What is your religion (if any)?\n\nIs it your parents' religion?\n\nHow much do you believe (i.e. absolutely, certain to a fault, fairly certain but open, open to other ideas, very open to other ideas, doubting, on the verge of collapse).\n\ndo you believe that any person could be ignorant of anything?\n\ndo you believe that you are ignorant?\n\nRELIGIOUS (GENERAL)\n\nhow well do you follow your tenants?\n\nMONOTHEISTS\n\ndo you believe that all people not of your religion are going to hell?\n\ndo you believe that all people outside of your basic religion either in general (one of the big three) or semi specific (i.e. protestant) are all hell bound?\n\ndo you believe that all homosexuals are going to hell?\n\ndo you believe that people not of your beliefs are inherently inferior to you?\n\nwould you partake or feel any remorse for someone outside of your religion being tortured, killed, or taunted?  \n\nsee extra info for more questions (if it's not present yet please refresh soon.
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I'm an atheist.\n\nNo. My parents raised me Catholic.\n\nI believe strongly that I'll have another beer.\n\nYes, people can be ignorant.\n\nYes, I am ignorant of almost everything.  My knowledge represents an infinitesimal portion of all possible knowledge.\n\nNo.  I see no difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals other than there sexuality, which is none of my business.\n\nI don't like religion.  I think they are all stupid, but monotheism poses the greatest political threat to me at this point of history.\n\nMy remorse/sympathy/empathy, is independent of religious beliefs.  I really could care less what people believe as long as those beliefs do not threaten me.  If they do, then let the fu*kers die.
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Normally I would just post a link to the previous answer, but I want to be sure that you read this, so I'm going to cut and paste my answer from a previous post that I made:\n\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=Ah9yXNiCcb0dEXnmauCUf58jzKIX?qid=1006021512780\n\nThe question was: Why do so many athiests, agnostics, pagans, and other assorted scoffers show up on the religion thread?\n\nHere is the answer I gave:I know that I have written several responses to this question. However, I now have too many answers to sort through and find the ones I'm thinking of. (New features needed!)\n\nSo, I'll start from scratch.\n\nFirst of all, I resent being lumped in with "assorted scoffers." I believe that I have been nothing but curteous to the people of faith here. I openly deny their belief-system. They openly deny mine. That's fine. We have, however, engaged in some very respectful debate, much to the benefit (I hope) of both sides. I know that my beliefs have not changed, but my preconceptions about young-Earth Christians have been shattered by some of the people I have found here. I think that they are wrong, but I am thrilled to have the opportunity to debate with them without resorting to name-calling or rudeness.\n\nGranted, this requires an openness on both our parts. I think that their faith is "wrong." They think that my lack of faith is "wrong." This is where most people get hung up and debate can go no further. If someone disagreeing with you is "offensive," you're stuck. Once you accept this disagreement, you are quite free to exchange ideas. This is what I have found here (for the most part.)\n\nAs for why I spend so much time in the religion and spirituality forum, I see faith as playing a huge role in the lives of everyone in the world, be they moderate Muslims, fundamentalist Christians, Pagans, or Atheists like myself.\n\nIn my supposedly free country I see gays discriminated against due to faith. People who would never think of using the N-word openly hate and criticize homosexuals for what they are, not who they are. \n\nI see medical advances that could help millions of people stymied by arguments that have their basis in faith. Stem cell research could potentially ease the suffering of billions around the globe, but people of faith stand in the way.\n\nWe are currently involved in what may or may not be a holy war. This is an issue of faith.\n\nOur current government supports "faith-based initiatives" in what may be a breach of The Constitution itself.\n\nI know that faith helps people sleep at night. This doesn't undo the tremendous amount of suffering it has inflicted at every turn of history. \n\nI see faith as a problem, and would like to encourage people to put aside their myths and embrace reason. However, I realize that this is futile. As Jonathan Swift said, "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of a thing he was never reasoned into."\n\nThat said, I think that Yahoo Answers provides a wonderful opportunity to try to see where other people are coming from. I disagree with the Christians (and Muslims and Pagans...), but I think it is very important for me to try to understand them. I would hope that they will try to understand me. Once we find some common ground and some mutual respect, we can truly start to talk about things.\n\nI hate the name-calling. The largest problem I have with religion is that it is divisive. I feel that this is the most important aspect of faith that needs to be removed from the equation. Name-calling is also divisive and does not fit into my attempts to act reasonably.\n\nI feel that I deny, but do not scoff. I embrace and enjoy open debate. I think that the things discussed here are important. I'd like to think that some of the things I have to say are pertinent. \n\nIf you want a place for only Christians (for example) to exchange ideas, there are plenty of places on the web for th
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I was baptized as a Christian, and I believed in God during my younger childhood years. But my family has never gone to church since I can remember, and religion now is not at all a part of my life. I don't believe in any religion anymore. I rarely even think or wonder about God, or whether or not there even is one. I might consider myself agnostic, but even that could be going too far because I really have no feelings about religion at all.
