Help!Find me a religion, please.

[tanitan]

First of all, I have to proclaim "No defence" here. I am not saying that some religions are better than others. I am chinese, lack of chance to dabble in them. So there is no way to find out doctrines of which religion is powerfully constructive and persuasive to me. Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
These two years I ve travelled through several countries in Europe and also India. I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...It is nothing about politics... Please don't blame my motherland, 'cos I love it anyway.
Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one? I am in Germany now. All the priests here cannot speak English, let alone chinese:bawling: Later, I will go back to Shanghai...

[NickAdams]

I find taoism/daoism the most interesting, even though I consider it a philosophy, there are some who treat it as religion (it is a way of life).

Second, I think Sikhism is a very interesting religion and I will post more information about it later.

[Pendragon]

You are asking others to do what you can only do yourself. Like Paul the Apostle,I would that I could persuade you to be a Christian, But you have the choice yourself. How would you live that life? You would have to read your Bible, pray and discover that for yourself. Another might tell you how they live, but they could be wrong. So you would have to work it out with God. That's my advice, pray and ask God to guide you. I'll pray for you.

God Bless

Pen

[tanitan]

Daoism roots from China. In ancient times it used to be a religion for thousands years. But as I know, not any more...
Only a few of people still delve in its kernel nowadays... I have read some books about it. It never touched my soul~

[sofia82]

If you want to fins a religion for yourself, you'll have lots of readings. Just study about all and find which is the one you want.
As Pendragon said it is your choice, Neither me nor other can say how to live.

[NickAdams]

Daoism roots from China. In ancient times it used to be a religion for thousands years. But as I know, not any more...
Only a few of people still delve in its kernel nowadays... I have read some books about it. It never touched my soul~

It never touche my soul either ... but my disbelief in the soul may be responsible.:lol:

Zoroastrianism is another interesting religion.

[tanitan]

Hehe~ Thanx for all your advice~~
I will check the religions Nick said, and make my own choice following the suggestion from Pen and Sofia!~

[sofia82]

You're welcome!

check these for the list of religions

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_religious_groups
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_religions

[Wintermute]

Hi Tanitan,

What do you think happens after you die? Do you think nothing? Do you think part of you remains concious and travels to another place and either is tormented for eternity or surrounded by happiness forever based on things you've done during your life on earth? Do you feel that what you learn during your life is cumulative and that life is cyclic--that you retain some wisdom from each preceeding life, eventually reaching an acended state of conciousness? It seems like you would need to find your religion based on your experiences and your gut intuitions. My only advice is to question everything. Do not accept the word of a book or a teacher without stepping back and asking yourself, "Does this really make sense?" If it does make sense to you, explore it. If not, discard it.

There is a wonderful book by Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha, which is all about a man on his spiritual journey. It has been translated to every language so I'm sure you can find it in Chinese. I would recommend this book to every human being.

Luck and Peace to you,
Doug

[patrickbeverley]

I think you'd like Discordianism.

Discordians worship the goddess ERIS, Greek goddess of chaos, described in Discordian literature as "a crazy woman". She is chiefly known for the incident where, after she was not invited to a party on Mount Olympus, she went and threw in a golden apple inscribed "To The Prettiest One", causing a fight between three goddesses that was the initial cause of the Trojan war (see here for more information -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_%28mythology%29)

They are governed by the Five Commandments or PENTABARF, which runs as follows:

1. There is no Goddess but Goddess and She is Your Goddess. There is no Erisian Movement but The Erisian Movement and it is The Erisian Movement. And every Golden Apple Corps is the beloved home of a Golden Worm.
2. A Discordian Shall Always use the Official Discordian Document Numbering System.
3. A Discordian is Required during his early Illumination to Go Off Alone & Partake Joyously of a Hot Dog on a Friday; this Devotive Ceremony to Remonstrate against the popular Paganisms of the Day: of Roman Catholic Christendom (no meat on Friday), of Judaism (no meat of Pork), of Hindic Peoples (no meat of Beef), of Buddhists (no meat of animal), and of Discordians (no Hot Dog Buns).
4. A Discordian shall Partake of No Hot Dog Buns, for Such was the Solace of Our Goddess when She was Confronted with The Original Snub.
5. A Discordian is Prohibited from Believing What he reads.

[NickAdams]

I think you'd like Discordianism.

