divorces. I am now an atheist and reject the notion that there is a "God" as such and then again why should he be a "he".Anybody with similar experiences?

I come from a mixed background (new Catholic/lapsed Jewish) and was refused my Catholic confirmation. Some religious classmates in junior high heard me saying in a conversation that I didn't believe in 'one true God' and that no religion was superior to any other. This was filtered back to their parents and then to the priest. I was refused communion, and have not returned to organised religion since then. Too much Dogma.

Is the gay community anti-religious? No. But are we anti-establishment? Yes.

I was brought up as a Catholic (sorry, I had no choice), and I reject the idea of organised religion. I do this because organised religion can be blamed for many of the world's troubles, not just now but throughout history.
The people who organise these organised religions spout ideas on loving others until it suits them not to love.
Also, I believe that organised religion is dominated by men and even the most fashionable and groovy of them (eg. Buddhism) treat women poorly.

I think i am maybe very anti-religeous, but im somewhat spiritual and i consider them the same as one another. My main concern with religeon is that once people get something in their heads they close it up to anything that contradicts what they think.
Some people just can't accept others - and thats both sides of the fence there.

A lot of the guys I'm friends with have been brought up in Christian private schools... And now they totally reject religion.

I hate to say it, but the more I reason religion to myself, I become a stronger atheist.

My mom was brought up Catholic and that pretty much turned her off it for life. I was christened Catholic but she made sure my sister and i never went to church after that. To be honest i'm really not too fussed either way about religion, as long as people don't try push it on you. I do believe there's stuff out there we can't explain yet, i guess i'm sorta spiritual, but i don't practice anything.

they reckon that people feel stronger about their religeon when they find that religeon, rather than be born into it. ^^ something to think about

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucille

I was brought up as a Catholic (sorry, I had no choice), and I reject the idea of organised religion. I do this because organised religion can be blamed for many of the world's troubles, not just now but throughout history.
The people who organise these organised religions spout ideas on loving others until it suits them not to love.
Also, I believe that organised religion is dominated by men and even the most fashionable and groovy of them (eg. Buddhism) treat women poorly.

Thank you, I agree they are all dominated by men and the thing I have against Buddhism as they treat animals as "lesser beings", I would never consider my dog to be "lesser" than me that is the ultimate insult to animal lovers.

I spent Many years in the Church by my own choice, nearly 20 in all. I moved form the Uniting Church through to the extreme Pentecostal movement. I spent time trying to Change my sexuality at my most extreme involvement.

I've since rejected the organised church in all its forms. I think there are some great teachings in many religions, however organised Churches are possibly the most destructive organisations in existance.

I was never been pushed into religion by my parents thankfully - welll, apart from a few boring Sunday school lessons... and I am so glad for it!

Like everyone else here, I really rebel against organised religion and agree that no one way can be the "right way".

I don't think this is something that is limited to the gay community.

A lot of people are spoonfed religion from a young age and are expected to swallow it all whole, simply because that is what past generations have done. But we are now at an age where we have access to every religion in the world at our fingertips and can critically pick and choose which parts we'd like to follow, and which we'd like to forget about.

I think organised religion is facing a pretty bleak future. And, to be honest, it's about time.

the church can EAT ME OUT.

i can see what it gives people, it's about community, giving meaning to the things we can't understand or know, gives structure, absolution, yada fucking yada...

but PLEASE. i couldn't be less convinced. and i kn0w i'm a good person who acts ethically and responsibly and i am loved by many people so that just goes to prove it to me.

i don't need an organised religion to tell me how i'm doing. i know. and i don't need approval from anyone but those i love.

I am glad I pushed my parents out of religion but on the other hand my grandparents unfortunately are very good friends with George Pell and Tony Abbott, but I think they are too old to revert.