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Why are you so p!ssed off, sounds to me that you are not very secure in what you believe. Usually that's the case when someone continues to say that they believe something they themselves know is ridiculous.  All I have to say is your system of beliefs is weak and unstable your flaired temper tells me that your actually do not believe what you say you believe and it\npisses  you off when someone challenges it. You do not know how to defend it so you throw a childish fit and call names.  Grow up, get a live and believe some thing you can believe in.  God is God and you aren't big enough to believe Him away. He is there whether you like it or not and He is unmovable and will still be hear when you are dead and buried and He will cause the grass to grow on your dead carcase while your soul continues to die in hell.\n\nBe Blessed though you do not believe in God, He believes in you and waits for you to acknowledge Him.
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well i dont think im like all religous people becuase veryone has a different religion, experience and relationship with God. God maybe has revealed himself to you but you just didnt get the sign becuase you are filled with such hate and misunderstanding and close mindedness.  I am not scared of the afterlife so I dont really know where you are going with that one. If you are referring to hell, I doubt I am going becuase I have been living a pretty good life and I beleive Jesus is my Lord. God has to show wrath because how can he punish people for their misdoings and wrongs? If He hadnt shown me His vengful side I may still be doing all the negative things I was doing that was eventually going to leave me jobless, homeless and with no friends. His existence is known outside the bible. If you were here in cininnat i would invite you to my church and the Spirit is so strong in there you would be so amazed at how prevalent God is in the lives of these people. He has touched me often and I see His blessings in my everyday life and know that only God could do some of the stuff that has happened to me AND prevent it as well. And yes, parts of the bible do have wrong facts becuase alot is lost in translation, these are ACCOUNTS of God but becuase they were not written immediatly, alot was forgotten or accounted differently but it still doesnt take away from the meaning and purpose which is to love and be peacefuul to each other.
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Well, it's not a bad idea, but do you really only want to elicit responses from people who think and believe exactly as you do?  I know the ignorant answers are annoying, but I actually enjoy reading different points of view from other cultures.  I like to learn from them.  Even when they are being vehement and fanatical I find that I can learn something about their culture and beliefs.  And what category would you put someone like me, who identifies with no specific religion.  I just follow my own spiritual path, made up of beliefs from several religions, new age spirituality and my own gut.
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Here goes...\n\nAtheists along with many modern beliefs are very open and inviting and accept all with any belief you have or want to have. Hmmm that sounds an awful lot like that wide gate aye? \n\nChristians know that Christ is the only way. And that you must surrender all to enter this narrow gate.\n\nHere we have two very different world views. But both have their very own belief. Christians share their belief with others. Atheists share their belief with others. The Atheistic belief that there is no God is non threatening so its okay to share. The Christian belief convicts and demands a response. Unbelievers dont like to hear that someone else believes that they will spend an eternity of absence of God (hell) if they dont serve Christ. Christians dont like the idea of spending eternity rotting in a grave.\nBoth are somewhat offensive outcomes to the one who doesnt believe.\n\nDont they have a right to be intolerant? I mean after all we are going to be in a wonderful place for eternity. And they think that they are going to rot in a wooden box 6 feet under. And we are trying to tell them that it is actually worse than that....\n\n**** Oh and btw.... About statistics, they left out how only about only 14% of Christians say they believe in Jesus' deity, the trinity, the bible... and other things very important to the Christian walk.