Discordians worship the goddess ERIS, Greek goddess of chaos, described in Discordian literature as "a crazy woman". She is chiefly known for the incident where, after she was not invited to a party on Mount Olympus, she went and threw in a golden apple inscribed "To The Prettiest One", causing a fight between three goddesses that was the initial cause of the Trojan war (see here for more information -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eris_%28mythology%29)

They are governed by the Five Commandments or PENTABARF, which runs as follows:

1. There is no Goddess but Goddess and She is Your Goddess. There is no Erisian Movement but The Erisian Movement and it is The Erisian Movement. And every Golden Apple Corps is the beloved home of a Golden Worm.
2. A Discordian Shall Always use the Official Discordian Document Numbering System.
3. A Discordian is Required during his early Illumination to Go Off Alone & Partake Joyously of a Hot Dog on a Friday; this Devotive Ceremony to Remonstrate against the popular Paganisms of the Day: of Roman Catholic Christendom (no meat on Friday), of Judaism (no meat of Pork), of Hindic Peoples (no meat of Beef), of Buddhists (no meat of animal), and of Discordians (no Hot Dog Buns).
4. A Discordian shall Partake of No Hot Dog Buns, for Such was the Solace of Our Goddess when She was Confronted with The Original Snub.
5. A Discordian is Prohibited from Believing What he reads.

I always thought this was a mock religion and that's why I didn't mention the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

[Chester]

Even though it's no longer considered a religion, I feel I have to put a good word in here for Buddhism. You could do a lot worse.

[tanitan]

Hi Tanitan,

What do you think happens after you die? Do you think nothing? Do you think part of you remains concious and travels to another place and either is tormented for eternity or surrounded by happiness forever based on things you've done during your life on earth? Do you feel that what you learn during your life is cumulative and that life is cyclic--that you retain some wisdom from each preceeding life, eventually reaching an acended state of conciousness? It seems like you would need to find your religion based on your experiences and your gut intuitions. My only advice is to question everything. Do not accept the word of a book or a teacher without stepping back and asking yourself, "Does this really make sense?" If it does make sense to you, explore it. If not, discard it.

Doug

I do believe karma, but I think it is more likely that one will get what he or she deserve in current life than the next one. Only if a defunct doesn't accomplish his or her mission, or its spirit has a strong and irresistible will, it will come back this world again. But I am not sure where the other satisfied spirits gonna go...:p

In fact, we don't have as many books about religions published as in western world...I ve tried to find some, and it is really difficult. Teachers will never talk about religions either. I heard from my friend that most of christians in China have to gather secretly in someone's home and pray on Sunday.

That's why I feel upset now and then. Because we are lack of beliefs!




3. A Discordian is Required during his early Illumination to Go Off Alone & Partake Joyously of a Hot Dog on a Friday; this Devotive Ceremony to Remonstrate against the popular Paganisms of the Day: of Roman Catholic Christendom (no meat on Friday), of Judaism (no meat of Pork), of Hindic Peoples (no meat of Beef), of Buddhists (no meat of animal), and of Discordians (no Hot Dog Buns).


This is so...interesting... :p

[tiny explorer]

hi tanitan!!BIBLE ...read it and contemplate..you would feel such guidance as you read it...hmmm..... it worked for me..hope it would for you and your searching may be enlighten...

[mtpspur]

I echo somewhat Pendragon and tiny explorer regarding Chritianity. BUT I do advocate the practice of a religion. I prefer to refer you to the person of the Lord Christ as written of in the Bible. The God I worship (often poorly it is always to be confessed) is a very personal God who meets with me and treats me as I am (not as I wish I were). When I seek solace in all other places it all comes down to Him. With respect - Rich

[patrickbeverley]

I always thought this was a mock religion and that's why I didn't mention the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Certainly a large part of Discordian literature consists of mockery, but the early Discordians (Malaclypse the Younger, Lord Omar Khayyam Ravenhurst, Robert Anton Wilson, Sondra London) were all philosophers and a philosophical core can be found beneath the clowning of Discordianism.

"If you think the Principia Discordia is just a ha-ha, then go read it again." — The final page of the Discordian holy text. I did, so I did.

[NickAdams]

Certainly a large part of Discordian literature consists of mockery, but the early Discordians (Malaclypse the Younger, Lord Omar Khayyam Ravenhurst, Robert Anton Wilson, Sondra London) were all philosophers and a philosophical core can be found beneath the clowning of Discordianism.

"If you think the Principia Discordia is just a ha-ha, then go read it again." — The final page of the Discordian holy text. I did, so I did.

I will, so I will.

[Hypercrit Htd]

Maybe you read the Tao Teh Ching already. Imo it based on most ancient Chinese religion. Imo ancient Chinese once worship Goddess. Anyway, it also remarkable how many saying in this book similar to what Christ say. Otherwise, read all the holy book
you can read-many on internet, until you find what best.

Peace to you on spiritual journey!

[El Viejo]

First of all, I have to proclaim "No defence" here. I am not saying that some religions are better than others. I am chinese, lack of chance to dabble in them. So there is no way to find out doctrines of which religion is powerfully constructive and persuasive to me. Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
These two years I ve travelled through several countries in Europe and also India. I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...It is nothing about politics... Please don't blame my motherland, 'cos I love it anyway.
Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one? I am in Germany now. All the priests here cannot speak English, let alone chinese:bawling: Later, I will go back to Shanghai...

