What religion are you?

Carol_1985

What religion are you?

I'm Roman Catholic

djeddy

Carol_1985 wrote: »

What religion are you?

I'm Roman Catholic

Catholic

philologos

I'm a part of the Christian religion , but of an Anglican denomination.

Biro

Catholic.

LordSutch

Catholic - but not Roman Catholic.

CerebralCortex

I have no religion. I also don't believe in religion as outlined here in some dudes blog

--amadeus--

May I ask why you ask?

Biro

--amadeus-- wrote: »

May I ask why you ask?

I have to admit, when I first started reading threads on this board I incorrectly assumed that because this is Ireland and we are in a Christian board most people in here are probably Catholic with a few exceptions. It took some time to realise that there are many different Christians on here, and actually quite few Catholics. So it's no harm to know where someone is coming from when they reply.

robindch

Jakkass wrote: »

I'm a part of the Christian religion

Ah, you made it in the end

Lucas10101

First of all, I don't like the question, it's phrased wrong in my opinion i.e

"What religion are you?", it should be "What religion do you believe in?" or alternatively "What type of Celestial Dictatorship do you follow?"...

Second, to answer, Atheist.

And the question shouldn't be here if we're talking about all religions, maybe a poll would have been more suitable?

Fanny Cradock

I'd define myself as simply Christian. I be fairly non-denominational in my outlook.

seanybiker

atheist meself.

Fanny Cradock

seanybiker wrote: »

atheist meself.

There would be a few atheists who wouldn't be to keen to see your reply in a thread entitled 'what religion are you' :pac:

--amadeus--

Thanks Biro - hadn't thought of that.

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

There would be a few atheists who wouldn't be to keen to see your reply in a thread entitled 'what religion are you' :pac:

A fair point. But even athiets get the "What religion?" question on a fairly regular bases, from hospital admissions through census forms. While athiesm is not a faith in itself it is the only answer (at least until they add either Jedi Master or FSM to the forms)

Goduznt Xzst

I understand your reasons for asking the question Carol_1985, because for Atheists reading this forum it is also unclear as to what doctrines and beliefs the varying Christians in this forum follow.

I find most Christians I talk to end up having some sort of personal Christianity, whereby they mix their own personal morals and beliefs into their knowledge of Christianity.

Usually most Christians will get the core beliefs down and then fill in the details as they go along. Accepting and discarding aspects they don't personally agree with

It's this discord amongst the numerous sects and religions that follow Christianity that raises the biggest questions because if Christs message was so clear, why can't people agree on it?

Also, from personal experience, some of the vilest people I have ever had the misfortune of knowing where people who backed up their bigoted, self-righteous opinions by Cherry picking scriptures from the Bible and claiming that they themselves where Christians.

Regardless of your opinions, the bible is obtuse enough that anyone could use it as a tool to try and validate their own warped opinions on who is good and who is bad.

I'm always exceptionally wary of debating with individuals who call themselves "Christian" but don't tie themselves to any particular belief system, because these are the people who are most likely to form a religion around themselves that fits nicely into what they already think is a correct way of living, however now they have also given themselves the hope of immortality. These individuals are incredible difficult to talk to as their religion has no form and based mainly on personal opinion and not accepted and practiced doctrine.

Nerin

Pagan-of an animist variety.

Biro

Lucas10101 wrote: »

First of all, I don't like the question, it's phrased wrong in my opinion i.e

"What religion are you?", it should be "What religion do you believe in?" or alternatively "What type of Celestial Dictatorship do you follow?"...

Second, to answer, Atheist.

And the question shouldn't be here if we're talking about all religions, maybe a poll would have been more suitable?

Firstly read the forum rules. The highlighted part is uncalled for.
Secondly, doesn't the term atheist mean "without belief"? (loosely translated). Therefore your answer is none rather than atheist, begging the question - why come into the thread in the first place?

BrianCalgary

Christian Religion. Attend a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

Lucas10101

Biro wrote: »

Firstly read the forum rules. The highlighted part is uncalled for.
Secondly, doesn't the term atheist mean "without belief"? (loosely translated). Therefore your answer is none rather than atheist, begging the question - why come into the thread in the first place?

