Why is that? I mean, they're literally the moral majority.....why do they feel the need to play the victim?

They may be moral, but they are not the majority.  Don't sweat them and their self rightiousness.

They may be moral, but they are not the majority

What I meant by that is that they are the majority because this is a predominantly christian country.  I'm Buddhist; there aren't many of us around compared to christians. 

I'm not sweating them.  I have my own internal moral compass, I know when I'm heading in the right direction (and karma's there to remind me too!).

Know Thine Own God, Dharma....thats all that matters.

I don't have one per se.  That's okay too, though.  I'm happy with knowing myself.

Surely you recognize some power, some force in the universe, greater than yourself, right?

Oh yeah, that's why i said i don't have a god per se...I don't have a force that's personnified.  I do believe that the universe is a powerful force, and that there are more forces within it than I could possibly imagine...

Some Buddhists don't believe in reincarnation, and some don't do good deeds in the hope of being reincarnated...we do it because it's the 'right action', for no reason other than it's the right thing to do.  Karma follows us, yes, and doing the right thing will hopefully cause us less personal pain and trouble in the future, but....we shouldn't do things just because of Karma or fear of what will happen after we die.

I hope that made sense.....

My reality, of course, is a bit different, lol.

And that's what this article is all about...people's differeing realities and the tolerance of each and every one of them.

Very nice post. Insightful, I'd say. I've always believed in religious tolerance. I remember being told when I was young that all Catholics were missionaries to the world. Well, I do believe that, but people have to want to accept a change. If they are happy with their beliefs, then I'm not going to force mine on them. I think that my actions (whether model Catholic or not) are a better way to be a missionary than banging on your door and trying to make you listen (or worse yet, preach fire and brimstone). I appreciate being able to share my faith with people outside of it, but at the same time, if the topic is unwanted, I don't force it. I've also held a curiousity for other people's faiths. I've never felt the temptation to switch, but I'm fascinated by how their beliefs are similar and different to mine.

I've found that the people I like to speak with about religion are the Mormons. While they have a very active missionary program, I've never felt pressured by any of the Mormons that I've spoken with. They are very happy to tell you about their beliefs without expecting a whole lot in return. I find that very refreshing. Although, I could be wrong as I've not met and spoken with a large number of Mormons.

Hi, everyone. I've often thought of starting my own church. I mean the world needs another one don't you think? Mine would be a kinder - gentlier church. Anyone can join and do and believe anything they want, as long as they follow the one doctrine, "tithing" of course. To none other than, me. Such a deal!

Really, I believe there is always a degree of unrest due to differing beliefs. A certain degree of pluralism is managable for most societies but the resulting confusion individually can be disturbing. For the sake of survival, there needs to be some uniformity. Every child should be taught the history of religions and some comparative religions to better undestand the world in which they live. Without some knowledge of religion in light of it's history in world events, its difficult to grasp the world and its everyday events. I have just finished, Karen Armstrong's book , "The Battle For God" the history of fundamentalism. It 's the most enlightening book I have ever read in light of today's world and religion, and quite a few. Check out the reviews of the book at Amazon.com.

Hmm, Sabbatismus, you beat me to the punch. I was just about to make a similar suggestion. I was even thinking of calling 'The Church of ME", with tithing of course. The only concession I would have to money tithing is either alcohol or really good drugs...

Maybe we could join teams, you have the Northern Hemisphere and I'll have the Southern. What do you think?

Cheers,

Maso
(Lord High Mucky-muck, Church of Me)

Well, I do believe that, but people have to want to accept a change. If they are happy with their beliefs, then I'm not going to force mine on them.

Thank you!  That's all I ask! 

Every child should be taught the history of religions and some comparative religions to better undestand the world in which they live.

I think so too.  Too many fundamental christians have ostrich syndrome - they stick their heads in the sand and try to pretend that no other faith exists, save theirs.  I find that those are the kind that try and convert me.....the borg-esque ones.

 

Maybe we could join teams, you have the Northern Hemisphere and I'll have the Southern. What do you think?

I've been worshipping at the church of Dharma for years now.......I just can't seem to persuade people to tithe, though!

Hey, dynamaso, like my friend says, "you can preach to the poor and I'll preach to the rich". Let's not start defining territories. I want all I can get and pray there ain't know hell.

I find this post one of great insight and wisdom.

Reply By: SabbatismusPosted: Tuesday, November 23, 2004Hey, dynamaso, like my friend says, "you can preach to the poor and I'll preach to the rich". Let's not start defining territories. I want all I can get and pray there ain't know hell.

ROFL! Say hello to my dad, everyone!

Dharma, I think I will write a blog along similar lines.  Christmas is always a time of reflection for me.  I'm not christian but I am certainly not anti-christian.  I think we share the feeling that Jesus being the son of God and dying for our sins doesn't make sense in either our minds or hearts.  I try to explain to christian friends and family that perhaps I haven't been touched by something they have but all of the preaching in the world is not going to bring about that faith.  If it is going to happen ("it" being faith in Christ) it is going to have to be a personal journey.

I accept the christian way and even am jealous in some ways.  I think I would find great comfort in that kind of faith.  It just isn't there for me.  This causes many to judge me or pity me.  I need neither judgement nor pity but like you said Dharma, tolerance.  That's all I ask.  Just because I don't share one's faith doesn't mean I think any less of it or that my way is any better.  I am just currently on a different path.  It is a journey I have to take on my own. 

You seem like a very happy, well adjusted, moral person Karen.  I think I fit that bill too.  That is why I don't understand why people such as ourselves get judged so often and so harshly.

Great blog.

I haven't been touched by something they have but all of the preaching in the world is not going to bring about that faith.

You hit the nail on the head there.  It just isn't there for me, it doesn't make sense to me.  I cannot accept that as truth, and I have tried.  I've beaten myself up in the process and made myself miserable.

I accept the christian way and even am jealous in some ways. I think I would find great comfort in that kind of faith. It just isn't there for me.

When I say that I am happy for people that have found solace and comfort in the christian faith, I truly mean it.  I am happy for them.  Up until recently, I was somewhat jealous....but since I found my Buddhist path again I've experienced the same kind of happiness.

 

You seem like a very happy, well adjusted, moral person Karen. I think I fit that bill too.

I am, and that's what I'd like for people to see.  Just because I'm not christian doesn't mean I'm not a good person.  You are too, you're a wonderful person.... and I wish that people could see that before they label us 'heathens'. 

I've stopped telling people I'm Buddhist.  If they ask, I'll tell, but I don't volunteer the information.  One lady at our last base was shocked to find out that I didn't attend church and that I didn't believe what she did.

 

Beliefs are such funny things, aren't they. So personal, yet everybody else seems to have an opinion about your own. I gave up trying to answer this question years ago for similar reasons as Dharma has said - I just got tired of trying to justify my personal beliefs. These days I have learnt to evade the question by simply bouncing it back to the person who asked. Usually, this works a treat because most people like to talk about themselves, I get to learn a little more about that particular person and I don't have to justify anything to anyone.

Sabbastimus: ah, greed IS good in your church. What about sloth and lust? (I picture myself being led in prayer by a beautiful priestess from my lounge because I'm too lazy to get up).

Cheers,

Maso