I suggest that you watch the Disney cartoon "Dumbo" first. Consider that Dumbo's faith in the magic feather is no different than faith in a god or said god's religion. Religion is a means of plugging your faith back into yourself. This both strengthens you and gives the illusion that an outside source is guiding, protecting, and empowering you--very helpful in those times when you feel alone and assailed. Last, choose any religion which suits your temperament/proclivities, provided that the central tenents are of the 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you' and 'first, do no harm' variety.

Best to you, Tanitan.

EV

[JBI]

Christianity isn't too bad. They deliver your conversion right to your door too! - note the ironic tone.

[YALASH]

Peace be upon you!

In my humble opinion, please do find answers to these question:

1- What are the physical, moral and spiritual states of man?
2- The objects of man's life and means of its attainment?
3- Sources of divine knowledge?
4- Is divide between revelation and rationality, religion and logic is rational?
5- If religion and rationality cannot proceed hand in hand then is there something worng with either of two?
6- Does revelation play any vital role in human affairs?

You can find a lot of help through the discussion of above points, as you are looking for some religion. These and other important questions are discussed in two Ahmadiyya (they are in Germany too, their alislam site has chinese section also ) online books:

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM

REVELATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH

===
n.b:
A reformer in latter days is promised in almost all religions. Ahmadiyya muslims believe that such reformer has come in 1889 in India as subserviant to holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Since then they faced united resistance cum persecution from verious quarters. Currently under fifth caliph of the reformer who is visiting USA aand Canada for their 100 centenary of caliphate, they are very much peace directed force, registered in 190 countries with 200 million international followings, dedicated to take peaceful message of Islam through prayers, pen, service and peace only. According to them, name calling by people does not matter as all reformers from God meet the same resistance and also the same end ie, slow in beginning then majority in the end. Part vii of the 2nd book illumine the subject.

[blazeofglory]

First of all, I have to proclaim "No defence" here. I am not saying that some religions are better than others. I am chinese, lack of chance to dabble in them. So there is no way to find out doctrines of which religion is powerfully constructive and persuasive to me. Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
These two years I ve travelled through several countries in Europe and also India. I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...It is nothing about politics... Please don't blame my motherland, 'cos I love it anyway.
Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one? I am in Germany now. All the priests here cannot speak English, let alone chinese:bawling: Later, I will go back to Shanghai...

Friend, all I say is you have a kind of life that has choosiness in point of fact, with no religions and no fundamentalism, no racism and only purity of heart.

[Saladin]

Peace be upon you!

In my humble opinion, please do find answers of these question:

1- What are the physical, moral and spiritual states of man?
2- The objects of man's life and means of its attainment?
3- Sources of divine knowledge?
4- Is divide between revelation and rationality, religion and logic is rational?
5- If religion and rationality cannot proceed hand in hand then is there something worng with either of two?
6- Does revelation play any vital role in human affairs?

You can find lot of help through the discussion of above points, as you are looking for some religion. These and other important questions are discussed in two Ahmadiyya (they are in Germany too) online books:

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM

REVELATION, RATIONALITY, KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH

If you are mentioning islam to him atleast mention the mainstream islam and not a little sect called Ahmediyya. Note that i myself have nothing against ahmediyya or whatsoever sect in islam. I am sunni-sufi myself.

To the person which started the post. Only you can find an answer to your question. When you choose a religion its only you who is going to live with what follows that religion, so what a bunch of people on a internet forum means is irrelevant.

Maybe you dont need a religion at all?

[Bakiryu]

Try Buddhism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism
Wicca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wicca
or Santeria: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santeria

[NikolaiI]

First of all let me say I admire your approach, it seems very candid. I would recommend Gaudiya-Vaishnavism, above all others, because it is completely scientific. It is an approach to self-realization based off the Vedas, especially Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Krishna revealed Himself as God in the Bhagavad-Gita, and described how to live spiritually in great detail. Krishna is the Supreme Person who is the source of all pleasure. The knowledge of Krishna is given to us through the Vedas, and has been here since the beginning of time. If we focus on God-realization, we will have immediate worldwide peace. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was started by Srila Prabhupada, a swami in the disciplic succession going back to Brahma, who was given it by Krishna. There are Krishna temples on six of the seven continents, and in most countries' major cities. You should be able to find a Krishna temple near you.

[NickAdams]

First of all let me say I admire your approach, it seems very candid. I would recommend Gaudiya-Vaishnavism, above all others, because it is completely scientific. It is an approach to self-realization based off the Vedas, especially Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. Krishna revealed Himself as God in the Bhagavad-Gita, and described how to live spiritually in great detail. Krishna is the Supreme Person who is the source of all pleasure. The knowledge of Krishna is given to us through the Vedas, and has been here since the beginning of time. If we focus on God-realization, we will have immediate worldwide peace. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness was started by Srila Prabhupada, a swami in the disciplic succession going back to Brahma, who was given it by Krishna. There are Krishna temples on six of the seven continents, and in most countries' major cities. You should be able to find a Krishna temple near you.

