If you had to start a religion...

[DeterminedJuliet]

*begins passing around collection plate*  

I think this sign ought to be in the parking lot of our meeting area. Just to scare people.  

Hahaha, I don't know. Newfoundlanders aren't very good at keeping out strangers - most of us would start haulin' people in for a "drink, scoff and a scuff"  
Actually, that might work towards recruitment. Hmmm.

[Crow]

FIRST, to borrow from Catholicism, there will be plenty of wine and bread available to ALL members

As long as its top quality wine, fresh bread (none of that wafer crap) and also include cheese with a wide variety of tapas and I will be sold.

[Jimmy]

*begins passing around collection plate* 

Oh wait (waking from trance-like state) I'm only here for the booze.

[Jimmy]

FIRST, to borrow from Catholicism, there will be plenty of wine and bread available to ALL members

As long as its top quality wine, fresh bread (none of that wafer crap) and also include cheese with a wide variety of tapas and I will be sold.

Done deal!! Besides I can bake awesome fresh bread, which not even Jesus could do! Seriously though; buttermilk, Italian, sugar-loaf, and honey-wheat.

[Non Sum]

While there are theists mucking about in all of the major religions, some are decidedly non-theistic in doctrine/philosophy.  Taoism, for example, also has a "Philosophical Taoism" to aid in keeping the gods at bay, and wisdom at central focus.  Its two founders (Lao & Chuang) never mention gods or worship.  Neither, for that matter, does Buddhist philosophy at large concern itself with theistic concepts. 

The exoteric teachings of the "enlightenment religions" is focused upon individual enlightenment, or 'awakening' (i.e. "buddha").  Not pleasing gods.  Hinduism is a sort of 'United Nations of beliefs,' with some Hindu schools even declaring themselves to be both "good Hindus," and "atheists."  The largest Hindu philosophic school ('Advaitism' - 'Non-dualism'), as the name indicates, denies all dualistic concepts (e.g.gods-mortals, creators-created, good-evil) as unreal illusions.

Even lurking within the "theistic faiths," such as Islam and Xianity, are the Sufis and Xian mystics who find a plethora  of non-theistic wisdom within the Quran and Bible. 
"Christians who follow and obey the incarnate Logos Itself, and who denounce the false gods, are termed 'atheists'."  (St. Justin Martyr)

Many atheists (mis)take 'atheism' to both deny theos and also assert empiricism, or worse: naive materialism; when all it does is the former, leaving the atheist plenty of room for all sorts of additional 'isms.'  Atheists have been busy creating non-materialistic philosophies and religions for millennia. 
Keep up the good work.

[Amicale]

While there are theists mucking about in all of the major religions, some are decidedly non-theistic in doctrine/philosophy.  Taoism, for example, also has a "Philosophical Taoism" to aid in keeping the gods at bay, and wisdom at central focus.  Its two founders (Lao & Chuang) never mention gods or worship.  Neither, for that matter, does Buddhist philosophy at large concern itself with theistic concepts. 

The exoteric teachings of the "enlightenment religions" is focused upon individual enlightenment, or 'awakening' (i.e. "buddha").  Not pleasing gods.  Hinduism is a sort of 'United Nations of beliefs,' with some Hindu schools even declaring themselves to be both "good Hindus," and "atheists."  The largest Hindu philosophic school ('Advaitism' - 'Non-dualism'), as the name indicates, denies all dualistic concepts (e.g.gods-mortals, creators-created, good-evil) as unreal illusions.

Even lurking within the "theistic faiths," such as Islam and Xianity, are the Sufis and Xian mystics who find a plethora  of non-theistic wisdom within the Quran and Bible. 
"Christians who follow and obey the incarnate Logos Itself, and who denounce the false gods, are termed 'atheists'."  (St. Justin Martyr)

Many atheists (mis)take 'atheism' to both deny theos and also assert empiricism, or worse: naive materialism; when all it does is the former, leaving the atheist plenty of room for all sorts of additional 'isms.'  Atheists have been busy creating non-materialistic philosophies and religions for millennia. 
Keep up the good work.

