*shrug* Religion isn't about proof. It's about hope and belief and conviction.

Most people need the structure of religion and of God because this world lacks order. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people, and there's absolutely no reason that your house couldn't be a pile of rubble tomorrow.

God doesn't have to be real. You just have to hope that He is.

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

...

For some reanson this reminds me of when those Christian people go to your door and start to talk to you about Church and Cheesus.
Denise was dressed up all goth that day and they started talkign to Her about God and she told them she Worshiped the Devil (She doesn't really xD) They backed away. Then they left shaking their heads.

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LIES!!! LIES AND FRUITCAKE!!!!

yeah. me and my bf did that to this scary christian lady at the state fair. we told her we held rituals and /c evrything, she condemed us to hell. that confuzzed me b/c doens't it say in the bible that you can't condem ppl to hell or you will be send there yourself?....well...scaring her to death was fun anyways. i dont see the real point in religion. its just giving us something to believe in i guess.

*~beloved shellan~*

yeah. me and my bf did that to this scary christian lady at the state fair. we told her we held rituals and /c evrything, she condemed us to hell. that confuzzed me b/c doens't it say in the bible that you can't condem ppl to hell or you will be send there yourself?....well...scaring her to death was fun anyways. i dont see the real point in religion. its just giving us something to believe in i guess.

*~beloved shellan~*

yeah. me and my bf did that to this scary christian lady at the state fair. we told her we held rituals and /c evrything, she condemed us to hell. that confuzzed me b/c doens't it say in the bible that you can't condem ppl to hell or you will be send there yourself?....well...scaring her to death was fun anyways. i dont see the real point in religion. its just giving us something to believe in i guess.

*~beloved shellan~*

*HEADDESK*

Shadowmistress, I used to be Catholic. Now I'm Wiccan. Doesn't matter where I converted, what matters is: I believe in an entity - many, actually, also beside the point - and an afterlife and a way to treat people. Some people take their religion a mite too far, and it could be argued that in making fun of other's beliefs, you are taking yours a bit too far too. Not the point I am making.

Point being: the reason for religion for many, many people, is not to convert or anything but have a reason. A reason for death. A reason for why they should be nice to someone. A reason why they should treat the Earth well. Sometimes, for many, a reason to live. A reason to try to build a community with others. A reason why they were born. A reason that they should get up in the morning. Simple faith can be a huge conviction: it can change people's lives, in small ways and big ones.

Sure, for you, it seems like the Christian Church is bass-ackwards and in need of desperate repair. Like all they care about is the conversion of your souls. Every belief system has its faults, even the one you say you are now (agnosticism...?) Nothing is perfect. True, church leaders can become greedy and money-grubbing (history has more than taught us that), but the simplistic faith of the worshippers is not something to be rude about. Without that simplistic faith, you might not be here today. Your ancestors may have never married and had children.

I understand that you don't believe half of what I'm saying. In your position, I probably wouldn't either. But try to understand that insulting faith as a whole is truly insulting all of humanity - including yourself. There are a thousand and one reasons why I could tell you why I believe in this god or that goddess. It doesn't need explanation. It just needs faith.

By the way, if you are saying you are a Satan-worshipper to a Christian, your soul is already condemned in the Christian view point. So what's some more dirt on your mortal soul to them? You're going to hell, just as I as a pagan am going to hell. It's not your belief system, you say, so why should it bother you whether she condemns you or not?

Oh, and thank you for answering the question if god exists. Some of us don't believe in one uniform god, as pointed out in my post, and some (such as yourself) don't believe in a god at all. Instead of tackling a topic with a closed mind, why don't you ask us what we believe instead of handing us the answers on a silver plate? I do prefer to work for my gimmes.

Also, could you please not text-talk? It's against the rules to not spell things out with proper grammer and the like. It would be unfortunate to see a bright young newbie have to leave us so quickly.

I finally apologize if I come off in any manner that could be construed as offensive. Discussions of a serious nature that are being presented in a rather offensive manner with all lack of proper time-taking to go about it right go right up me sideways. I do ask that the next time such a delicate issue is addressed, we try to be sensitive to the other members on the board and their beliefs.