I found his small book Transcendence and Civilization very interesting: his thoughts on the meaning of religion, the relationship between man and the divine and the concept of varna.

[NikolaiI]

I found his small book Transcendence and Civilization very interesting: his thoughts on the meaning of religion, the relationship between man and the divine and the concept of varna.

If you can, you should check out Krishna: Reservoir of Pleasure. There is so much nectar in that book. I haven't read Transcendence and Civilization, though I have a copy of it.

[Chester]

Anyone mentioned Rastafarianism yet? I like the dreadlocks.


(Just wanna make sure we touch all the bases.)

[NickAdams]

If you can, you should check out Krishna: Reservoir of Pleasure. There is so much nectar in that book. I haven't read Transcendence and Civilization, though I have a copy of it.

Thanks, I'll make a note of it. I have the Bhagavad-Gita, Graham M. Schweig translation, but I haven't read it yet. I've been searching for the Mahabharata, but can only find it online.

[NikolaiI]

Thanks, I'll make a note of it. I have the Bhagavad-Gita, Graham M. Schweig translation, but I haven't read it yet. I've been searching for the Mahabharata, but can only find it online.

I like Light of the Bhagavata also, by Bhaktivedanta. It might be interesting to see some other versions of Bhagavad-Gita, I actually saw parts of one in a Hindu Mystics book, but...I guess there is a general tendency to do it horrible injustice.

[puppyshoes]

;)
Perhaps you should try us Orthodox Christians. We are everywhere, that's why I avoid ethnic words like, Russian, or Greek, or maybe Orthodox Church of America. There are many more, just an example. We have been around since the Day of Pentacost, in ad.30. Paul preached the Word to the Greeks on Mar's Hill in Athens. That got the ball rolling. What's really different about us and other groups is we never changed. We're just the same as we were two thousand years ago. I won't go into theology, but we do worship the Risen Christ! If you're in Europe, go to England, there are a lot of Orthodox there, perhaps Russia. There are certainly Orthodox there, I converted in Norfolk VA, from the Baptist Faith. I have never looked back. My pastor threatened me with damnation, and said I was bringing my kids with me. That was 1981, I'm still growing in the faith.

[hellsapoppin]

Unitarians:

www.uua.org/


Very open minded and welcoming people.

[ex ponto]

I would go along with puppyshoes. Maybe you can find an orthodox church in China, in Japan there are lots of them. There was st. John of Shanghai, he lived in 20th century.
One of his spritual children (as we say it) father Seraphim (Rose), an American who, before he settled in Orthodox church, had tried almost every other religion, seeking for something real, maybe like you.
When he first entered an orthodox church, there was a liturgy, and st John was serving. He emidiately realised it was somehow different. Try to find a church, and maybe you'll find some other young people there.
Good luck to you, wherever your road should end!

[Niamh]

How about Spiritualism?
************************
At the end of the day i think the most important thing for you is to evaluate what you believe, and look to some of the religions and see where your beliefs fit. Its your choice to make not outr to convince you and sell you our religions. when you discover which religion your beliefs sit comfotably in, and that you yourself are happy with, let us know. :)

[continuum]

I believe all religions came from God and were corrupted by man. Hence, all the religions we have to day are merely variations of the original religion God meant us to follow.

Everyman obviously believes that his religion is the original religion. For me, it's Islam; and I believe that Islam is the only religion that is still found in it's pure form. I don't mean to debase any other religion; this is just my opinion after much exploration.

Anyway, with regards to your original question - I don't think you need to jump into a religion. All religions teach us the same basic principles: The Rights of Man and The Rights of God. The rights of man are pretty much similiar in most religions; it is the rights of God that differ. One cannot become part of a religion through other people's suggestions. If you were to sit down and read the Koran yourself, you might or might now see the light. It is important to talk to someone who is fully knowledgeable about the religion; and you are unlikely to find that kind of person on this forum. I suggest you seek out someone from a religion that attracts you in your travels and try to understand it's teachings and basic principles.

I wish you the best of luck.

[Mr. Vandemar]

Ah, Sikhism. Thank you for mentioning it, NickAdams. The thing that I love about Sikhism is the imbedded and strict compassion for life. They are all vegetarians, you know, regardless of political affiliation (how it is in the West, vegetarianism seems to be more popular among the Left). The rules and traditions have a blatant meaning, which I like.

Also, I like that you mentioned Daoism (I prefer "Daoism", it implies a softer pronounciation on the "T"). The many sayings and scriptures are clearly written by very wise men, and they are applicable in many, many ways. I, however, view them (like you said) as a philosophy. I think that Daoism is a very broad and large philosophy, but not a religion.

Back on topic: Were you born and raised in China, or are you of Chinese descent (raised in Western culture)? It makes a difference in what you might find interesting.