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At what point is a person a "religious extremist"?  If he prays to thank God at meals? How about the football star who kneels in prayer before a game?  Is it when you attend church every week instead of just Christmas and Easter?  Or is just belief in a deity enough?  What is extreme when it comes to religion?  Where is the line drawn?  Who is the authority that defines a "religious extremist"?\n\nCould it be that people who do things that are acting on their beliefs are just being compared to those who claim no belief, or claim a belief but do nothing and so prove they really have no belief at all?\n\nOne day, when I was in high school in the 70s, a girl was reading her Bible in study hall.  She wasn't bothering anyone; just quietly reading her Bible.  The instructor had left the room.  Several students began harrassing her because of the Bible.  I found myself defending her right to read her sacred book in peace, because this is America after all!  In that situation.... who was really the "extremist"????  The person quietly practicing her faith, or the people who thought they had a right to abuse her because they had none?\n\nSue
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Non religious to Christianity: A friend took me to church with her and I liked it for a time.\n\nChristianity to Agnostic: People of the church were disappointing.  They judged a lot more than "enlightened".  I was considered a trouble maker for asking questions.  I found that any place that tries to hide answers has a reason to do so, and that's never really a good thing when they're taking your money.\n\nAgnostic to Atheism:  Over time, I just felt that the concept of God was not logical and not for me.  I prayed so hard for many weeks for him to allow me to believe in him.  I was miserable for a time after realize he didn't exist, but I began living for myself and being truthful to myself and I just became happier than I ever have been.\n\nThis entire process was over the course of ten years.
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I know exactly how you feel!  I get the same thing when I say I am an Atheist!!!  People are surprised when I tell them because I guess most of them assume that I am a Christian.\n\nI have already gone down the religion road and the older I get, I realize organized religion is suited for those who don't think for themselves!\n\nIt is prejudism!  But it happens to other religions also, like to the Islams and Buddhist and so on and so on!\n\nThis country was supposedly built for religious freedom, but people seem to think that they have a right to "Change your mind".\n\nI'm happy the way I am!!  Believe it or not, but I have a peaceful life with a loving husband and kids!!!!!  I try to teach my kids that it is OK not to believe in a supernatural being!!!  I am not hurting anyone by my beliefs!  So, please except my friendship or leave me a lone!\n\nGreat Question and I hope you get good responses!
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i'm catholic too..... but sometimes i wonder if i'm a very good one. lol. \n\nthats the whole idea man, we dont know where we come from. if you believe in god, how is it that god existed before everything else?? theres just no answer. and if you believe in the big bang, or anything else like that, well..... there was nothing, and then stuff just exploded? what caused that?\n\nsee what i mean? theres not any real way to explain it. but thats what faith is about. i dont care what it says in some book. no book has all the answers. but, faith is about not having all the answers, and just looking inside and trying to connect with what you really feel, whatever that is, and being able to believe in it, and believe that theres more out there than what we understand in this life.\n\nthat said, whatever you believe in, its fine by me. whether its god, or buddah, or allah, or jehovah, or whatever.... you can believe in a can of creamed corn for all i care. lol. its not like i have all the answers.
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I'm a lifelong atheist with two young children, and my wife is an agnostic with spiritual leanings. \n\nI learned from being a teacher that most people are fairly ignorant about their beliefs, and very sensitive. I discuss whatever my older (6) son wants to talk about, and I'm careful not to commit to any point of view. \n\nI do tell him, when we're discussing anything supernatural, that I don't believe in it, but that many people do. So for instance, when we're near a church, he's sometimes interested in what the building is for, and I tell him enough to satisfy his curiosity. \n\nI've actually recently been considering taking my kids to religious services of a fairly wide variety in order to give them the opportunity to compare and contrast for themselves. If they want to believe differently than I do and I repress that, they will simply resent me. \n\nI would draw the line at hate groups.
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Or you could doubt Gods existence all of the time. I am always surprised at how little people know about their own religions. They ask for no facts, no accountability, and never question what they are told. I think they fear that their belief won't hold up and they will find out that they have wasted all of this time on nothing. I say if you are going to believe in God then at least know why. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions, and don't let them get away with answers that don't make sense. Also, don't let them make you feel bad asking. If you are asking, and they don't have a good answer, maybe something is wrong.