.:suzu-chan/killijoy/Joeys Cupcake:.
.:"No time for goodbyes," he said, as he faded away. "It's hard to imagine, but one day you'll end up like me." Then he said, "If you want to stay alive, hold on for your life.":.

first of all, i completely understand what you're saying. religion is all about something to believe in. sorry about the text-talk, i really had to rush typing that, also why it's there what, three times? yeah. i completely get you're points (and by the way, you're religion sounds kinda cool), and me myself, i'm not sure i can even call myself agnostic. i think i have my own religion. i believe in what i believe, and there isn't really a name for it, at least not one that i know.
and ill take you're advice. maybe if this thread is just about telling what you believe, i might figure out exactly what i am which, i have been trying to figure out for quite some time.
oh, and that satanic thing, we were just doing it to freak her out, and she actually condemmed us when we just said that we believe in gay rights.
so, yeah. i'm actually quite interested in your religion. Wiccan? i think i have heard of that. i would love to know about it if you would like to share

*~beloved shellan~*

Being Christian, I do believe in God - but I see what you all mean. Personally, I believe in God because it conforts me when something bad happens, gives me a bit of a guilt-level, and makes me feel like I may not be damned after life, because I'm sure my sins are counting towards that. (If you've read the entire Cirque du Freak Series by Darran Shan, you will see what I am scared of. The Lake of Souls sound horrifing!)

P.S. The Cirque du Freak Series is awesome!!!! There's twelve books all about the size of Harry Potter 1. They are bloody and gruesome - just my style! (And oh so much detail!)

So my advice to you is just to be a sweet pickle and everything will turn out for you in life - everything.

=3 It's OK. I'm sorry to sound like crabby devil, but it didn't help that I was hungry, too. I'm sorry to take your head off. :super-glues it back on: Like I said, it would be an absolute pity if someone as bright as you got booted off the site because of rules. And, so as not to offend anyone on the board with long winded discriptions and such (though I doubt that would happen, seeing as we all are very open-minded here...), I'm going to send you a message about the basic points of Wicca.

=3 You've got mail!

.:suzu-chan/killijoy/Joeys Cupcake:.
.:"No time for goodbyes," he said, as he faded away. "It's hard to imagine, but one day you'll end up like me." Then he said, "If you want to stay alive, hold on for your life.":.

Okay Shadowmistress I totaly get what your saying. I'm the same way. I've dabbeled in lots of religions. Wiccan, Chatholic, Prodisant, Buddisim, Jewdisum ect. But none of them felt right so I don't really beileive in anything. None of them gave me enough proof and I couldn't feel the supream being or god that others said they could feel so I gave up. There is no prove of god and don't really have to worry about a religion because I'm only 14. I'll really think about it later. I would personlly reomenned looking at different religions. You might find one that fits you if not, don't worry these Christan buffs irritate almost everyone who isn't part of that religion. My mum's Chatholic and she doesn't like them either.

Sorry got carried away. ;)

"Cake or Death,
Cake Please,
Sorry We're All Out Of Cake,
Darn it."

*snickers* Jewdisum? You know, there's a new version of the Firefox browser that comes with a spell-check. Try www.mozilla.com/firefox/

<.< I know, that was snide and off-topic. But we have rules about spelling. And besides, this spell-check is dead handy. Everyone should get it.

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

i think i have given up on finding proof. there will never be a religion that will be able to PROVE their god or gods are real. religion, as WaterFaerie said, a comfort. it's something to believe in that can get you through the hard times. thats what im searching for; something to believe in.
i have looked through many religions, im just trying to find one that fits me. its turning out to be a harder task than i expected it to be. who knows? in the end, i may end up making my own religion. something I know i can believe in.
sorry if this is all sounding strange to anyone. =P

*~beloved shellan~*

I'm a panthiest but I practice Islam generally. It's a beautiful religion. It's quite a paradoxical thing to be.

I was just thinking about this law in Physics the other day. I'm not sure where I've said but I've said it on the Internet before. The Law Of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Then I moved my hand a little, and it was like seeing a miniature version of God's energy and finally realizing it. If you trace back, you get the energy from food, photosynthesis, evolution, the big bang. God.

What Kat says. I'm loosely paraphrasing when I say it doesn't matter if you believe in god and it turns out He doesn't exist, but if you don't believe in god and He exists, then you're fucking screwed. I'd like to believe God is real and He loves us, even if He might not exist and we humans have came up with the concept of god. Our ideas are real. That's why He's worth believing in and worth loving. Like I said before, if God is real, then I don't think he's either good or evil.

Whoa, if I sound corny, do say.

--
Nazirah is a rabbit! She does pretty tricks for us. So well trained and so eager to please.