I didn't know that term was unacceptable. I take it back.

She asked "What religion are you?"...I said "I am Atheist"...i.e I am of no religion. I was declaring myself out of the religious circle.

Why come into the thread in the first place? Because I like to read from every viewpoint about religion and the arguments and views that people stack up of the various common denominations that exist. I would have also like to have seen the majority and minorities and what denominations exist on this forum.

I'm also against Hitler, will I stop reading about his atrocities? No, why? Because it's interesting history, just like religion.

kelly1

This may come as a surprise to a lot of you but I'm Catholic :pac:

JimiTime

kelly1 wrote: »

This may come as a surprise to a lot of you but I'm Catholic :pac:

:eek: "Kelly1 in 'I'M CATHOLIC' Shocker"

kelly1

JimiTime wrote: »

:eek: "Kelly1 in 'I'M CATHOLIC' Shocker"

Yes, it's true I've come out. My parents were the first to be informed. It's like a great weight off my shoulders. I can finally attend prayer meetings and not feel afraid of being found out

CDfm

Roman Catholic

wolfsbane

Jakkass wrote: »

I'm a part of the Christian religion , but of an Anglican denomination.

Ditto, but Baptist.

CDfm

my daughter became baptist.

wolfsbane

Goduznt Xzst said:

Usually most Christians will get the core beliefs down and then fill in the details as they go along. Accepting and discarding aspects they don't personally agree with

Correct.

It's this discord amongst the numerous sects and religions that follow Christianity that raises the biggest questions because if Christs message was so clear, why can't people agree on it?

Two reasons:
1. Not all who call themselves Christians are so, therefore we can expect them to distort authentic Christian teaching.

2. Not all Scripture is equally clear, so even true Christians get some (secondary) things wrong.

Also, from personal experience, some of the vilest people I have ever had the misfortune of knowing where people who backed up their bigoted, self-righteous opinions by Cherry picking scriptures from the Bible and claiming that they themselves where Christians.

Both false and true use the Scriptures to prove their case. The Bible is the foundation document of Christianity, so even the heretics have to make some attempt to match their teachings to it.

Regardless of your opinions, the bible is obtuse enough that anyone could use it as a tool to try and validate their own warped opinions on who is good and who is bad.

It's not that obtuse that any honest scholar will be confused about its basic morality. For example, some of those who seek to validate homosexuality make appeals to the Bible, but no honest reader can come from it with any other view than that homosexuality is plainly condemned.

I'm always exceptionally wary of debating with individuals who call themselves "Christian" but don't tie themselves to any particular belief system, because these are the people who are most likely to form a religion around themselves that fits nicely into what they already think is a correct way of living, however now they have also given themselves the hope of immortality. These individuals are incredible difficult to talk to as their religion has no form and based mainly on personal opinion and not accepted and practiced doctrine.

Yes, a good point. I've also encountered the most detailed theological opinions among those who tell me they have no creed but the Bible. What they mean is that anyone who questions their beliefs is automatically un-Biblical, without need of proof. If one is really commited to the Bible and believes one has the best interpretation of it, then one should be glad to put those beliefs in the form of a creed. That lets everyone know what you believe, and enables them to correct you if you are mistaken on any point.

To think it impossible that one could be so mistaken is just proof of one's ignorance of the Bible. It tells us we need to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus. New Christians do not know everything, and they may well have some mistaken beliefs.

wolfsbane

CDfm wrote: »

my daughter became baptist.

Really? In Ireland?

mikeruurds

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

I'd define myself as simply Christian. I be fairly non-denominational in my outlook.

I'd be the same.

Typewriter

I'm church of Ireland.

I don't really see the point of this thread. This should really be a poll.

CDfm

wolfsbane wrote: »

Really? In Ireland?

Yup- Im divorced.

The pastor was in for coffee the other morning - and we had an apple pie breakfast.

JimiTime

wolfsbane wrote: »

Ditto, but Baptist.

I thought you were a Calvinist. Or are they the same?

I'm Christian, non-denominational currently. For the record.

