I need some perspectives on religion...

[VerboseMermaid]

Hi :bowl!

I've always been very against structured religion--not in a derogatory sense, but in the respect that I didn't feel it was for me, although I've always been highly spiritual. However, now that I'm getting older (I just turned twenty-five) and trying--finally--to recover from various issues, I'm starting to rethink my stance on the topic. Maybe it's important for people to have something they believe in, if only so that there's a built-in support network of people who see life in a similar way.

That said, of all the religions that I've researched based on their beliefs, practices, etc., I've decided that I want to learn more about Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism. Living in Boston, I've probably got the best shot at learning about UU, since this is where it's headquartered; yet, I don't want to discard the idea of Buddhism solely out of inconvenience.

Are there any :fishys who know anything about either of these religions? Or is there anyone who belongs to another religion similar to one of these? I'm very open-minded, and want to learn whatever I can before I really decide where I belong. Thanks to anyone who may have insights on any of this! :hugon :bowl :hugoff

[doggie]

:hugonRamblinGurl:hugoff I feel as you do about exploring many avenues of religion and have come up with my own blend. A good place to start would be www.beliefnet.com as they pretty much describe everything. Also a group I've become interested in is the www.sufiorder.org as they embrace all major religions and then some, sort of like I do. Have fun........take care of yourself....and welcome to the :angel :bowl.....:love :dog

[purple_tao]

:hugon Heather :hugoff

Oh yeah..........you're getting old (eh, :dog!!)HAHAHAHAHA........

Moving along........I don't know much about UU. I do know it's a very liberal religion. They believe in the oneness of God (as opposed to the Trinity), the strict humanity of Jesus, and emphasize freedom of belief.

Buddhism: Ahhh.......the compassionate religion. I've been into Buddhism for years and I've learned more about me than I have with other religions. (I'm also a Christian with Taoist philophies.......... yeah, try to figure me out!) The best quote I've read (but can't remember who said it) is:

:stars Buddhism teaches me how to live NOW.... :stars
:stars Christianity teaches me how to prepare to live in the FUTURE :stars

Here are some websites I frequent:

www.wildmind.org - teaches you LOADS about meditation. Good for quieting your mind. Meditation is where YOU meet YOU!!

www.buddhanet.net - GOBS of everything about buddhism. You can spend hours here.

www.dailyzen.com - daily readings (they have a newsletter to subscribe to), e-cards (beautiful) and also talks about meditation.

But I MUST agree with :dog with www.beliefnet.com . That is an EXCELLENT site that talks about ALL--and I do mean ALL- religions. Also have a newsletter to subscribe to. I guarantee you can spend hours, ney, DAYS, at this site.

Good luck on your spiritual journey, Ramblin :supergrin.

:sun We try to be cultured in dress, food and architecture,
but we attend much less to the culturing of our minds....... :sun
quote from a Buddhist magazine

DECLARE PEACE
:peace

[VerboseMermaid]

:hugon doggie :hugoff
:hugon kieran :hugoff

Thanks, guys! I appreciate the links -- I'm going to check them all out.

Both of these religions appeal to me very much--although one concern is that Buddhism may be somewhat conservative in the human rights department (such as abortion and homosexuality, etc.). Does that factor in strongly, Kieran? I worry about a religion with strict doctrines about such an important aspect of life as our rights.

I forgot to mention in my post that I've also been very interested in Scientology for awhile... I wonder if there's anyone who knows anything about that. Of course, I'm reading up on these religions, but it's nice to hear from people who've been a part of that world for awhile.

Anyway, thanks a lot! I'll probably return with more questions! :grin

[purple_tao]

Heather :love.....

I highly believe one should keep searching for a set of beliefs that they can identify with. Someone here said (sorry, I can't remember who and on what thread........ :ugh) that your spiritual beliefs are between you and (your) God. I sincerely believe this. YOU find what's right for YOU.

Personally, I'm against abortion (the killing of a human life) and homosexuality. BUT.... I do not look down upon others who support these two actions. I know women who've had abortions and I know some homosexual people. I have a really good guy friend who's gay, and I love him dearly :grin!!! Our goal in life is to live it the best way we each see fit. I believe we are accountable to no one except God. Don't let others sway your own opinions and don't gain a belief just to satisfy someone else. THIS IS YOUR LIFE!!

"Spiritual Searching" is a wonderful path to be on!!

:peace

[VerboseMermaid]

Kieran (love that name, btw),

You're right, of course, my beliefs are just that--mine. But in researching these religions and trying to decide which one is the best fit, I wonder how important it is that I subscribe to every one of the principles in any given religion's dogma. If I find that my beliefs coincide strongly with those found in, say, Buddhism, would I be accepted in the Buddhist community even if I feel that abortion and sexuality are one's personal choices to make?

You cited the example of your friend who's gay and the women you know who have had abortions, but you used them as exceptions to your general views on those topics. On the whole, you're still comfortable with the Buddhist doctrines that are against those things, and I wonder where someone like me, who is liberal in her beliefs, would fit in.

Did that make any sense? I hope it came across the way I meant it to, which was just that I'm unsure of how steadfast my beliefs have to be in every facet of a religion before I can be accepted/welcomed as a part of it.

Anyway, I apologize if I'm being annoying! LOL!

