| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| susquesus |
Posted - April 14 2005 : 11:33:13 PM
Which of the below best describes your philosophy? Obviously in the large world we live in I realize that I couldn't list everything. If your brand of thinking can be loosely fit into one of the below categories - please vote. If not, please describle your way of thinking to us. Please vote how you actually feel i.e. if you were raised in a tradition but do not follow it, don't vote for it. |
| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Obediah |
Posted - September 21 2006 : 12:37:34 PM
What, no choice for 'Muslim'? |
| joseph wiggs |
Posted - July 30 2005 : 10:17:37 PM
I guess I fell into the category of "Agnostic." I firmly believe that a spark of light resides in all of us. This light is a portion of the "Universal Goodness" which is a direct link that unites man with his original status. One does not need a priest or pastor to direct us upon the right "way", the ability to do so is within all of us. We have but to seek and we will find. |
| CT•Ranger |
Posted - April 20 2005 : 7:43:02 PM
"A wee child toddling in a wonder world, I prefer to their dogma my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of the mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers. If this is Paganism, then at present, at least, I am a Pagan."
There's actually nothing pagan about this statement. Humans have always recognized the glory of God displayed through his creation since the beginning. That's one reason why so many people enjoy spending time in wilderness, or just outdoors, and often describe it as a spiritual experience. The natural world is one of the two main ways God reveals himself to us. The quote above is not paganism at all. Being closer to God in the wilderness and enjoying his creation is a central theme of the Judeo/Christian Scriptures as seen in the book of Job or the Psalms, etc.
"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." Psalm 19:1
"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." Romans 1:19-20
This is a favorite quote of mine which appeared on the back cover of each issue On The Trail magazine years ago.
"I followed the trail of the deer and it led me into the forest across valleys and streams. There, alone with God and his creations, is where I found sanctuary." Silas Edwards, the Carolinas, 1773 |
| Christina |
Posted - April 20 2005 : 3:39:51 PM
And wow, Diane, I just reread that quote you had at the end of your post. I couldn't have said it better myself! i guess, according to that standard, yep, I'm a Pagan. A Pagan/Catholic maybe, but Pagan nonetheless. |
| Christina |
Posted - April 20 2005 : 3:37:30 PM
I also chose "other -- explain" because even though I am a baptized Roman Catholic and consider my main form of religious expression to be through the Christian faith, I also believe in, feel comfortable with and practice some aspects of earth religions, particularly those that come from the Celtic tradition. I guess the best description of what I am or believe in was given to me by an Irish friend: "A Catholic who still respects the Old Ways."
The aspect of earth religions that appeals to me the most is the idea that the Sacred is present in all nature and in all things. I feel as much sacredness from staring at the ocean as I do when inside a cathedral. I believe the Spirit of the Divine is present in all of creation. I hold animals and the environment in very high reverence because I feel that they are vivid and important expressions of the Creator's love for us.
I also have some spiritual beliefs which are similar to the Eastern idea of karma. I seriously believe that what goes around comes around, and whatever you give out comes back to you and yours in some way.
So I don't know how you reconcile all of that but that's what I am.  |
| Diane B. |
Posted - April 15 2005 : 9:58:19 PM
I voted "other...explain" so here is my explanation! I was born & raised in a Christian family & although we didn't make it to church every Sunday, I was raised with a definite influence from the Southern Baptist church pews. And you've gotta love those church suppers - yum! I can still taste my Mom's homemade chicken salad right now...
But I digress; back to the topic at hand. Like Rose, my views have continued to evolve over the years. I would describe my faith as being a blend of Christian teachings and beliefs, combined with some Native American (thanks to my heritage) and a large dose of spiritualism. To me, part of being spiritual is being in tune with & loving the earth & all of creation.
Much of what Lady Ann wrote felt "like home" to me in many ways. I must admit, I always feel closest to the Creator when I am away from the noise & confusion of the city, and out enjoying those truly beautiful & wild places that remain of this earth. This quote describes my feelings about that relationship quite well: "A wee child toddling in a wonder world, I prefer to their dogma my excursions into the natural gardens where the voice of the Great Spirit is heard in the twittering of birds, the rippling of the mighty waters, and the sweet breathing of flowers. If this is Paganism, then at present, at least, I am a Pagan."
- Zitkala-Sa (Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, or Red Bird), Sioux Author And Activist, 1876 - 1938
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