Goduznt Xzst

wolfsbane wrote: »

Two reasons:
1. Not all who call themselves Christians are so, therefore we can expect them to distort authentic Christian teaching.

2. Not all Scripture is equally clear, so even true Christians get some (secondary) things wrong.

Under this reasoning how can you be confident that your current understanding of biblical scripture is not heretical to how God intended it to be understood? Given the numerous and varied understandings of scripture, many of which that have departed from the teachings of the first century Christians, how can you be confident that what you currently believe and live your life by is actually how God intended? Given your human imperfection and the imperfection of the humans that thought you it is not possible for you to confidently say that the "truths" you currently hold are the "truths" that God intended.

wolfsbane wrote: »

Both false and true use the Scriptures to prove their case. The Bible is the foundation document of Christianity, so even the heretics have to make some attempt to match their teachings to it.

How can you be confident that you yourself are not a heretic?

wolfsbane wrote: »

Yes, a good point. I've also encountered the most detailed theological opinions among those who tell me they have no creed but the Bible. What they mean is that anyone who questions their beliefs is automatically un-Biblical, without need of proof. If one is really commited to the Bible and believes one has the best interpretation of it, then one should be glad to put those beliefs in the form of a creed. That lets everyone know what you believe, and enables them to correct you if you are mistaken on any point.

To think it impossible that one could be so mistaken is just proof of one's ignorance of the Bible. It tells us we need to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus. New Christians do not know everything, and they may well have some mistaken beliefs.

The problem is I've never met a Christian who isn't also a hypocrite in some area. Someone who is telling me how to live my life like theres, whilst they gloss over the egregious exceptions they make so that they can continue living their own life without change.

Most supposed "devout" Christians are the most dangerous imo, because they delusionally believe the way they live their lives is supported by scripture without question.

wolfsbane

CDfm wrote: »

Yup- Im divorced.

The pastor was in for coffee the other morning - and we had an apple pie breakfast.

Sorry to hear about the divorce. Always a sad experience, no matter who's at fault.

Glad to hear your daughter is a believer. And that she is with the Baptists - in Ireland, at least, they are generally sound on the gospel.

wolfsbane

JimiTime wrote: »

I thought you were a Calvinist. Or are they the same?

I'm Christian, non-denominational currently. For the record.

Baptist is both my view of the nature and purpose of Christian baptism (immersion of the believer only, as a symbol of the renewal to life that we have already experienced in conversion) and the tag of my local church (to identify our distinctive beliefs). Calvinist is my view of God's sovereignty in providence and salvation ( He ordains all that comes to pass, according to the good purposes of His will, and He saves whom He will).

Some Baptists are Calvinists, some are Arminian, some in between. Same applies to Anglicans, Pentecostals and various other Christian denominations.

wolfsbane

Goduznt Xzst said:

Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfsbane
Two reasons:
1. Not all who call themselves Christians are so, therefore we can expect them to distort authentic Christian teaching.

2. Not all Scripture is equally clear, so even true Christians get some (secondary) things wrong.
Under this reasoning how can you be confident that your current understanding of biblical scripture is not heretical to how God intended it to be understood? Given the numerous and varied understandings of scripture, many of which that have departed from the teachings of the first century Christians, how can you be confident that what you currently believe and live your life by is actually how God intended? Given your human imperfection and the imperfection of the humans that thought you it is not possible for you to confidently say that the "truths" you currently hold are the "truths" that God intended.

I said, Not all Scripture is equally clear, not that all Scripture is not clear. The essentials are clear. People who get them wrong either have not paid attention or they are spiritually blinded by Satan.

All Christians do indeed err in some of their beliefs, but not in the essential ones.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfsbane
Both false and true use the Scriptures to prove their case. The Bible is the foundation document of Christianity, so even the heretics have to make some attempt to match their teachings to it.
How can you be confident that you yourself are not a heretic?

The Scripture is plain enough to keep us from foundational error.

The problem is I've never met a Christian who isn't also a hypocrite in some area. Someone who is telling me how to live my life like theres, whilst they gloss over the egregious exceptions they make so that they can continue living their own life without change.

