I'm an 18 year old girl, I have always been fascinated with religions, and have always respected the beliefs of everyone. Was raised in an Anglican-Christian home in West Africa in a region that is mostly Muslim. Became interested in Islam at the age of 12 and told my parents about it and was sent to be prayed upon in order to drive the demons out of me. Ever since then I've been kind of isolated from my family and kinda have been seen as the rebellious child (although I've never done anything rebellious). Another thing that resulted from that experience is a religious displacement. I am not athiest, because I do believe with all my heart that there has to be some kind of supreme being, what I don't believe is the accuracy of a lot of people's explanations of what that supreme being is like. Ever since I decided that there had to be an error down the line in the writing of the bible (disabling me from being able to call myself a Christian comfortably), I've been lost and trying to find a religion that I can accept that fits my beliefs. Basically my purpose here is to try to gain more insight by reading and examining the thought processes of people different than me in hopes that I will find something to help me in my journey of finding my religion.
Welcome to the forum. I encourage you to read the posts here and even to go back and read things from a while ago. Along the lines of reading, there are many books on philosophy, science, religion, rational thinking, etc. that can fill out your background. Maybe some of the members here can make some recommendations for you. I like "The God Delusion", by Richard Dawkins, but it may be a less-than-perfect starting point.
What do you think, members? Some good reading suggestions?
I look forward to answering any questions you think might clear up your confusion.
When I was going through my questioning-stage, I stumbled upon this WEBSITE. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/url) It gives a third party perspective of a lot of world religions, completely unbiased. I am also reading a sort of textbook on religions I borrowed from a friend called Introduction to World Religions. It's very informative, but I'm not sure where you could find it. I highly recommend the site though.
There's also another WEBSITE (http://www.selectsmart.com/RELIGION/url) that I've visited. It's a sort of quiz that gives you an idea of what your religion is. A lot of my friends have taken it and so have I (I got secular humanist, not really a religion but...) I hope it will give you a general idea of what you're looking for.
Hope that helped! Happy posting!!
Hi Sunkissed (nice name) and welcome to the forum. It must be difficult for you to question your parents' values and I applaud you for finding your own path. Religion and philosophy are fascinating subjects and if you keep an open mind you will find an ideology that suits. I think most people here would encourage you toward secular philosopy and science as a way to understand the world. Once you understand how this beautiful planet fits together naturally, you might find you don't have a need for a creator at all! Happy reading and good luck!
Quote from: "McQ"What do you think, members? Some good reading suggestions?
For me, it has to be National Geo every time - world cultures
and science, I'm in geek heaven!
Quote from: "SunKissed"I'm an 18 year old girl, I have always been fascinated with religions, and have always respected the beliefs of everyone. Was raised in an Anglican-Christian home in West Africa in a region that is mostly Muslim. Became interested in Islam at the age of 12 and told my parents about it and was sent to be prayed upon in order to drive the demons out of me. Ever since then I've been kind of isolated from my family and kinda have been seen as the rebellious child (although I've never done anything rebellious). Another thing that resulted from that experience is a religious displacement. I am not athiest, because I do believe with all my heart that there has to be some kind of supreme being, what I don't believe is the accuracy of a lot of people's explanations of what that supreme being is like. Ever since I decided that there had to be an error down the line in the writing of the bible (disabling me from being able to call myself a Christian comfortably), I've been lost and trying to find a religion that I can accept that fits my beliefs. Basically my purpose here is to try to gain more insight by reading and examining the thought processes of people different than me in hopes that I will find something to help me in my journey of finding my religion.
Just make sure that you choose what is right for you.There are so many screwy people out there no matter what religion.You are the only one who can make yourself happy and shouldn't let others make the decision for you.No one should be treated like a outcast because of what they believe or don't.Much luck on finding your best fit.
Hi SunKissed. Welcome! I hope that we can be of help in your quest. It looks like you've already been given some great tips.
Quote from: "afreethinker30"Just make sure that you choose what is right for you.There are so many screwy people out there no matter what religion.You are the only one who can make yourself happy and shouldn't let others make the decision for you.No one should be treated like a outcast because of what they believe or don't.Much luck on finding your best fit.
Agreed, and beware of circular reasoning.