I think that you should look into less popular Eastern philosophies / religions. They have not been spoiled by television or money-grabbing "advice moguls" and remain untainted. I think that all religions contain valuable spiritual advice, I am very much a relativist, but I think that the larger religions are easier to find information on; so I recommend the smaller ones. They include: Daoism, Confucianism, Buddhism*, Sikhism, Shintoism, and many others. Those are only the ones that I little knowledge of. I am by no means an expert.

[sun & sky]

I have been through this .. I won`t tell you what religion I`m believing in now , because I don`t want to effect your choice , it must be your own choice.. but here is my advice ..

ask your self .. who creates this world .. ?? well , some one in the sky ..

what are the religions that comes from the sky ?? look up for them .. in some place you can really trust , some place that you find people ( who have true knowledge , who can give you informations not ideas or opinions based on passion ) and ask them BUT separately.. then give the informations given to you by them a good thinking , if some thing bothering you go again and ask them .. another thing .. don`t rely on them only , look up in the internet ( wb sites ) and in the library ( but don`t choose mistranslate or misleading books ) PRAY : God , lead me to you .. I`m sure that he will help you , what ever he is to you now .. but he will let you come to him and you`ll find peace in side your heart & soul

don`t make quick judgment , think again `n again more than one time .. because it is something will stay with you even after you die , it is some thing related to your faith


I`m glade to help you if you need , send a private message .. PEACE hope God will help you ...

[aabbcc]

Welcome to LitNet.

[...]Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
Standing on the ground is not necessarily quite compactible with an irrational belief, for in the essence, that is what the vast majority of the religions are - when you take off the fancy clothes of marvellous traditions they have or art they made. Religion by definition is something one cannot 'prove' (alright, one can 'experience' it, but it is purely amazing what kind of things you can 'experience' if you convince yourself in them well enough - self-suggestion - and G-d often works as a sort of placebo), accompanied by set of rules for life derived again from a doctrine one cannot prove, requiring a specific lifestyle based on a doctrine one cannot prove... Which you might find not very suitable in accordance with your desire to stand on the ground, right?

Things to hold you up, help you in life, etc... Generally have greater impact if they are derived by you, not by irrational belief in certain system (unless you, again, convince yourself well enough into that system). This is not to say that you mustn't have a religion - but the bottomline is that you do not need one. If you want it, that is a completely different thing, but note that a lot of people live perfectly, morally and happily without it as well. Religion is not a necessity nor something your essence as human being requires, it is often merely a learnt tradition accompanied by a learnt set of irrational beliefs.

Still, if you want that set of irrational beliefs and tradition accompanying it, you should definitely choose it by yourself. Nearly everyone - except for some people, me included (even though I declare myself as an atheist), that belong to religions or traditions that forbid proselytising - will try to find 'arguments' to convince you that their religion and tradition are the most suitable for you, which might not be the case. Besides, there are no 'arguments', arguments do not exist in the case where things basically function based on credo quia absurdum.


I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...
I feel hard to breathe at the sole thought that one normal, modern European country such as Greece, which is the damned craddle of European culture, science, art, and nearly whatever else you want, still requires religion written on ID. I find that to be an anachronism incompactible with XXI century, and I still have not overcome the shock a couple of years ago when I found that out.
Religion is a personal belief that should in no way be exposed in ID, and I cannot understand the logic that would require it, especially given that it can potentially lead to discrimination and a plethora of 'interesting experiences', depending on the country we talk about.
Therefore, kudos to your country regarding this. I realise it is, again, out of probably wrong reasons, but still.


Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one?
Yes. Go outside, enjoy your stay in Germany and wonderful day, take a drink with your friends, go out, have fun, have friends, live life rather than trying to find some obscure sense inside of it, live, live, live; be around people, love, laugh, let yourself be loved, enjoy every minute of it, go amongst people instead of closing yourself into some limited circle that deals with metaphysics, and if after some time you will still need a G-d, then delve into it. :)

The problem is in the fact that many people when they convert to a religion start taking it too seriously and it becomes a limiting thing for them rather than an eye-opener (though they are at that point too fanatic to see it). Most of people who are "traditional" believers do not take it that seriously so it does not affect their lives that greatly, but truly, before exposing yourself to a potential disappointment, take care that you really, really want that.

[DapperDrake]

Well, my advice is first to disregard all my advice and do what ever you think is best.
Second I would say don't chose a religion, let a religion chose you - which probably means going with whatever is popular where you live. I'd say following a religion by yourself is missing the point, so there has to be an active accessible community to hand. What I'm saying it probably not going to be very fulfilling to to believe in a religion that no one within a hundred miles takes seriously - religion is a community activity, a way of life, not a dry philosophy.

Oh, I should point out my personal opinion is that religion is largely an anachronism, it's pretty much out lived its usefulness in the modern world. Still, if you want/need it then there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it still has value - it's just that many would argue that secularism and the information age have more value.