No Christian will be perfect - they will make errors of judgment and sometimes plainly sin. But if they wilfully live in sin then they are either false Christians or Christians about to be severely chastised. If they succeed in living like this, it is proof they are not Christians.

Most supposed "devout" Christians are the most dangerous imo, because they delusionally believe the way they live their lives is supported by scripture without question.

Most people, Christian and non-believer, live from time to time on the assumption that their conduct is in line with their professed beliefs. Maybe it takes a crisis to make them re-examine that. But Christians should know better - the Bible tells them to be wary of the schemes of Satan that are designed to trick the unwary into sin, to be vigilant, to test all things, etc.

If one wishes to know more of this... god, one only needs to look at the caliber of the people who say they serve him. The are always of two classes: fools and hypocrites - Thomas Jefferson

I note your signature - Jefferson was a deist, as far as I remember. He naturally would have regarded self-sacrificing Christians like John Eliot and Jonathan Edwards as fools. No doubt he met some real hypocrites too amongst professing theists, though I have found many unbelievers just tag devout Christians with that because the Christian lifestyle offends the sinner.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Eliot_(missionary)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Edwards_(theology)

Galvasean

I am of the atheist (non) religion.

Nerin

Galvasean wrote: »

I am of the atheist (non) religion.

I thought you worshipped the noble saurian way,or at least the path of the saiyan warrior. I'm shocked

Mr Clonfadda

I'm a Quaker

KnifeWRENCH

I have no idea! I'm still looking tbh.
I was baptised and raised as a Catholic, but I can't justifiably call myself one because I disagree with the Church's stance on so many issues (abortion, homosexuality, sex before marriage etc.) I'm not an atheist because I do believe that a higher power exists.

Recently, I've been thinking along the lines of Deism but I won't label myself as anything just yet.

Asiaprod

Atheist (Buddhist)

Tim Robbins

wolfsbane wrote: »

Glad to hear your daughter is a believer. And that she is with the Baptists - in Ireland, at least, they are generally sound on the gospel.

Wolsbane, how many people in your Church would be creationists?

Galvasean

Nerin wrote: »

I thought you worshipped the noble saurian way,or at least the path of the saiyan warrior. I'm shocked

Neither of those virtues are religions.

Húrin

Maybe some sort of Anabaptist.

CDfm

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Wolsbane, how many people in your Church would be creationists?

i think creationists are given a bit of a bad rap- as its not really an issue for church . i am not creationist -catholics are not.

if you look at it- take time- if you are the supreme being time wont exist as such -its a manmade concept. i would look at it as a child saying something took forever meaning a long time.so most christians have an allegorical reading of genesis.

a more appropriate question would be do you hold to a literal reading of the bible

because creationist or non-creationist in the here and now its the moral or christian values they hold that count -not what has happened in the past. so its how they apply their beliefs to everyday life that counts.

so i would view the whole creationist debate as being a secular issue as i imagine most christians would and it would have little real value or currency in any internal or ecunimical debate.

i may be wrong but my view is that its largely irrelevant

Goduznt Xzst

wolfsbane wrote: »

I said, Not all Scripture is equally clear, not that all Scripture is not clear. The essentials are clear. People who get them wrong either have not paid attention or they are spiritually blinded by Satan.

Who defines what is essential? If there are parts of the bible that aren't essential then why have they been included.

Can you name for me the Christian groups that you know of that have been spiritually blinded by Satan and do not adhere to the "essentials" as you know them? You yourself are a Baptist, are you not a Catholic because their beliefs have been blinded by Satan?

wolfsbane wrote: »

All Christians do indeed err in some of their beliefs, but not in the essential ones.

As above. What are the essential beliefs? Do you imagine it is possible for your religion to not view aspects of the Bible as essential that God himself actually views as essential?

wolfsbane wrote: »

The Scripture is plain enough to keep us from foundational error.

Then how has there been foundational errors been made in the understanding of the scripture. How can you be confident that your current understanding is not false.

wolfsbane wrote: »

Most people, Christian and non-believer, live from time to time on the assumption that their conduct is in line with their professed beliefs. Maybe it takes a crisis to make them re-examine that. But Christians should know better - the Bible tells them to be wary of the schemes of Satan that are designed to trick the unwary into sin, to be vigilant, to test all things, etc.

