The Moderated Theology Thread

[FLMountainMan]

Just a thread for the religious among us to share why we think the way we do and have civil discussions about it. Several rules:

1. If you're going to troll this thread, I'd advise doing so after six pm or on the weekends, when I'm rarely on here. Otherwise, thread-******** posts will be deleted. Repeated posts of this nature will be edited and moved for maximum effect.

2. There are plenty of Atheist threads or threads attacking Christianity (or "Xtianity" for the brilliant among us). Please use those if you feel the need.

3. This is meant to ecumenical (in the the general sense); I, a Christian, would like to hear from Muslims, Jews, etc. (a Zoasterian would be great). Please refrain from attacking others' beliefs.

4. Accept that the moderation will be subjective.

 

[FLMountainMan]

I'm a Methodist; a pretty liberal Christian. I don't believe the Bible literally, but I do believe in God and I believe in the wisdom of Jesus' teachings. I like to find the common ground among the various faiths. I was raised in the Methodist church and wandered away in my late teens of course. What brought me back was not really some sign from God or a renewed inspiration. It was observing people I viewed as happy. They almost all seemed to be quietly devout people. People who went to Church/Temple as often as they good, tried to volunteer, give to their community, and embraced the humility that most faiths require. This appealed to me, so I went back. And haven't left.

 

[Lady Canuker]

Love the idea and look forward to reading posts.

 

[Claghorn]

Atheist, raised Quaker (and still philosophically influenced by). Subscribed.

 

[acidboy]

great thread.... would be interested in future discussions.... a side of my family practice buddhism. I attended a jesuit school, and was pretty active in practicing my catholic faith until a few years ago.

 

[Lady Canuker]

I was baptized and raised in the catholic faith, even went to catholic school. In high school, after being kicked out of religion class a few times and ending up with a two day suspension for questioning what was being taught, I realized catholicism wasn't something that felt good or right and offered me no peace. For a long time I simply went through life without faith and no intention to try and find any. Then came the day I discovered I was expecting Little Miss Canuker after being told it was unlikely I would ever have children by more than 1 doctor. I started researching and reading, looking for what felt right. I found what I was looking for and my faith gives me a sense of peace that I can't express properly in words. For now that's as much as I'm comfortable sharing, perhaps at some point I will continue.

 

[Piobaire]

My mother became very involved in our church after my father died when I was nine. I was then raised, and fairly active and engaged with, the United Church of Canada. Youth group, summer camp attendee then counselor, Sunday school...I did it all.

If I were to become religious again I am sure it would be some form of paganism.

 

[Lady Canuker]



My mother became very involved in our church after my father died when I was nine. I was then raised, and fairly active and engaged with, the United Church of Canada. Youth group, summer camp attendee then counselor, Sunday school...I did it all.
If I were to become religious again I am sure it would be some form of paganism.

Have you done any reading on the various branches of paganism?

 

[Piobaire]



Have you done any reading on the various branches of paganism?

Who hasn't? I mean, Greek and Roman mythology is paganistic. Generically speaking "pagan" and "paganism" is just used to signify a non–Abrahamic religion, particularly polytheistic ones. So the Germanic/Norse religion, as well as the Celtic tradition, are both pagan. Just as many (most?) modern adherents to Christ tend to pick and chose what parts to believe, and how to interpret their holy texts, so too would I do that. For instance, in my mythology, the Valkyries would be hot Asian babes.

 

[Lady Canuker]



For instance, in my mythology, the Valkyries would be hot Asian babes.

I'm not sure Odin would approve of such a change for his Handmaidens.

 

[Piobaire]



I'm not sure Odin would approve of such a change for his Handmaidens.

But that's the thing, at least IMO, about modern religiosity; you get to build one/join one that suits you. I think it's mainly a positive thing as it allows people to get what they need out of religion vs. having the paradigm of a religious leader pushed on them. I think more problems are generated by repressive and proscribed religions, i.e. anything "fundie" vs. religions where people are free to pick and chose what they need out of it to cope with reality.

 

[Lady Canuker]



But that's the thing, at least IMO, about modern religiosity; you get to build one/join one that suits you. I think it's mainly a positive thing as it allows people to get what they need out of religion vs. having the paradigm of a religious leader pushed on them. I think more problems are generated by repressive and proscribed religions, i.e. anything "fundie" vs. religions where people are free to pick and chose what they need out of it to cope with reality.

ahh I see now you were referring to fluffy new age paganism, my mistake.

 

[Piobaire]



ahh I see now you were referring to fluffy new age paganism, my mistake.

My point was people seem to do best when they're allowed to get out of religion what they need vs. being told what they have to do for the religion.

 

[Lady Canuker]

I understand that, but if there is no respect for the traditions of the faith then perhaps its really not the right one too meet an individuals needs.

 

[Thomas]

FWIW, I was born Catholic, as was Mrs. Thomas. Attended parochial school, got married in the church, hardly attend. We believe but don't adhere to the strict Catholic orthodoxy. This causes friction with the in-laws.