[blazeofglory]

First of all, I have to proclaim "No defence" here. I am not saying that some religions are better than others. I am chinese, lack of chance to dabble in them. So there is no way to find out doctrines of which religion is powerfully constructive and persuasive to me. Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
These two years I ve travelled through several countries in Europe and also India. I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...It is nothing about politics... Please don't blame my motherland, 'cos I love it anyway.
Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one? I am in Germany now. All the priests here cannot speak English, let alone chinese:bawling: Later, I will go back to Shanghai...

Do not seek after a religion or religions for the most part, I can not say about all people's attachment to and respect for it. Religions are fallible things. Without religions you are pure, divine and godly and with religions you are sullied.

[Taliesin]

Have you tried the Cthulhu pantheon?

[Abs]

To read more about Islam, and that's to everyone in the forum:
Check out islam-guide.com for a brief guide to Islam.

May God guide us all to the right path.

[patrickbeverley]

May God guide us all to the right path.
If God fails, let us guide ourselves.

[blazeofglory]

First of all, I have to proclaim "No defence" here. I am not saying that some religions are better than others. I am chinese, lack of chance to dabble in them. So there is no way to find out doctrines of which religion is powerfully constructive and persuasive to me. Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
These two years I ve travelled through several countries in Europe and also India. I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...It is nothing about politics... Please don't blame my motherland, 'cos I love it anyway.
Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one? I am in Germany now. All the priests here cannot speak English, let alone chinese:bawling: Later, I will go back to Shanghai...

Friend, I advise never to hold a religion and be free and open minded without being a fundamentalist with a religion. Be a good man that is important and dividing yourself along religious lines take you nowhere.

[NikolaiI]

Friend, I advise never to hold a religion and be free and open minded without being a fundamentalist with a religion. Be a good man that is important and dividing yourself along religious lines take you nowhere.

You say this because of your own experiences with religious people? You find religious people to be impure, as a strict rule, and irreligious people to be pure?


Do not seek after a religion or religions for most, I can not say all respecting people's attachment to and respect for it, of them lead to the downturn and religions are fallible things. Without religions you are pure, divine and godly and with religions you are unsullied.

I am not getting your English...

[blazeofglory]

You say this because of your own experiences with religious people? You find religious people to be impure, as a strict rule, and irreligious people to be pure?



I am not getting your English...

Nikolai,

It was wrongly and carelessly phrased as I was sleepy at the time of writing. Moreover, English is not my birth language and a such I can not excel at it the way you do in point of fact. I am apologetic for the inconvenience. I suppose with the following I can get the message across you clearly and still if I failed have to look for a tutor to improve my English to write up to your standards. It may take years or decades.

Do not seek after a religion or religions for the most part, I can not say about all people's attachment to and respect for it. Religions are fallible things. Without religions you are pure, divine and godly and with religions you are sullied.

[mangueken]

It never touched my soul~

Tanitan,
I think you already have the answer in you. none of us can show you. you will have to experiment, and dabble to find the one, if any, that touch your soul. good luck on your journey.

[blazeofglory]

Tanitan,
I think you already have the answer in you. none of us can show you. you will have to experiment, and dabble to find the one, if any, that touch your soul. good luck on your journey.

Of course one has to discover for oneself. No religion is flawless and you must be able to distill good things from bad ones. In fact there are many taboos, superstitious elements in every religion and if one fails to sift something that helps us from that harms us we will be plunged into a quandram.

[wilbur lim]

Endeavour to read up religions and speculate which one befits,and all these religions are befuddling.I cannot find you the optimal religion,nevertheless the religion which you are initially acquainted with is your genuine religion.

My sole advise is not to pick other religions as it would be counter-productive.

[hoope]

hi . there.. i see alot of discussion here..
well.. i think that ISLAM.. is the ryt religion.
If you believe in God then it does too.. but in the ryt way to worship Him .
" The believe that there is no God but Allah. ."

read about it.. I belive when u do.. u'll feel inur heart that what i say is true
and don't let some terrorist destroy ur believe in it.. coz they r not true muslims
and when they do this ; they way cross the line.

Good luck :-)

[subterranean]

First of all, I have to proclaim "No defence" here. I am not saying that some religions are better than others. I am chinese, lack of chance to dabble in them. So there is no way to find out doctrines of which religion is powerfully constructive and persuasive to me. Well, I do need something to hold me up and stand on the ground.
These two years I ve travelled through several countries in Europe and also India. I found it is very weird that we don't have a column of "religion" in our person-document! I felt hard to breathe at that moment...It is nothing about politics... Please don't blame my motherland, 'cos I love it anyway.
Anybody can give me some suggestion, or show me some rules in certain religion? And how can I get involved in one? I am in Germany now. All the priests here cannot speak English, let alone chinese:bawling: Later, I will go back to Shanghai...

Just out of curiosity, why do you think you need religion?

