Question about religion.

[MuffinCakes]

My family isn't religious, and when I was growing up we never really discussed religion in our home. It was more of a fairy tale type of thing.

Sometimes my friends get involved in religious debates and I feel left out. Now I must say that I'm close to 20 and have lived my life just fine without religion, but it's just that sometimes when such debates occur, I feel completely out of place, and to me it seems like if I try to say something about the topic I have no knowledge about, it may make me seem dumb.

So should I just avoid these discussions altogether, or should I start reading up on the stuff? I mean I don't want to become religious or anything, but simply want to know if it would be useful to know about it for later in life. Kind of like learning about it so I can have a better understanding of what people are talking about and where they're coming from.

[LunicaAshes]

Do whatever you want. If it's something important to you, read up on information that you would like to debate about (read both sides and try to find unbiased sources.) If not, don't. It's not like you have to debate religion just because other people do. But if you want to, get informed first.

I think it IS useful for everyone to read up on, because a lot of people would like to make the US a theocracy. If you're not cool with playing by their rules, start collecting fuel to show why.

[IdahoViking]

Debating anything that is 'faith-based' is pointless.

Debate depends on facts, faith does not!

Now if you want to debate interpretaions of lessons ot whatever, that is different - but to debate a faith itself is an exercise in futility.

[MuffinCakes]

Yea, that's the thing I'm wondering about. Like I said before, I don't have any interest in converting to a certain religion. I only want to learn about its history and what each religion teaches, because when someone mentions something that's religion related, I have no clue what's being discussed, and I just sit there in silence until the conversation is over.

[LunicaAshes]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

Yea, that's the thing I'm wondering about. Like I said before, I don't have any interest in converting to a certain religion. I only want to learn about its history and what each religion teaches, because when someone mentions something that's religion related, I have no clue what's being discussed, and I just sit there in silence until the conversation is over.

That's similar to if others around you knew another language, and you were deciding whether or not to learn it so that you could join in those convos. It's really just up to you, and whatever YOU want to do.

[Galt]

Take a world religion class at your local college, or just get a good book on world religions. Religions are an important part of human culture, but it's important to remember that's all they are. People feel dogmatically attached to them, or certain that they are true, but every primitive and ignorant culture makes up their own mythology and religious beliefs to explain death or natural phenomenon, and none of them seem to take this into account.
I would recommend Daniel Dennett's "Breaking The Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" if you really want an objective look at human religion.
David Leeming's "The World of Myth" is a good, easy read covering the mythological beliefs from cultures all over the world. IT is divided into specific archetypes or common myths, like the creation, end-times, and afterlife, and everything is easy to look up and summarized well.

[xXBoStErXx]

Lol they say knowledge is power, I suggest you read up on some religion. It's pretty much history, many of the past wars were fought over religion, and religious articles.


And who knows.. maybe you'll convert and have saved your souL??!! ^.^

[mug]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

My family isn't religious, and when I was growing up we never really discussed religion in our home. It was more of a fairy tale type of thing.

Sometimes my friends get involved in religious debates and I feel left out. Now I must say that I'm close to 20 and have lived my life just fine without religion, but it's just that sometimes when such debates occur, I feel completely out of place, and to me it seems like if I try to say something about the topic I have no knowledge about, it may make me seem dumb.

So should I just avoid these discussions altogether, or should I start reading up on the stuff? I mean I don't want to become religious or anything, but simply want to know if it would be useful to know about it for later in life. Kind of like learning about it so I can have a better understanding of what people are talking about and where they're coming from.

I wouldn't spend too much time in the R/P if I were you, not unless you want to become a militant atheist

[MuffinCakes]

Save my soul from what? haha

Thanks for the links to the books. I'm gonna stop by the local library this week to see if they have them.

[LunicaAshes]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

Save my soul from what? haha

Thanks for the links to the books. I'm gonna stop by the local library this week to see if they have them.

I'd also suggest Bart D. Ehrman's Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why

I haven't read it yet myself, but my BF did, and gave me an overview of what is in it. Sounds worth reading.

[PickItUp]

The only thing you need to say in a dabate about religion is that none of it can be proven either way.

So like IdahoViking said, debating something that is based on faith is a failure waiting to happen. There can be no winner...but if you feel like you cannot say anything intelligent in such a debate, it's better to keep your mouth shut, and let them continue on arguing about something that can never be proven.

[Gadsden]

I would recommend Summa Theologica, by Thomas Aquinas.

It's a rather long read, but you can get one book at a time.

[harpbluez]

As a born again christian I just want to say debating religion is pointless. And they usually end up debating something completely off topic of what the debated started with. I feel "Religion" just gets in the way of who God truely is and what he wants for your life.

My views are in John 14:6-7.

