A question on Religions

[bradderz777]

Basically, is religion real?...I personally don't think it is but I would like to find the truth out there, or other people's opinions. I was brought up in a Christian country (UK) and everywhere in the streets lately, you get people coming up to you or stand in your way asking if they can read a verse from the bible, I the other week, I told someone who done it to me, I said "look, I don't believe in ANY religion!" and then he shouted "ASIDE FROM RELIGION, ONLY ONE GOD!" I just walked away...

Most cities in the UK nowadays mainly consist of 97% Muslims.

I've heard that religion is mainly under the influence of Neptune, therefore it's a load of bullsh*t, as apparently anything that falls under Neptune's category isn't real and is just made up.

What're your views on Religion?...do anyone of you agree with me that it does not exist? although if you believe in a religion, then sorry if I have offended you.

Brad

[akp124]

I do believe in religion. And, no you haven't offended me. Everyone has their own opinions.

My thoughts on religion:
I believe that at one point, there was ONE religion. And, like many things, different people believe what they believe is right. So, the religion was branched out into many other religions. Like, I learned in one of my high school classes that Catholic is under the Christian umbrella.
My mother is/was Evangelical christian. She no longer goes to church. I grew up not going to church, but following what God wants me to do. I strayed from that path a few times, but overall, I try to follow it.
Church bores me. I believe we can worship God without going to church. Church is just a social gathering where everyone tries to outdo each other with their outfits and then talk bad about other people.
I may be "Christian" but I believe that gay marriage should be legal here in the U.S. I believe, that even though I think its wrong, abortion should be legal. Gay people have done nothing wrong to me, they do not affect my life in any way, so why should I affect their life by not allowing them to marry? Abortion to me is bad. It's something I am against, but it is not my body and it is not directly affecting me. It is the woman's decision because it is her body. It should not be the decision of the government. Separation of Church and State and all that. People seem to forget that.

Anyways, yes I do believe in religion, but my beliefs are loosely based on Christianity.

And, the famous disclaimer: Sorry if I offended anyone.

[PisceanPallas]

Is religion real?

Good question bradderz777...and your mention of Religion and it's link to Neptune, reminded me of this quote:

"Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people."

- Karl Marx

Read more here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium_of_the_people

[Amnesia]

Bradderz777,

Religion was supposed to be the expression of the inexpressable. A word for the realm of experience that goes beyond human language.

If you open yourself to the possibility of experience, you will open yourself to life. In doing so you will open yourself to the real religion that is synonymous with life - life!

Then it will no longer be something that remains only on the boundary of your being, in your intellect and thoughts, but something that lies much deeper within yourself waiting to be found.

People think they are their thoughts, they think they are head-centered and the being that thinks, sees, feels and hears through the senses remains buried in oblivion. The watcher is spreading and dilluting his awareness, his energy through many windows at the same time and he suffers because of it!

The discovery of life behind the senses is when religion becomes real but before it remains only a lie to the people that hear it.

[Moog]

I suppose I believe that 'the kingdom of God is within you'

I have a lot of time for the mystical aspects of most religions. Reading the Christian Mystics after my exposure to Buddhism left me with the sense that what they were doing was very similar, but the conceptual framework and terminology is very different.

Since getting into astrology, my view has become more pantheistic. Since I got into Vedic Astrology, more open to deism and polytheism.

[lazarusx]

Originally Posted by Moog

I have a lot of time for the mystical aspects of most religions. Reading the Christian Mystics after my exposure to Buddhism left me with the sense that what they were doing was very similar, but the conceptual framework and terminology is very different.

I largely agree.

Buddhism in particular has a very clear-cut and direct framework towards spirituality, which is why in some circles it's often referred to as a philosophy rather then a religion.. whereas Christian mysticism is much more metaphorically poetic in the expression of truth.. which understandably has created confusion. Yet as someone who has a great appreciation for literature i find it fascinating.

When you see the undeniable similarities between the religions of the world in depth, it's awe-inspiring.