[mercymyqueen]

Now, I'm Jewish, and would like to sway you in that direction, though, of course, whatever your soul yearns for is what you will take comfort in. We put a very high emphasis in community, and symbolism, and, of course, G-d. I reccomend Pirkei Avot, which you can find online, to understand the principles.

I hope your heart finds comfort, and if you have any questions or concerns, about whatever, not just this specific religion, feel free to message me. I understand your struggle. My family's from the Soviet Union, and it's been hard to convince them to be a part of this with me.

[Mona ..]

Read this words about Islam ( my religion ) :

The literal meaning of Islam is peace; surrender of one’s will i.e. losing oneself for the sake of God and surrendering one’s own pleasure for the pleasure of God. The message of Islam was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) 1, 400 years ago. It was revealed through angel Gabriel (on whom be peace) and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures.

The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship and that Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) is His Messenger and Servant. The follower of this belief is thus a Muslim - a Muslim’s other beliefs are: God’s angels, previously revealed Books of God, all the prophets, from Adam to Jesus (peace be on them both), the Day of Judgement and indeed the Decree of God. A Muslim has five main duties to perform, namely; bearing witness to the Unity of God and Muhammad (peace and blessings on him) as His Messenger, observing the prescribed prayer, payment of Zakat, keeping the fasts of Ramadhan and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Islam believes that each person is born pure. The Holy Quran tells us that God has given human beings a choice between good and evil and to seek God’s pleasure through faith, prayer and charity. Islam believes that God created mankind in His image and by imbuing the attributes of God on a human level mankind can attain His nearness. Islam’s main message is to worship God and to treat all God’s creation with kindness and compassion. Rights of parents in old age, orphans and the needy are clearly stated. Women’s rights were safeguarded 1,400 years ago when the rest of the world was in total darkness about emancipation. Islamic teachings encompass every imaginable situation and its rules and principles are truly universal and have stood the test of time.

In Islam virtue does not connote forsaking the bounties of nature that are lawful. On the contrary one is encouraged to lead a healthy, active life with the qualities of kindness, chastity, honesty, mercy, courage patience and politeness. In short, Islam has a perfect and complete code for the guidance of individuals and communities alike. As the entire message of Islam is derived from the Holy Quran and indeed the Sunnah and Hadith (the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings on him) it is immutable in the face of change in time and place. It may appear rigid to the casual eye, in actual fact it is most certainly an adaptable way of life regardless of human changes.



Hope you to find a religion that help you to get what you need ..

visit this website for more info http://www.islam.com/introislam.htm

Your friend : Mona

[TheInsomniac]

I find worship of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to be one hell of an awsome religion. http://www.venganza.org/

Straight from the 'about' section of the website:
"The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, while having existed in secrecy for hundreds of years, only recently came into the mainstream.

With millions, if not thousands, of devout worshippers, the Church of the FSM is widely considered a legitimate religion, even by its opponents - mostly fundamentalist Christians, who have accepted that our God has larger balls than theirs.

Some claim that the church is purely a thought experiment, satire, illustrating that Intelligent Design is not science, but rather a pseudoscience manufactured by Christians to push Creationism into public schools. These people are mistaken. The Church of FSM is real, totally legit, and backed by hard science. Anything that comes across as humor or satire is purely coincidental."

[deema]

did you read about islam ?
read this it's will open
Your eyes to a new horizon
http://discover.islamway.com/

if you have any question about it
just ask me :)
i will be glad to help you find your peace

[librarius_qui]

At this point (a few months later), and having read some ... very ... odd "answers", I think with myself whether I should ask some moderator to close this subject ...

Some people here are obviously not answering the question purposed.

Not that there's no place for making parody on religion, but it wouldn't be here. Would it?

Thoughts, thoughts.

I shouldn't even be here!
Mind not my idle words.


librarius
:crash:

[zolasdisciple]

islam is a great religion and if i were going to get a religion it would def be that. good info.;)

[TheInsomniac]

At this point (a few months later), and having read some ... very ... odd "answers", I think with myself whether I should ask some moderator to close this subject ...

Some people here are obviously not answering the question purposed.

Not that there's no place for making parody on religion, but it wouldn't be here. Would it?

Thoughts, thoughts.

I shouldn't even be here!
Mind not my idle words.


librarius
:crash:

Libraruis, without comedy or a little satirical humor we would be left dry with serious conversations! You wouldnt want that now would you!

[Mona ..]

islam is a great religion and if i were going to get a religion it would def be that. good info.;)

If you want to ask any question just write it here .

I'm you glad you like it .

[absurda]

I have been through this too. I bought a book about religions, that explained briefly the main religions of the world. I tried to read the Bible, since I was raised as a Catholic. In the end, I came to the conclusion that I don't need a religion, and I became an agnostic. As time passes, I find myself more and more sure that I made the right decision.

[BF4ever_Ninay]

I think you really have to find..

read james 1:5 in the bible for inspiring message...

i'm a member of the church of jesusu christ of latter-day saints..

known as mormon..