Do you not imagine that Satan might have been able to exploit your confidence and resolve in your beliefs to the point that he has tricked you into following a Christian belief that God views as heretical? How can you be truly confident that the way you understand the bible has not been influenced by Satan.

Becca.1521

Catholic:D

Rev Hellfire

Agnostic, The existence or not of god(s) is unimportant, rather how you seek to lead your life is.

wolfsbane

Tim Robbins wrote: »

Wolsbane, how many people in your Church would be creationists?

We've a membership of about 220, and I reckon none of them would be evolutionists. Some would be Old Earth Creationists, most Young Earth Creationists - but I haven't surveyed them, I'm just going on what is preached from the pulpit and in any conservations I've had.

wolfsbane

Goduznt Xzst said:

Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfsbane
I said, Not all Scripture is equally clear, not that all Scripture is not clear. The essentials are clear. People who get them wrong either have not paid attention or they are spiritually blinded by Satan. Who defines what is essential? If there are parts of the bible that aren't essential then why have they been included.

The Bible makes it clear enough. To reject Jesus as the Messiah is to fundamentally err:
John 8:23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

But to err on the matter of 'clean foods' or 'holy days' is a matter of spiritual weakness, not spiritual death:
Romans 14:1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.

Can you name for me the Christian groups that you know of that have been spiritually blinded by Satan and do not adhere to the "essentials" as you know them? You yourself are a Baptist, are you not a Catholic because their beliefs have been blinded by Satan?

Yes. Here's some churches that have fundamentally erred:
The Roman Catholic Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
The Jehovah Witnesses
The Unitarian Churches

Remember my caveat: true Christians can be found in even apostate churches.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfsbane
All Christians do indeed err in some of their beliefs, but not in the essential ones.
As above. What are the essential beliefs?

I haven't time tonight to provide an exhaustive list - but it comes down to the identity of God, His Triune nature, the Deity of Christ, His Substitutionary Atonement, His Resurrection and Ascension to God's right hand, Salvation by Faith Alone.

Do you imagine it is possible for your religion to not view aspects of the Bible as essential that God himself actually views as essential?

No. Otherwise the Spirit of God within would not be confirming my salvation.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfsbane
The Scripture is plain enough to keep us from foundational error.
Then how has there been foundational errors been made in the understanding of the scripture. How can you be confident that your current understanding is not false.

Foundational error has been made because some of those who professed faith were not really of us. They were deceivers/self-deceivers who came in among us but had no real part in our salvation:
1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfsbane
Most people, Christian and non-believer, live from time to time on the assumption that their conduct is in line with their professed beliefs. Maybe it takes a crisis to make them re-examine that. But Christians should know better - the Bible tells them to be wary of the schemes of Satan that are designed to trick the unwary into sin, to be vigilant, to test all things, etc.
Do you not imagine that Satan might have been able to exploit your confidence and resolve in your beliefs to the point that he has tricked you into following a Christian belief that God views as heretical? How can you be truly confident that the way you understand the bible has not been influenced by Satan.

I see it confirmed in the Bible - in a way any honest reader would interpret it, even if an unbeliever. And the Spirit within that confirms it has brought me through several experiences that support His veracity.

kelly1

wolfsbane wrote: »

Yes. Here's some churches that have fundamentally erred:
The Roman Catholic Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
The Jehovah Witnesses
The Unitarian Churches

Can I ask you a straight question and get a straight answer please?

How do you know that you interpretation of Scripture is as Jesus intended it?

wolfsbane wrote: »

I see it confirmed in the Bible - in a way any honest reader would interpret it, even if an unbeliever.

Do you really think it's just down to honesty?

Gareth37

wolfsbane wrote: »

Yes. Here's some churches that have fundamentally erred:
The Roman Catholic Church.

I have a major problem with this. The RCC fundamentally believe in Jesus and God and the Holy Spirit. Tell me how the RCC have errored?