[Moog]

Originally Posted by akp124

I believe that at one point, there was ONE religion. And, like many things, different people believe what they believe is right. So, the religion was branched out into many other religions. Like, I learned in one of my high school classes that Catholic is under the Christian umbrella.

Yes, I feel the same way. They are all splinters of one thing. Or different approaches to understanding that one thing.

Originally Posted by Amensia

The discovery of life behind the senses is when religion becomes real but before it remains only a lie to the people that hear it.

I have found this too.

[Moog]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Most cities in the UK nowadays mainly consist of 97% Muslims.

That sounds a bit... much.

I've heard that religion is mainly under the influence of Neptune, therefore it's a load of bullsh*t, as apparently anything that falls under Neptune's category isn't real and is just made up.

Traditionally, Religion & Spirituality are the domain of Jupiter.

What're your views on Religion?...do anyone of you agree with me that it does not exist?

It would be interesting to see what's in your chart to make you feel the way you do.

I recommend this series, examining astrological signatures of religious belief or it's lack;

http://www.sevenstarsastrology.com/tag/religion/

[Jai Kishen]

Well all religions are nothing but different paths which lead to the same ending .
Its the same psychology on why is it that people worship different gods ?
Simple answer , all of us are different and have different views on everything . Some may like the color red where as some may like the color blue .

So all these different religions are actually different pathways ( colors) made so that people of different mentalities can follow it .
And its never said that "only if u follow a particular religion you will attain liberation etc... and other ****"

The whole universe works on 2 principles :
1. Tit for Tat principle (a.k.a karma) : you do gud , u get back gud .

and 2. Working principle : if u work for it hard enough , ul get it .

And .
Note : the 1. universe or
2. god or
3 Allah or
4. Jesus or
5. Ram or
6. others ...

None of them are "FORCING" you to pray , the workings of the universe is not going to be effected by you praying or no , the day will go on the same way if you pray or no .
But,
by praying you "might" attain a certain level of inner satisfaction which keeps ur head cool through out the day .

And another thing ,
All the religions support these things ( no matter what) :
1. Have faith in one (god , universe or what so ever) , but above all have faith in urself .
2. Dont be a part of bad happenings
3. Help people (to the extent you can )
4. RESPECT WOMEN !
5. Respect your elders .


My view on religion .

Viewing ,
Jai~

[Carris]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Basically, is religion real?...I personally don't think it is but I would like to find the truth out there, or other people's opinions. I was brought up in a Christian country (UK) and everywhere in the streets lately, you get people coming up to you or stand in your way asking if they can read a verse from the bible, I the other week, I told someone who done it to me, I said "look, I don't believe in ANY religion!" and then he shouted "ASIDE FROM RELIGION, ONLY ONE GOD!" I just walked away...

Most cities in the UK nowadays mainly consist of 97% Muslims.

I've heard that religion is mainly under the influence of Neptune, therefore it's a load of bullsh*t, as apparently anything that falls under Neptune's category isn't real and is just made up.

What're your views on Religion?...do anyone of you agree with me that it does not exist? although if you believe in a religion, then sorry if I have offended you.

Brad

Is religion real? Depends on the religion.

I have read many books on reincarnation, past life regression, near death experiences, small children remmebering their past lives, psychic phenomena, metaphysics etc - and now I believe in reinccarnation and that we souls have a purpose in incarnating several times on earth.

So in that sense, some religions (or rather philosophies) like hinduism, buddhism and some tribal beliefs do indeed present the truth about our lives.

[Anachiel]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Basically, is religion real?...

What is "real"???

[PisceanPallas]

Originally Posted by Anachiel

What is "real"???

Yes!

..and, what is "Religion"?

[bradderz777]

Being Christianity.

[bradderz777]

but i do believe in astrology

[JUPITERASC]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

I got my friend to read a few of these replies, and he said astrology is aload of sh*t and that religion IS real.