Hmm just on Buddhism, it depends on the interpretation of it, whether its Theravadan or Mayahana Buddhism. Therevadan Buddhism and Zen Buddhism are the only strands of Buddhism that 'discriminate' against women. I was raised a Catholic but I've rejected religion all together. The problem with religion these days are the extremists and fundamentalist, and yes I do agree that organized religions have a bleak future, its just the beginning of the end.

It still annoys me how politicians in the US and Australia seem to always need to have a religion. Just look at both major parties, the religious right is taking over us now.

Religion= root of all evil (hate, wars the list goes on)

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiwi

Religion= root of all evil (hate, wars the list goes on)

and the Richard Dawkins doco's of the same title shows the scary trend of increase in religious interest.

Also, what was even creepier was the doco "Jesus Camp" that follows the life of an Evangelist pastor who is building her very own Holy and Republican army of children - as young as 3!

What is funny is that extremely conservative and bigotted homophobe Pastor Ted Haggard, who appears in both these docos, was removed from his New Life Church after admitting to buying sex and meth from a male prostitute. Just about the same amount of hypocrisy we saw from Senator Larry Craig

Religion is as strong as ever. Bible belts in America are intense. Indonesia is closing down liberal Islamic groups at the insistence of the fundamentalists ones.

Youth Day is a fairly beneign, positive event. Yes the new laws are rediculous. But really we don't have much to complain about compared to other parts of the world. It's just fun and trendy to protest, I guess.

I am a pagan or as the Catholics would say "A Witch" and am proud. Growing up religion was never in my house and I loved heavy metal music which back in the 70- 80s was predominantly about SATAN.

Since moving to Sydney in 2004 and meeting my partner I've followed the pagan path getting together with our core group of friends, doing rituals.. Yup the same rituals the Catholics stole when they burned people at the stake for opposing their doctrine. I have worked with Voodoo, Black magic and even taken part in some real full on rituals. The thing is with Paganism for me is its grounding. It's not nasty to women like most religions and it focuses on energy and healing even when dabbling in black arts.

I don't follow it like a religious nut case and must admit I have even borrowed stuff from other religions to make mine a personal one. The problem with so many religions is the forcefulness thrust upon us to convert. There are many things within these religions which are spot on but they all mostly contradict themselves to the point of ridiculocity.

I cant separate the difference between state and church these days anyhow, its become one. Apart from the endless wars and repression which has come from religion there is this ridiculous notion that GOD and SATAN are good and evil and we must choose. What a load of bullshit we live in a world which is magical because of the polar opposites for they bring balance...

Yes I'm rambling which I apologize for but this bullshit about not being able to protest has me pissed off to the max... I feel for some of the idiots who will feel my wrath during the Popes visit..

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim D

I don't think this is something that is limited to the gay community.

A lot of people are spoonfed religion from a young age and are expected to swallow it all whole [...]

Astute observations, TimD

Social groups (eg. gays, women, the sexually abused) who have been traditionally shunned by autocratic and orthodox religions seem more keenly aware of religious hypocrisy and fallibility because they understand (through bitter experience and witness) the adversity and social inequality imposed by those religions under the guise of faith.

People often don't question things until they are pushed out of their comfort zone. If you were a married hetero and the Church tells you that you're the best thing since sliced bread bar none, why would you want to believe otherwise (unless you had a strong conscience that believed in "do unto others..")? It would be the truly selfless among them that questioned such an authority in those circumstances. And yet, there once was a guy in Nazareth, so they say...
.

I was raised Christian, R.E was part of my curriculum, right up to year 12. I learned a great deal about Christianity however as I discovered freedom of speech and thoughts outside of high school, I learned that my beliefs were more in tune with Buddhism. This isn't to say I shave my head, shove on the oversized curtain and go chanting on the weekends, but I simply digest PARTS of what the religion preaches and use it to live a healthier and happier life.

Religion has and will always be a part of the human race. People need something, someone to believe in, to make their life seem important, to give them courage, guidance, faith, hope.