I have a certain fondness for and interest in both Taoism and Buddhism, and some of the ideas in them. I'm certainly not wedded to those ideas, but I find them interesting and I read the odd bit of literature from both belief systems every now and again, especially Buddhism. I like its stance on compassion, especially. If I were to start my own religion, I'd certainly incorporate the odd idea from Taoism or Buddhism.

[Jimmy]

While there are theists mucking about in all of the major religions, some are decidedly non-theistic in doctrine/philosophy.  Taoism, for example, also has a "Philosophical Taoism" to aid in keeping the gods at bay, and wisdom at central focus.  Its two founders (Lao & Chuang) never mention gods or worship.  Neither, for that matter, does Buddhist philosophy at large concern itself with theistic concepts. 

The exoteric teachings of the "enlightenment religions" is focused upon individual enlightenment, or 'awakening' (i.e. "buddha").  Not pleasing gods.  Hinduism is a sort of 'United Nations of beliefs,' with some Hindu schools even declaring themselves to be both "good Hindus," and "atheists."  The largest Hindu philosophic school ('Advaitism' - 'Non-dualism'), as the name indicates, denies all dualistic concepts (e.g.gods-mortals, creators-created, good-evil) as unreal illusions.

Even lurking within the "theistic faiths," such as Islam and Xianity, are the Sufis and Xian mystics who find a plethora  of non-theistic wisdom within the Quran and Bible. 
"Christians who follow and obey the incarnate Logos Itself, and who denounce the false gods, are termed 'atheists'."  (St. Justin Martyr)

Many atheists (mis)take 'atheism' to both deny theos and also assert empiricism, or worse: naive materialism; when all it does is the former, leaving the atheist plenty of room for all sorts of additional 'isms.'  Atheists have been busy creating non-materialistic philosophies and religions for millennia. 
Keep up the good work.

I have a certain fondness for and interest in both Taoism and Buddhism, and some of the ideas in them. I'm certainly not wedded to those ideas, but I find them interesting and I read the odd bit of literature from both belief systems every now and again, especially Buddhism. I like its stance on compassion, especially. If I were to start my own religion, I'd certainly incorporate the odd idea from Taoism or Buddhism.

I sort of have "thing" for Shintoism, which is kind of similar. Although I don't practice, I like incorporating some of its philosophy into my life....just for fun:)

[Crow]

While there are theists mucking about in all of the major religions...

Indeed even the religious form of Taoism is godless its only really when Taoism comes into contact with the old Chinese folk religions when the gods arise. Personally I am a huge fan of Taoism and specifically the Tao Te Ching (except a few bad translations) but mainly because its so close to my own philosophical perception.

[DeterminedJuliet]

While there are theists mucking about in all of the major religions...

Indeed even the religious form of Taoism is godless its only really when Taoism comes into contact with the old Chinese folk religions when the gods arise. Personally I am a huge fan of Taoism and specifically the Tao Te Ching (except a few bad translations) but mainly because its so close to my own philosophical perception.

Agreed.

Have you guys read "The Tao of Pooh?" It's a pretty simplistic rendition of Taoism, but it's a cute little read.

[The Magic Pudding]

A thing I don't like about christianity is children are taught we do these things this way because god says.
We shouldn't desire but we do, we should love but we holy war, love is the way yet we're so petty and hateful.

I want something that doesn't require assiduous tending by hypocrites.
I'd like something human based, how would you like to be treated?
That sounds fair, so don't you think it would be right to treat others so?
Many have guilt assigned to them and they accept it.
Cultivate is a word, I like the first definition: foster the growth of.
So much better than the retardation that's been on offer for so long.

[Non Sum]

I have a certain fondness for and interest in both Taoism and Buddhism, and some of the ideas in them. I'm certainly not wedded to those ideas, but I find them interesting and I read the odd bit of literature from both belief systems every now and again, especially Buddhism. I like its stance on compassion, especially. If I were to start my own religion, I'd certainly incorporate the odd idea from Taoism or Buddhism.