It's Judaism. I'd thought I'd be nice. I've even dabbled in Zoroastrianism before. I keep thinking I'm repeating things on this board. I've been here way too long.

--
Nazirah is a rabbit! She does pretty tricks for us. So well trained and so eager to please.

Religion is not about proof. It is about faith.You look around yourself, and all you see is gods creation.You surely dont think living things dont come out of thin air do you? RAbbitpiss, are you muslim?

The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage.

first of all...the only difference between martyrdom and press coverage is an amazing song. sorry. had to say that.
okay. back on task. religin is something to believe in, and you're right its not about proof. and no, the world we live in today didnt just come out of thin air.
im done fighting with my friends over religion and Big bangs and all that. i have found my religion. it's what i believe in and its what i will follow. thats all religion is.
its something or someone to pray to when things get tough. its something you wonder about when you look up at the stars. its what amazes you when you see something miraculous. it is what it is, and its different for everybody.

*~beloved shellan~*

The way i see it is that you really can't make someone believe in somehting. I myself believes that Jesus and God are real, and that they are one being, but if you don't believe that, that's alright w/ me. I am laxed about what others think about religion. The way i see it is that you can stuff religion down somones throat so much they are repulsed by ur presence. I have been around people who their only, and i mean ONLY, thing on their mind is God and Jesus. I'll be friends with anyone, any religion, any race, any anything. I don't care if your a devil worshipper as long as you have a fun personality.
Back on track, Religion is what you want to believe, there really isn't anyone who can change ur belief except you. I don't think it's exactly my job to try. I'm leaning on the fence to talk to the people on and off of it. I won't argue and this is all i have to say about this.

That's what I needed to say, and I said it!

I'm glad someone around here listens to me...

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

Yeah because we all know Joey sure as hell doesn't. :P

AAAAaaaaanyway... I just wanted to point out, shadowmistress, that you're still not capitalizing your I's. It's my job to let people know when they're breaking rules, so there you go. Also, welcome aboard. ;)

As for religion, I'm also one of those people that just has a mixture of different beliefs that don't add up to anything resembling any of the religions that already exist. One of those beliefs happens to be that I should try to be a nice person to others and not cause anyone harm. Life sucks enough without me adding to the jerk count; plus I think it's only fair that I should treat others the way I want them to treat me. I don't know about rewards in the after life - my sole "reason" for being the way I am is that I think it's right.

<3 for Joey

Anyway, I've never been able to commit to one belief, nor do I really want to because once you truly believe one thing you shut yourself out from all other ideas and possibilities concerning the beginning of the world and the afterlife. Plus, beliefs breed hate and discrimination and other needless ugliness. And for something that's not provable, that seems silly. I've thought about going through the process of becoming a true Jew (my father is Jewish, and I celebrate the holidays, but I don't keep Kosher or read Hebrew or anything) but in the end it never seemed like a good idea. I feel strong ties to Judaism and some ties to Catholicism (from my mom) but only in a cultural sense.

Anyway, I like that death is a mystery. Some things I really don't mind waiting to find out about.

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

Death and religion is an interesting subject. Personally, I can say that I do believe in certain things concerning death and the afterlife, but they are most likely FAR from the truth. Death is, well, death. No one knows what's going to happen, besides dead people that is, and they aren't talking much. Whether I'm right or not, it's nice to have something to believe in.

*~beloved shellan~*

Death and religion is an interesting subject. Personally, I can say that I do believe in certain things concerning death and the afterlife, but they are most likely FAR from the truth. Death is, well, death. No one knows what's going to happen, besides dead people that is, and they aren't talking much. Whether I'm right or not, it's nice to have something to believe in.

*~beloved shellan~*

*~beloved shellan~*

Hopefully, you and I will have a better relationship. Thank you for cooperating. ;)

Back to the topic: I haven't dealt with death many times in my life, so it's really something that I only ever think about on occasion. I'm always pondering what it is I'd like to get done before my death, but I try not to think to much about the event itself. I only have a vague notion that there is a spirit world of some kind because I have seen and interacted with "spirits" on many occasions; if I haven't, I suppose I'm just quite insane. :)

Well, dear friend, if you're insane, then so am I. Personally, I do believe in a spirit world. My sister died when I was four years old, and I guess it is rather soothing to think that she is somewhere out there, happy, rather than a rotting corpse in the ground wouldn't you say?
Death is a tricky subject, and I must say the same thing as Joey. I have thought about the many, many things I wish to get done before my time is up, but I have never really given thought to the actual event. However, senior year at my school, every student (as a project for religion class) will make an autobiography, and plan their own funeral and things they wish to happen to them and there loved ones after they pass. It should be quite an experience.
But how freaky would it be to have to plan your own funeral at the age of 18???