There is a place for religion, as long as it doesn't involve removing the rights of, or hatefully inciting the demise of those that are different in any way shape or form.

i wonder if i am the only person in this thread who is a practicing christian?
well i dont know if it's considered practicing when i only go to church at christmas but anyway... i grew up going to an anglican church but it was never forced onto me. my parents never made me go. for some reason i always liked it... even at the times when i have questioned the teachings of the bible and whatnot, and there have been alot, i have always found comfort in going to church. not for the sermons or the communion or the prayer because i can do all that from home if i want, but just for the sense of feeling like i belong there. although it's a little awkward, it's always nice to have all the old ladies come up to me after church and say how they remember when i was only this high and i used to cartwheel all over the place.

growing up i went to a predominantly (although they claimed to be non-denominational) assembly of god fundamentalist christian school where i was taught that it was not ok to be gay and that all other religions are wrong and all that other crap so i can understand why alot of people end up rejecting religion but along the years i have formed my own interpretation of it all and i believe what i think is right and all the rest of it i think is just exaggeration.
but i feel comfort in thinking that someone is watching over me and that not everything is my fault and that when i die i won't simply cease to exist.
i think i need religion otherwise i would feel like there was no purpose for me... and i like to think i have a purpose in life.

i did have a point to this post but i can't remember what it is and i'm just babbling now...

baby if you see this please don't get freaked out!

Quote:

Originally Posted by zebra-stripes

Religion is as strong as ever. Bible belts in America are intense. Indonesia is closing down liberal Islamic groups at the insistence of the fundamentalists ones.

Youth Day is a fairly beneign, positive event. Yes the new laws are rediculous. But really we don't have much to complain about compared to other parts of the world. It's just fun and trendy to protest, I guess.

Honey, I was protesting things before you were born, probably, and I certainly don't do it because it's "trendy". What you don't seem to understand is that these laws are so incredibly draconian and that if we let the government get away with imposing these laws, we may NEVER claw back our rights from them again! Pre-WWII Germany had the same sorts of laws imposed, and most of the people there said the same things about them that you are saying. You really should study up on history, honey, cuz if you don't, you may be doomed to repeat it.

As for my beliefs, I do consider myself to be religious, but I am more of a naturalistic pantheist (i.e., I believe that Nature is God/Goddess, and is not a "sentient" being, but simply a "higher power" over which we have little control).

I was born/educated/raised Catholic up until the age of 12, when I made the choice (fortunately, with the support of my parents) to go to public school and to visit other churches. I went to other churches throughout high school/college in my exploration of various religious beliefs, but found those churches were often filled with hypocrites. I formed my beliefs independently, and only later found out what "pantheism" was by finding it on the internet.

What I find particularly interesting is that many so-called "Christians" seem to believe that people who do not believe in their brand of religion have no moral compass. As though the bible is the only way they are able to tell "good" from "bad". I have to wonder about these people, that they seem to have no concept of morality outside of religion -- as though the idea of "treat others as you yourself wish to be treated" is somehow "owned" by Xtianity? WTF??

Anyway, that's my $0.02

Urm, yeah I agreed that the laws are stupid. But lol@nazi germany references.

I have nothing against people who find comfort in religion. In an anthropological sense religion has served a purpose in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Namely being it 'saves' (for want of a better term) a lot of people from throwing their lives away on all manner of forms of addictedness, what ever your vice may be. If it takes someone finding 'god' to get them off the gear, get them out from in front of that pokie machine or quit drinking excessively, then personally I think it serves an important purpose. I would very much like it if people could achieve these things without entertaining the possibility that there is some devine higher power steering them on the path to becomming a better person, but I suspect a shift as big as this in populus thinking will never happen in my life time.

I have an intense interst in epistomology, and the epistomologist in me says that the burden of proof in regards to what any of us believes as fact is very, very difficult to prove unequivocally. This is a weighty philosophical debate to enter into, but all I can say is that there is an incredible potential in most major organised religions to do good in world. Mosst of the time we merely get rehashing of old vestments and customs,organised religion hasn't changed much in the last few hundred years. But time and time again religion crosses into matters of policy, governance and ethics when it simply should not.