[Starlightgirlie]

Hello Heather!

Nice to meet you, and I wish you lots of luck on your spiritual journey! It's so exciting to discover what works for you...and I know that you will.

I don't get to this board very often, but I'm glad that I popped in tonight as I'm quite interested in Buddhism-and find a lot of the other religions too dogmatic for me (although I'm happy that they work for others so well). Anyway, while I have not a clue about UU (though it sounds interesting) I do know a bit about Buddhism (*note* I am by no means, shape or form an expert here...so if I'm not correct on any of this, I apologize) and as far as I know, there is no *rule* against abortion or homosexuality. In fact, while I don't know if I'd personally have an abortion, I am DEFINITELY quite pro-choice myself. And, interestingly enough, I was at a conference where that very question was asked and the person giving the talk replied that the only thing that the Buddhist philsophy deems as wrong (although they don't even use that word-as it's too dualistic) was using one's sexuality to harm others or one's self. And, the teacher said that this has nothing to do with sexual orientation.
As far as dogma, in my understanding, Buddhism pretty much allows you to make your own decisions about things and relies on one's own insight, basic goodness and nature to make healthy choices for oneself.

I hope this has made some sense, as I'm quite tired...but you can email me anytime if you want to talk-and I'll be sure to check this board again soon.

Good :clover to you, and I wish you lots of :peace and :love.

Take care,

[VerboseMermaid]

:stars Starlight :stars

Hi! Thanks for the input! I agree with your stance on abortion--I'm not sure whether or not I could ever personally have one, but it's definitely something that I want to remain my decision!

As far as the doctrines of Buddhism stating that abortion and homosexuality are wrong, I read that somewhere yesterday--but I suppose I (or it) could have been mistaken!

Anyway, I appreciate the info greatly! :grin If you (or anyone else) ever want to talk about this journey we're all on, drop me an email!

[purple_tao]

:hugon Heather :hugon and :hugon SLG :hugoff

The branch of Buddhism I practice is Mahayana Buddhism (also known as Zen Buddhism). We believe people are interdependent and are obligated to help others--spiritually, mentally and physically. It opposses materialism and teaches social concern and liberation.

Like SLG, I can find no SPECIFIC teachings about abortion/homosexuality. I base my beliefs on the Bible and on these Buddhist words:

:stars DO NO HARM: Non-violent actions. Killing is violent.

:stars AVOID SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: Practice contentment. Now that's an open statement. Each person will have to apply that definition as they see fit.

You mentioned believing EVERY ASPECT of "that" particular religion. :muhaha!! That's why I'm so religiously/spiritually eclectic. I cannot honestly say I believe EVERYTHING that each (or any) religion believes. Although I dearly love Buddhism, I don't believe everything it teaches. That's when I turn to Christianity. But there, also, I have some problems with some of the teachings. And Taoism fills in the gaps that these two religions leave. The only problem I've found so far having more than one "religion" belief is that it's hard to have fellowship. I sometimes attend a very liberal, Pentecostal church. Very Christian; has VERY DIM VIEWS on Buddhism, tho. So, I also attend a meditation center, but a lot of what they say doesn't jive with my Christian beliefs. :ugh

:eye I NEED TO FIND A CHRISTIAN/BUDDHIST CHURCH!!!!! :eye
:muhaha

Ultimately, Buddhism stresses that you get in touch with God (or your creator).

:love Take Care All :love

:peace

[VerboseMermaid]

Kieran,

Mahayana Buddhism was the facet of Buddhism I was reading up on, too. And you guys have made great points--I think I need to stop worrying about conforming with any one religion's every belief and just see which one fits my belief-system the best in general.

You should try a Unitarian Univeralist church, Kieran. I've been interested in UU for several years, and I had a Sociology professor in college who was a Minister at a UU church (it was founded here so we have a large UU population). I, myself, need (and want) to learn more about it but from what I know, it's an "umbrella" religion, meaning that its followers come from all sorts of preexisting religious backgrounds. They've usually gravitated to UU for the simple fact that they have their own convictions about religion and spirituality, and the UU church is all about different beliefs and perspectives. Check out this website: http://www.uua.org/main.html -- it's very informative! By attending a UU church, you may find a fellowship that you can relate to. :happy :supergrin

[doggie]

:hugonHeather,Kieran,SLG:hugoff Yah, Kieran twenty five is sooooo old eh? I've got Tshirts older than that. Heather you have found your path:angel so young, how lucky you are :happy.....just deciding to make the search for your spiritual self a focal point in your life is one BIG step toward :peace. Like Kieran I have so many divergent beliefs and ideas that I've settled on after much reading that about the only this I can even start to commit to is to walking the sufi path of self discovery and coming closer to God through all means known to woman......have a wonderful journey and come and talk about what you find to feel true for you......:love :dog

[VerboseMermaid]

Thank you, :dog... :happy. I think you're right in that just deciding to make the journey is one step closer to finding inner peace (okay, so I paraphrased... lol). For a long time, it was a road I didn't even want to travel. I have a strange relationship with religion, and I'm hoping to improve it.

And as far as the age...:muhaha...twenty-five sounds like such a solid, adult number! I feel like I've lived a thousand lives in one quarter of a century.

:hugon :dog :hugoff