*~beloved shellan~*

Religion class? Private school, no? Or are you in college?

We have a comparative religions class at my public school! It's to teach ignorant white kids about Hinduism and Buddhism and the long, bloody history of Christianity and stuff. Oh, and that Jews don't have horns or lay eggs. We spent a long time on Islam... which is good, because people around here call it "musilimism" [sic].

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

Wow, They made you?

Ehh, I have my funeral planned out and I'm only 13.

Had it planned since the 2 weeks after my 13th birthday. :P

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LIES!!! LIES AND FRUITCAKE!!!!

1) Yes I go to a private school, and even worse, a CATHOLIC private school *_*
2) I'm not a senoir yet, I'm a junoir, so I haven't had to do that project yet. And funeral planned at 13? O.o sorry but that's tres creepy n'est pas?

*~beloved shellan~*

I'm not creepy. I was just very bored. Plus its probably gonna change by the time I grow up and mature (Yeah like that will ever happen xD). Its verry....Video game related acually.

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LIES!!! LIES AND FRUITCAKE!!!!

My condolences. ^-^*

I feel so sorry for anyone that has to go to a catholic school.

So my advice to you is just to be a sweet pickle and everything will turn out for you in life - everything.

Person 1: Hey, where did you go to school?
Person 2: A local Catholic school...
Person 1: Really? Are you Catholic?
Person 2: Nope.
Person 1: Why not?
Person 2: Because I went to Catholic school.

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

Catholic schools are truely evil.
....I'm not even Christian....it's torture. *_*

*~beloved shellan~*

Wow I would think that a Catholic school would be in the last level of Dante's hell...
(Dante's hell is from the Inferno just so you know)

That's what I needed to say, and I said it!

yes...you would think that. Maybe it's just fine for students who are Catholic but what about the rest of us?

*~beloved shellan~*

I'm Chistian and I don't even think going to a Catholic school would be at all livable... too many rules...

That's what I needed to say, and I said it!

Hmm - if my parents said to me that they were forcing me to go to a private catholic school than I would throw a fit. I don't ever go to church except when I'm with my cousin in Lynn, yet I say I believe in God... Oh well, I do go to youth group. I guess the teachigns of RBC and ECC will have to suffice to teach my religiously-ignorant soul. <TEEHEE>

So my advice to you is just to be a sweet pickle and everything will turn out for you in life - everything.

Yeah...I never go to church...ever. And believe it or not, it was my choice to attend the school I'm at now. It's an amazing school...just not the religious part of it.

*~beloved shellan~*

If only my last high school had offered that class... those would have been some goooood times. x3

*giggles* Yeah. No people, I have the best religion class ever. Morality. That's right. One semester of why "female/male relations" are good with an amazingly hilarious teacher. Best time of my life

*~beloved shellan~*

Um, I just entered the conversation, so, Um, what R we talking about
about the topic?

People in stone houses should not throw glass.

Welcome to the boards Carolyn! ^_^

We're talking about religion and catholic schools. For future reference, you only need read the posts to decipher what we're talking about. ;p

Well, darling, the point of a forum is that you can read the conversation and find out what we're talking about before you jump into the conversation.

Pull down the future with the one you love.
~Television.

Exactly. And because this conversation has changed directions so may times, it would be to your benefit to start from the top. =P

*~beloved shellan~*

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Anyway, I read about these small-town schools that, despite what the state law says, refuse to offer comparative religion classes and have a prayer on teh announcements every day. Those who don't partake in the prayer get a warning. If your warned three times then you have to take an extra class afterschool with the priest.

I read that on this site (don't remember which), and the worse part; These schools were the only public schools in their towns and the schools that were doing it were actually a bit of towns that made up this clump somewhere in Nebraska, so you really couldn't switch schools.

Go figure - and they didn't get in trouble.

P.S.Why am I reminded of Harry Potter 5 - and Professor Umbridge?

So my advice to you is just to be a sweet pickle and everything will turn out for you in life - everything.

yeah. My school is kinda like that. We have prayer every morning and all the fun Catholic masses and holidays. I guess it's my own fault for choosing a Catholic school though.

*~beloved shellan~*