[BrandonM.B]

I studied for theocratic minstry once, and I can tell you the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek writings contain the word 'religion' exactly zero times.
It is always good to learn of other cultures and their religous beleifs, you are certainly not obligated to convert to them. However, spirituality is an important part of human existence, and is not neccessarly linked to ritual or dogma. One of Jesus' main grievance w/ the clergy class of his time was their placing an over-importance on religous rituals and dogamtic beleifs, at the expense of living by and adhering to simple and basic truths which lead to peace and make life more pleasant for everyone.

To those without faith, no explanation is possible, to those who have it, none is neccesary

[ripper6]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

My family isn't religious, and when I was growing up we never really discussed religion in our home. It was more of a fairy tale type of thing.

Sometimes my friends get involved in religious debates and I feel left out. Now I must say that I'm close to 20 and have lived my life just fine without religion, but it's just that sometimes when such debates occur, I feel completely out of place, and to me it seems like if I try to say something about the topic I have no knowledge about, it may make me seem dumb.

So should I just avoid these discussions altogether, or should I start reading up on the stuff? I mean I don't want to become religious or anything, but simply want to know if it would be useful to know about it for later in life. Kind of like learning about it so I can have a better understanding of what people are talking about and where they're coming from.

Much of your story is similar to my own. My family was not regligious, and they didn't even discuss religion. When I was 19-20 I was getting confronted with a variety of questions, particularly at college, that prompted me to start thinking about religion and reading. Within about 3 years I surprised my family, and myself, as I was then going to church and they weren't.

You really can't discuss any topic without knowing something about the topic. So I recommend you start some reading.

There are many books I could recommend, and if there are specific questions/topics you can PM me. Here are some readings, free, online that are a good start. (BTW, don't be lazy about using a dictionary or encyclopedia if you find terms in these readings that you don't understand.)

This first link is to an article that might be a good start:

"Is One Religion As Good As Another? A Plain Answer To a Common Question"
http://www.pamphlets.org.au/?page_id=70

The second is "Orthodoxy" by G.K. Chesterton. He wrote this after he had published a previous book showing the inconsistencies of unbelief. His "Orthodoxy" is considered a masterpiece in the use of the paradox in the English language, as well as one of the best defenses of belief in modern writing.

"Orthodoxy" by G. K. Chesterton
http://www.ewtn.com/library/THEOLOGY/ORTHODOX.HTM


This third is a book by Frank Sheed who grew up in a family that was antagonistic toward his religious belief. He wrote many books, but this one is a clear compreshensive, yet simple overview of the basics of religion in life:

"A Map of Life" by Frank Sheed
http://www.ewtn.com/library/SPIRIT/MAPLIF.TXT


A very simple outline of Christianity is this:
"The words of life"
http://www.pamphlets.org.au/?page_id=220

There are many other links at that site to free booklets on many many religious topics.

Good luck, and say your prayers.

P.S. If you ever find yourself dealing with atheists, this new book by Vox Day is excellent and discussing their beliefs.

"The Irrational Atheist" by Vox Day

http://www.amazon.com/Irrational-Ath...1579855&sr=8-1

[ripper6]

Originally Posted by harpbluez

As a born again christian I just want to say debating religion is pointless. And they usually end up debating something completely off topic of what the debated started with. I feel "Religion" just gets in the way of who God truely is and what he wants for your life.

My views are in John 14:6-7.

Not true. Did you ever hear of Apologetics?

[ripper6]

Originally Posted by Schadenfreude

I would recommend Summa Theologica, by Thomas Aquinas.

It's a rather long read, but you can get one book at a time.

That's like recommending Einsteins relativity to someone just starting to ask about basic science. Also, it costs a small fortune.

I'd recommend "The Question Box" by Bertrand Conway



It is easy to read, covers hundreds of questions, and you can get a used copy at Amazon for just a couple of bucks.

[ripper6]

Originally Posted by IdahoViking

Debating anything that is 'faith-based' is pointless.

Debate depends on facts, faith does not!

Now if you want to debate interpretaions of lessons ot whatever, that is different - but to debate a faith itself is an exercise in futility.

Like the proposition that "All men are created equal, and endowded by their Creator with rights?" So the founding of the Repubic and the Constitution of the united states can't be debated? And, all subsequent law can't either? That would put all the lawyers and government out of existence, wouldn't it?

[illriginalized]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

My family isn't religious, and when I was growing up we never really discussed religion in our home. It was more of a fairy tale type of thing.

Sometimes my friends get involved in religious debates and I feel left out. Now I must say that I'm close to 20 and have lived my life just fine without religion, but it's just that sometimes when such debates occur, I feel completely out of place, and to me it seems like if I try to say something about the topic I have no knowledge about, it may make me seem dumb.

So should I just avoid these discussions altogether, or should I start reading up on the stuff? I mean I don't want to become religious or anything, but simply want to know if it would be useful to know about it for later in life. Kind of like learning about it so I can have a better understanding of what people are talking about and where they're coming from.