To predicate governmental decisions or legislation on the existance of an all seeing, all knowing and all powerful superior being runs the risk of ignoring the consequences it might have for real people, and their vastly different expreriences of life on this planet. Dictatorial religious doctorines are harmful to minorities and majorities alike. They detract from the diversity of human experience. They create in-groups and out-groups. Devision. Isolation. 'In these things you will find salvation.' That's dangerous organised religion.

While not agreeing with believers, I respect their opinions, and see much sense in a lot of what they believe ('Do unto others....,' who would disagree with that!?). When religiosity crosses over into influencing the lives of others in the form of governmental policy - abortion, gay marriage, contraception, morality - then I begin to have a problem with it. It ignores the consequences on those who may not believe, and that troubles me.

It is far betting to be a pragmatist or utilitarian than it is to be pious or dogmatic.

I was raised a Seventh-Day Adventist. Basically they believe in the second coming of Christ and worship on Saturdays. They also promote vegetarian lifestyles.
I've kind of silently slipped away... I still believe most of the SDA beliefs - I've just kind of neglected my relationship with God... It's just easier to forget...
I've kind of feel bad for admitting that...
It would be my belief (or closest thing to) that what matters is your personal relationship with Jesus/God. I'm quietly aware that I'm negleting it... So I'm not going to enforce anything...
It's ironic that my dad is an Irish Catholic. Though he's very tolerant about relegion.

Also some of the comments about religion being the root of all evil - I think human fallibility (sin) would be the cause... since religions are basically groups where like-minded people gather etc
My thoughts anyway...

I believe that if there is such a thing as God that its a unique personal experience for everyone.
Im more inclined to believe that mother nature is God these days which I suppose is kind of pagan in a way. Although Im not christian I do like some of the "true" christian values such as "gather not the riches upon this earth for there your heart will be also" and "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" etc I also like some buddhist teachings.
Even though I think religion has done a lot of damage I think it would be unwise to throw the baby out with the bath water.
My favorite quote is "God has no religion" by Ghandi

"Dictatorial religious doctorines are harmful to minorities and majorities alike. They detract from the diversity of human experience. They create in-groups and out-groups. Devision. Isolation. 'In these things you will find salvation.' That's dangerous organised religion." I could not agree with you more Chance!

And Marly! That's a beautiful quote!

I too approach my spirituality and 'religious' beliefs with a hybrid of pantheism, paganism and Buddhist philosophy. To me the notion of love and loving 'one another as I have loved you' is more important. From love stems equality! And I think equality should reign supreme over division and isolation caused by organised religion.

This is my 'religion'/spirituality. Love is energy; it sustains all form and formlessness; our true identity. It is the glue of the Universe. It is a soul quality.

My father was sent to a Catholic school, and being the rascal he is had the nuns try to "beat the devil out of him", he has a particular dislike for Catholics. In a way I think my parents are too pragmatic to worry about religion, and they've passed that on to my sister and I.

So consequently I have a good memetic shield against most virulent forms of religion.

I think that humans tend to anthropomorphise the world around us, yet science continues to push into territory that was once occupied by religion, "god did it" inst a good enough explanation. The problem is that a lot of people find fantasy more comforting than the cold hard facts of reality.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucille

I was brought up as a Catholic (sorry, I had no choice), and I reject the idea of organised religion. I do this because organised religion can be blamed for many of the world's troubles, not just now but throughout history.
The people who organise these organised religions spout ideas on loving others until it suits them not to love.
Also, I believe that organised religion is dominated by men and even the most fashionable and groovy of them (eg. Buddhism) treat women poorly.

I hear ya. I was brought up catholic too. And I totally agree about how religion has blunndered us over the centries too, especially towards women.