Sometimes friends disagree bradderz777

Originally Posted by bradderz777

but i do believe in astrology

Traditional astrologer William Lilly http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lilly was obviously aware of the disapproval of astrology in religious circles so he entitled the book he wrote "Christian Astrology"

[bradderz777]

Originally Posted by JUPITERASC

Sometimes friends disagree bradderz777

Traditional astrologer William Lilly http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Lilly was obviously aware of the disapproval of astrology in religious circles so he entitled the book he wrote "Christian Astrology"

Thank you for your reply!

It was just in a conversation in which I had with a few of my friends tonight whilst having a drink of alcohol. I mentioned about astrology and they all laughed their heads off and one of my friends said "dude, why do you believe in that star sign garbage, none of it is real, only true is Christianity and that god made the universe and that is all you need to know!!!"

I don't agree........................

[JUPITERASC]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Thank you for your reply!

It was just in a conversation in which I had with a few of my friends tonight whilst having a drink of alcohol. I mentioned about astrology and they all laughed their heads off and one of my friends said "dude, why do you believe in that star sign garbage, none of it is real, only true is Christianity and that god made the universe and that is all you need to know!!!"

I don't agree........................

Most people think that the "Star sign garbage" popular in newspapers as well as online is the totality of astrology. But there is more to astrology - as your friends would discover if they took the time to study a few books on the subject e.g. William Lilly's Christian Astrology or even Vettius Valens "Anthology". If you are interested to learn some astrology then do not be put off by the idea by your friends

[scorpittarian]

I was an atheist for four years and god did everything possible to make my life hell during these four years. I led a pretty peaceful life till the day I became an atheist I was almost expelled twice, almost died, flunked exams, touched heights of notoriety, experienced my first heart break which made me cry for the next 4 months; some guy even posed as a police officer & tried arresting me just to have a good time....

I had a crush on a guy in between & was advised by a friend "to pray". My prayers were heard! It was indeed a deal. I told god that I'll start believing in it if it gives me what I want which it did. After a month, I lost interest in both, the guy and god. The former continued asking me to get back for one whole year & I ignored him. After 2 years, karma decided to slap me on my face. I became the pursuer, he pretended, I fell hard, he dumped, I cried for 1/2 a year Now, that's when I became a theist.

My life began stabilizing then on. I left home at the age of 17 looking for "inner peace" & answers to certain questions. I had no idea as to where I was going, how I was going to find peace, etc. Moreover, I was in a foreign country with no money. Then this guy came running behind me asking if I needed help. I told him I needed to get to a holy place to spend the night there. He said that the so called holy men aren't right & I should get back home. He even offered money but I told him the only help he could render was drop me off safely at a temple, mosque, church or whatever. He & his friend actually sat for the next 3 hours explaining why I should get back home. I agreed.

I'm a non-religious theist. I was born & brought up in an Islamic state, come from a Hindu/Presbyterian/Buddhist family & went to a catholic school/university. I like Buddhism the most. It's an irony that Buddha himself was an atheist/agnostic. I find each and every religion faulty & if we choose to believe that god is infallible, it wouldn't have said stupid things. I often wonder why god chose only men as it's messengers.

I've a quite unorthodox view on god. I talk to it at any time of the day and we're more of buddies. And according to a lot of people, the way I talk is "disrespectful". I know this sounds stupid but I do talk to stars & the moon. I feel they protect me. I fear karma, believe in good spirits, astrology & the law of attraction. I have to test everything before believing.

Religion & god are definitely related but they are two separate & distinct concepts. God very well belongs to house 9. But religion, if we go by the literal definition, appears to be something very saturnine. Something traditional that's passed down from one generation to another. Something you're born without but are brainwashed to believe in. And most die holding it close to their heart, pretty resilient to change. I see it as deception so I agree with Kaiousei.

[Anachiel]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Thank you for your reply!