Just take the time to read and fully understand each religious text. Also be sure to have the companion to each religious text. Ex. Qur'an/Hadith and Torah/Talmud. Otherwise you'll read it and assume you understand what you're reading, which isn't so wise.


Also keep in mind that if you're in search. You don't need religion to be one with God. You don't need to go to church nor a Mosque to get to know God either.

[Gadsden]

Originally Posted by ripper6

That's like recommending Einsteins relativity to someone just starting to ask about basic science. Also, it costs a small fortune.

it was a small attempt at humor, but you did a great job recommending what seem to be good and related books, to the subject matter.

[nick187]

Originally Posted by IdahoViking

Debating anything that is 'faith-based' is pointless.

Debate depends on facts, faith does not!

Now if you want to debate interpretaions of lessons ot whatever, that is different - but to debate a faith itself is an exercise in futility.

So are you saying that Philosephy should never be discussed?, Religion can be considered as a school of philosephy, Plate, Aristotle and the rest ...

I believe the more knowledge you have the the empowered you become. If you have a personal grudge against religion just because someone molested you as a little kid does not mean you have to shun the whole thing.

Can you prove all the theories in Quantom Physics or other things we still have no grasp of ? NO ...

understanding other religions and thoughts would help with understanding and better communications. Even if you are an Atheist or what ever

[ripper6]

Originally Posted by Schadenfreude

it was a small attempt at humor, but you did a great job recommending what seem to be good and related books, to the subject matter.

I was afraid he, and others, would take you seriously. I have the Summa on my bookshelves, but there are very few I would recommend it to.

[curtis999]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

Sometimes my friends get involved in religious debates and I feel left out.


So should I just avoid these discussions altogether, or should I start reading up on the stuff? I mean I don't want to become religious or anything, but simply want to know if it would be useful to know about it for later in life. Kind of like learning about it so I can have a better understanding of what people are talking about and where they're coming from.

...almost seems you're trying to be careful about 'accidental conversion', just by learning about religion.

You won't 'pick up' the religion 'bug' by learning about it, anymore than you would believe in talking automobiles from watching the movie Cars! lol

Actually, it is qutie interesting to learn the things people believe. More so to learn why they believe them. It gives great perspective of the mindset of many around you and that you will interact with.

Also, as with anything, the more you learn about a subject, the more you critically examine any idea, will always strengthen your understanding of things. Gains in knowledge and understanding should always be a priority of those searching for 'truths'!

...not to mention the fact that it does open up conversation, the same way as trying to keep up with politics or current news events.

[rickolas]

then you know as much as they do about a "god"

[IdahoViking]

Originally Posted by ripper6

Like the proposition that "All men are created equal, and endowded by their Creator with rights?" So the founding of the Repubic and the Constitution of the united states can't be debated? And, all subsequent law can't either? That would put all the lawyers and government out of existence, wouldn't it?

...and all lawyers out of existance would be bad, How?

[leafs43]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

My family isn't religious, and when I was growing up we never really discussed religion in our home. It was more of a fairy tale type of thing.

Sometimes my friends get involved in religious debates and I feel left out. Now I must say that I'm close to 20 and have lived my life just fine without religion, but it's just that sometimes when such debates occur, I feel completely out of place, and to me it seems like if I try to say something about the topic I have no knowledge about, it may make me seem dumb.

So should I just avoid these discussions altogether, or should I start reading up on the stuff? I mean I don't want to become religious or anything, but simply want to know if it would be useful to know about it for later in life. Kind of like learning about it so I can have a better understanding of what people are talking about and where they're coming from.

Think of it this way:


You know the same amount as they do when it comes to god.

[IdahoViking]

Originally Posted by nick187

So are you saying that Philosephy should never be discussed?, Religion can be considered as a school of philosephy, Plato, Aristotle and the rest ...

I believe the more knowledge you have the the empowered you become. If you have a personal grudge against religion just because someone molested you as a little kid does not mean you have to shun the whole thing.

Can you prove all the theories in Quantom Physics or other things we still have no grasp of ? NO ...

understanding other religions and thoughts would help with understanding and better communications. Even if you are an Atheist or what ever

I didn't say it couldn't be discussed, I said it cannot be debated. A believer will never be convinced otherwise by a debate, nor will a non-believer.


...and for the record, I'm a Christian.

[fullarmor]

I am going to suggest reading "More than a Carpenter" by Josh McDowell

http://www.amazon.com/More-Than-Carp.../dp/0842345523

[Nextstopearth]

Originally Posted by MuffinCakes

Save my soul from what? haha

You know...the eternal torture set up by an all loving god! Looks like you have alot of reading to do.

[illriginalized]

Originally Posted by Nextstopearth

You know...the eternal torture set up by an all loving god! Looks like you have alot of reading to do.

There isn't enough evidence in the holy texts to prove that hell is eternal. It is hell for one to pay due for all sins committed that were not acknowledged with guilt, then you'd be one with God for eternity.