I Hear You Don’t Have a Religion/Denomination/Highly Complicated System of Beliefs that exclude…

I think the topic of religion weighs more on us because of where we live. I have friends in other parts of the country who don’t think this way because it’s not emphasized. Awesome blog post.

was a “go every time the doors were open” christian until three years ago. my world got rocked and flipped to such a place that I couldn’t see god or any higher power existing in it. do I three years later believe there IS some sort of higher power? yes. do I believe said higher power fits into the bible believing christianity I grew up in? no. I would come just shy of calling myself agnostic these days. and the people who supposedly cared so much when I called myself a “sold out believer” are long gone, and were before I made this declaration. some of my best friends and even acquaintances are people who believe as I do, and have been more generous and gracious (and understanding) than any of the so called “christian friends” ever were.

and I’m tracking with you on the righteous bigotry and hatred. my mind thinks so much more clearly now about different people and their beliefs, lifestyles, etc, and I owe this to pulling my head of of my religious ass and learning to love and appreciate people.

the subtle irony, though, is that my two best friends are ordained ministers (who are, by the way, very cool with my feelings and don’t try to force theirs on me.)

I also agree with ellefoto, being a part of the “Bible Belt” has a very large impact on the idea of the need for religion (mainly Christianity). I think it also is having an adverse impact by creating a growing population of fed-up non-religious individuals lol.

Although I do classify myself as a Christian, I completely understand where you are coming from, Hope. Although some religious people can be understanding, loving, and accepting of all people, unfortunately there are some religious people who become so self-righteous and passionate about their beliefs that they tend to become condescending, rude, and overlook that important part about love and kindness.

Ultimately, if I’m not mistaken, religion derived from the inquiry about after-life and the need to know that there was something beyond earth. Therefore I guess to close-minded individuals,not having a specific religion indicates that you’re confused, don’t care where you’re going, and/or what you do in life and it freaks them out. Something with control and uncertainty I guess…

Well I just answer people who ask me about my religious beliefs, “It’s between me and God and none of your business, so hush now before I have to hurt your feelings.” :)

I consider myself a Christian but how,when, and where I worship is between me and God.

I am very open minded about religion, no single one is better or worst than the other, if you wanna worship Veger the Mercyless go right ahead, if you want to be a hardcore Southern Baptist go right ahead, just keep to yourself and don’t bother me.

I’m digging this article and the comments… My journey into being agnostic has come slowly—- after being indoctrinated in Christian culture for over my 30 plus years on earth.

Most times I just proclaim myself Christian to cut down on confusion.  In some ways I do identify myself as Christian, but more so on a heritage- traditional. (We have to have some rituals for burial and marriage right?) 

In the end, I think human kindness matters most.  How much suffering can we alleviate?  Who’s day can I make brighter?  Who drank the last cup of Kool-Aid?——These are the important questions.

All, note that this piece is a post on the Youth Media Project blog.

YMP is one of the recipients of the proceeds from this year’s Jackson 2000 Friendship Ball. If you buy your ticket from one of the YMP students or from the JFP (or me), ALL the proceeds of your ticket goes to YMP to help with the rent of their room and their multimedia equipment. $20, $10 for students. Let me know if you want a ticket: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Fifteen percent of the populace of the USA is non-religious, according to Pew.  That is around thirty million people.  Most of them are good people who, like Hope, just want to make the world a better place.  I don’t believe in gods, I believe in treating all beings well.  I believe in treating my planet well.  You don’t need gods or religious dogma to lead an ethical life.  I think it is creepy to ask someone you just met what church they attend or what religion they follow.  I sometimes answer that I am a ‘none’, as in ‘none of the above’.  Or, if I think the person asking has a sense of irony, I ask him or her back ‘what kind of underwear do you prefer?’, implying that this is a private matter and is not anyone’s business unless we know each other quite well.