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I am an athiest. well know agnostic. well I don't know, but I do not follow any organized religion. I do, however, have respect for every religion that is out there and the people that are involved. If it works for them, good for them. The problem comes when they insist on trying to convert me to their religion(christianity mostly). I can't stand it. I have to figure out what I believe on my own, and I do not feel I need a book to tell me what is right and wrong.\nI honestly believe that the athiests who lash out at christians are jealous. They want to have something that they can believe the way Christians believ in God. The crave it, but push it away, and hate those that embrace it.\n\n\n\n\nI am offended by "smartarse" below me. That is rude.
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I agree with you whole heartedly. I think you create your destiny and sometimes that includes a personal Heaven and a personal Hell. We all are creative of our outcome in any / all lives. I'm sure we fit into a bigger picture that most of us here cannot fathom, but it all revolves around love and if that's not part of your life at some point I believe you're destined to a personal Hell. I don't need any religion to help me understand this. When I say Hell I don't mean a fiery chasm where people burn for enernity...nor do I mean a place where an evil horned creature tortures you. I very simply mean a place that is unhappy and unfulfilling to your heart and soul. Some people find this place and choose to find a way out through Love and some people find this place and choose to do harm to themselves and others. In any case... I certainly don't believe in most religions concepts of Heaven and Hell.\n\nAnd I believe answers like the one below mine are the most pressing reasons why the world in in the shape that it is. People who endorse Guilt, Suffering and Repentance in the name of God are responsible for the Suffocation of other Souls. Life can be daunting enough without Holier than Thou assholes prancing around preaching the good book to you and expressing that you're going to Hell where the Evil horned creature tortures you for eternity if you don't "repent" or convert to the "right" faith. As if a "proper" faith exists. News flash to all of the bible banging whack jobs out there... If I want to worship a tree or a rock or Krispy frickin Creme Donuts, I'm not goin to Hell. And if for some reason there is a Hell and I go to it... I'll be sure to see all of you there!
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I'm not an atheist... but I'll take the hypothetical anyway and pretend that I'm being asked to convert to a particular religion, being as I am not religious at all. The question is, after all, would I convert and practice a belief system different from my own to save my daughter.\n\nWell, of course I would, generally speaking... but would it matter? As you say... if there's a God, He would know that I didn't really begin to believe anything different, and I'd probably make him that much more angry with me. I'd do an awful lot for a child of mine.\n\nI've decided to pose the question that gwad suggested, as I'd like to know what other religious people think. :)
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I'll share with you my beliefs, but "warning": to most, they may be "controversial" or even "blasphemous".  I consider myself to be a highly spiritual person, but I do not believe in "organized religion" and churches.  In fact, I believe that the more involved one is in a particular religious sect, the further away from Our Creator they become. Why? Because I believe that our relationship to our Creator and to other people- our spiritual relationships, start from within, as an important "question", looking for an "answer".  Too many relgions (all!) seem to "provide" ALL the "answers", but, each "answer" to the same question is different, depending on who you "listen to".  Why not listen to your heart, when it comes to spiritual questions.  I believe that Our Creator lives inside of us all, and speaks to us all, through our emotions, our feelings, our spirits.  And I believe that it is this spirit within that IS part of God, as we, I do believe, ARE God's "children" and thus we are connected to "Him", 24 hours a day, seven days a week, wherever we are, and under any circumstance.  We don't need a "church" to worship in, just a moment of peace and quiet, to "tap into" (and remember!) that "connection" that is always there for us.  They say that it is our "emotions" that make us "different" from other animals- and when it comes to "love", I believe this is true. Where does "love"  originate- but inside of us, it "connects" us- it "lifts us up"- and inside us all, there lies an unlimited source- that gives us our spirituality. Don't need a church for that, or a religion to teach us this.  In fact, most religions do not accept beliefs that differ from their own, a concept that is, in my book (and God's!) "anti-Christian" and anti-spiritual. The path of spiritality differs for every person, and I believe that if they are "looking" for the "way" (on their own, one on One with our Creator)- they will find it, and perhaps "faster", WITHOUT a church's interference.\n\n                                            -TERA\n                                          (time4u420@yahoo)