While reading some of the earlier posts in this thread, it struck me how many ideas were already present in eastern religions, esp. Taoism.

I sort of have "thing" for Shintoism, which is kind of similar. Although I don't practice, I like incorporating some of its philosophy into my life....just for fun:)

Isn't Shinto chock full of nature spirits busy demanding propitiation lest we offend?  I've often heard some misfortunate occurance's blame being place on an "evil Kami's" influence.  I'm curious how an "atheist" (such as yourself) would get around this excess of deistic meddling?

Indeed even the religious form of Taoism is godless its only really when Taoism comes into contact with the old Chinese folk religions when the gods arise. Personally I am a huge fan of Taoism and specifically the Tao Te Ching (except a few bad translations) but mainly because its so close to my own philosophical perception.

Yes, the 'Tao Teh Ching' accommodates itself to any and all possible interpretations/translations one may care to make of it.  One must be very careful in their selection.  I've five copies that appear as though they were five entirely different books.  Chuang tse (see: 'Genius of the Absurd') is much more consistently translated.

"Close to your own philosophical perception," (or 'taste') is really what it all comes down to in philosophic/religious advocacy. None of us are "wrong," or "right," any more than someone's preference for a type of pie is "right or best," in any absolute sense.  Where do our tastes come from?  Nature-nurture, I suppose. 

Have a Zen quote:
Don't be overjoyed at the right.
Don't be distressed over the wrong.
For the ancient Masters, things are like flowers and blossoms;
Peach  blossoms  are red, plum blossoms are white, and roses are
pink.
Though  I  ask  the  spring  breeze  why  they  are so, it knows nothing.

[Amicale]

While there are theists mucking about in all of the major religions...

Indeed even the religious form of Taoism is godless its only really when Taoism comes into contact with the old Chinese folk religions when the gods arise. Personally I am a huge fan of Taoism and specifically the Tao Te Ching (except a few bad translations) but mainly because its so close to my own philosophical perception.

Agreed.

Have you guys read "The Tao of Pooh?" It's a pretty simplistic rendition of Taoism, but it's a cute little read.

Yes, I have! In my first year of being an undergrad, a guy was sitting next to me in a lecture hall reading that before class. I asked him about it, and he told me about the book as well as that he was a Taoist. As I'd never met someone who had ever converted to Taoism, I was interested. So we chatted for a bit. I told him I'd get the book out of the library, and I did. He also told me there was another one with Piglet, but I never got around to that one somehow.... hmm...

[Non Sum]

Have you guys read "The Tao of Pooh?" It's a pretty simplistic rendition of Taoism, but it's a cute little read.

Yes, I liked it very much.  "Simplistic" is itself very Taoist; I'm sure Lao would heartily approve.

A thing I don't like about christianity is children are taught we do these things this way because god says.
We shouldn't desire but we do, we should love but we holy war, love is the way yet we're so petty and hateful.

"Love" has meaning only in its opposition to "hate."  Just as every "up" is necessarily accompanied by a "down"; otherwise we'd need 'up-ladders'' to get up & 'down-ladders' to get back down.  This is a truth at the heart of (non-dual) Taoism, i.e. that all sticks come with two ends, and saw off as much of the "bad end" as you may (i.e. a "dualist"), you will never have an end to opposing ends.  So long as you embrace "love," you will engender it opposite.

[DeterminedJuliet]

Have you guys read "The Tao of Pooh?" It's a pretty simplistic rendition of Taoism, but it's a cute little read.

Yes, I liked it very much.  "Simplistic" is itself very Taoist; I'm sure Lao would heartily approve.

This is true. 

[Crow]

Have you guys read "The Tao of Pooh?" It's a pretty simplistic rendition of Taoism, but it's a cute little read.

I hadn't but I have just bought it. Thanks DJ.