It was just in a conversation in which I had with a few of my friends tonight whilst having a drink of alcohol. I mentioned about astrology and they all laughed their heads off and one of my friends said "dude, why do you believe in that star sign garbage, none of it is real, only true is Christianity and that god made the universe and that is all you need to know!!!"

I don't agree........................

I really don't want to comment on this but, I feel something needs to be addressed. Hon, REAL friends might not always agree with you but, they won't try to change or humiliate you, either.

Also, religion can only point at churches and their own belief (which is outdated to say the least). Astrologers can point at stars and statistics (which is a might more than what zealots have to look at). In any case, live and let live.

The problem is, most religious people can't let people live. They feel they have to impose or, historically, torture, maim and kill to prove their point and "save" everyone. I don't see a lot of other belief systems or practices doing that, except for religion which, to me, is a red flag. Might a well be Nazi for all that's worth. Sorry, but someone had to say it. Fine line between a belief and a psychosis.

You have the right to believe as you like without fear of ridicule and punishment. You don't have to try to prove your practice or belief, you simply need to live your life as you see fit without imposition from or upon others. When in doubt, take the Zen approach.

[poyi]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Thank you for your reply!

It was just in a conversation in which I had with a few of my friends tonight whilst having a drink of alcohol. I mentioned about astrology and they all laughed their heads off and one of my friends said "dude, why do you believe in that star sign garbage, none of it is real, only true is Christianity and that god made the universe and that is all you need to know!!!"

I don't agree........................

My first meeting with God was through studying occult! (Chinese astrology). I saw how the pattern of the stars and their motions affecting our life. I saw the destiny that God had decided for us or us had chosen our own destinies before birth; either way, because of the study of astrology, I really got to know Him a bit better...in a different way.

I look up the starry sky and know that He had created them for us not only for decoration but with Purposes. The ancient astrologist studied the sky and created calendars so then we know the seasons and time that God created for the livings. The more we study about these stars and their cycle/pattern, the more that we know how mighty the creator really is...

To me, to truly know the creator is not by reading the "Book" because sometime people mistranslated and some manipulated the true meanings to suit their own selfish desires and needs. To me, to truly know the creator is to understand His images and qualities through His creations. I prefer the First Hand experiences more . Is like if you have opportunity to interview God why bother reading the commercial newspaper? Not that the newspaper report is not good or incorrect, just not close enough. If you get what I mean.

The Bible itself had mentioned many astrological matters in varies books and chapters.

My other point is by studying the horoscope, you can actually see your own limitations as a human that none of us is perfect that we all have our secrets, our sins and know that we will all die and then leaded us to ask the Most fundamental questions of the meaning of life and the hope of the after life and of course Who is the "He" behind all these events and lives? In a way with good understanding of the chart, you shall humble yourself wholeheartedly. To me a true scientist And an true astrologist won't be able to deny God after all the things they discovered through their studies.

[Beautiful Ending]

Originally Posted by bradderz777

Most cities in the UK nowadays mainly consist of 97% Muslims.

Thats a bit of an over exaggeration, 30% of the London population is muslim. The only people you can blame for mass immigration every adult whos voted for Labor and Conservative. Hopefully our Neptune in Capricorn generation will sort it all out!

Nobody can tell you if religion is real, only you can decide what you believe in. Like akp124 I came to the conclusion that at one point there must have been one religion and as the religion spread around the globe the "story" got altered by continent. I don't believe in religion but I do believe there must be a God of some sort, that and astrology kind of go hand in hand.

[retinoid]

Originally Posted by Beautiful Ending

Thats a bit of an over exaggeration, 30% of the London population is muslim. The only people you can blame for mass immigration every adult whos voted for Labor and Conservative. Hopefully our Neptune in Capricorn generation will sort it all out!

Though I am open minded, I do believe Islam is one of those belief systems that are not conducive to evolution. Neither is Christianity (Jesus's teachings are just not the religion or old testament or Paul's ramblings). But Islam is clearly a threat to the western lifestyle which is not only different but is indeed better.