[planet earth]

Well, first of all I am so glad you are searching for truth. You do not want to be left without a religion. This means that the innate search for truth inside you is awake.

I am a muslim, and would simply tell you that Islam is the refugee that tells us about Allah the one and Only. This is true I believe. But If you really want some rules allow me to introduce the fine main pillars of Islam that are very simple

1. To Testify that there is no God but Allah, and that Muhammmad is his messenger. (Allah is intangeible. He is the Mighty controlling power in our life. Muhammad is the final prophet to lead us to Him)
2. To Pray five times a day (Prayer maintains regular connection with Allah)

3. To give charity. A 2.5 percent is the least amout of money one should give out of his money every year to the poor and needy.

4. To fast one month (Ramadan) every year

5. Finally to perform pilgrimage once in a lifetime to those who could.

These are the very broad lines.

You can buy the Quran, it is a wonderful book written by the Divine power. I have summarized some of its meanings in the following poem:


Kill yourself

Where am I from, where am I going, why am I here?
I need an answer. Would anyone give me a listening ear?
Is this life an illusion, or is it real?
Who am I a dead corpse or a living life that can see and feel?
Why do this world’s pleasures to me appeal?
But then they hurt me, a wound so grave they never seem to heal
What is everything all about?
Is it of belief or is it of doubt?
Someone answer me I want to scream and shout
No, I will get my pistol, and with a shot, I am out.

Don’t my dear friend
There is something I know, that you do not comprehend
Don’t simply put your life to an end
Know the truth and illusions with it don’t blend
Please tell me, or to death myself I have condemned
Save my life, for it anything I will spend

Kill yourself, but don’t commit suicide
Keep alive the lit spirit inside
Wake your heart up and its eyes keep open wide
Lead your soul to its innate guide
Trace day and night, do they ever coincide?
How morning has sight and how night managed to hide

Look upon the sun, the moon, the stars and skies
The hills, the palms, the rivers and the land that lies
The bird that within the sky with two wings flies
With one glance realize how everything unifies
But nothing remains living, everything dies
While during its life, the Life-giver it glorifies
Endure your pain when He you tries
And trust in Him, the Omniscient, the Wise
For all the matter is mercy in disguise

For everyone He gave about Him clues
And allowed us to reject or Him choose
His universe he made for us to use
Not to forget Him and with brains He granted us refuse
Learn about Him during the world’s short cruise
Wonder inside you and around you, all this is whose?



Wherever you look, there you will He find
Use your heart’s eye and don’t be blind
Know Him to love Him and not to suspect Him with your mind
With choice he honoured you and called you man-kind
If you don’t find him in everything, know you are a way behind

During night look at the light of the moon
And try to stare at the burning sun at noon
Don’t think a lot, there is no time, the appointment is so soon
Yes, with Him the First and Last, the One and Only
Alone, Everlasting but never lonely

With love fly to him with the wings of hope and fear
Search within your veins, for He is that near
Here he is, His presence is crystal clear
Through his creations, he certainly did appear
What is that I see? Is it a tear?
Out of recognition, has He become so dear?

Yes with Him our relationship is very true
From dark to light, you are coming through
Yes, it is Him, if not then who??
He is that common sense that within you grew
Who with colours painted the grass green and the sky blue

To Him belonged this wonderful landscape
Ask not about His age, entity or shape
Simply submit to Him and to Him escape
For ever since, everything was recorded on video-like tape
Always Awake for He could never sleep
His eyes are upon us to safe us keep

He created everything since the pen of fate
That wrote everything since then to this very date
According to his destiny nothing came earlier, nothing late
And postponed judgement till the day of weight
Sense Him, so Solemn, so Merciful, so Great

Surrender to Him with all his Might
Yearn for his meeting and being at his sight
Make Him your company during night
And be at his mentioning through daylight
To Him keep close and tight
And be certain that you have now reached what is right
When your heart with Him becomes bright
And its colour turns from burned black to wiped white


When I feel dead then become alive
When I breathe oxygen after an exhausting dive
When I reach home after a long drive
When I kill myself, while to Him I strive
Here he is, At Him I finally did arrive





By: Weaam Mahmoud



I would like to hear from you soon.

[crystalmoonshin]

Actually, to be desperate in finding a suitable religion for one's self is a waste of time. Instead of asking people's opinion, I think one must study one's own self first, then proceed to studying the world's religions, like what I'm doing. I'm half-Chinese, BTW, but it doesn't mean that I totally am a Buddhist or Taoist. I am a Catholic (as is written in my birth certificate) but I don't exactly absolutely adhere to the teachings and practices of the Catholics.

My point is, one doesn't really have to rely on religion a lot though of course, it is essential to have one to serve as a guide in our daily life. But let me ask you, for what do you need religion?

They say that one's relationship with God is what's the most important. I agree, but religion helps in one's knowledge of what the nature of God is.