Losing My Religion

[notsurewheretoturn]

I'm a pagan - there I've said it, feel free to have a bash, lots have over the years and all of it based on ignorance of my belief system.

We do believe in a God, two of them in fact (not to mention countless other patheons), but our main Gods are the universe (male aspect) and nature (female aspect). And we work with respect and reverence to them.

Each of us have their own beliefs and no one should be turning their back on another just because that belief is different to their own.

Feel free to discover what religion (or none) works best for you.

 

[Ronin]

That comparison gets kind of funny to me @notsurewheretoturn, universe male and nature female, in a lot of traditions I've been growing up with we assumed nature is full of danger and mystery therefore serious business and masculine and nothing to do with women, unless said women are manly and atypical to start with &/or proving they're good at 'man' things, and universe on its own was conceived as deep and unknowable to those not able to give birth, just like conception of a physical baby itself - hence feminine.

Interesting to compare African x European traditions, there.

 

[notsurewheretoturn]

@Cashew yes nature can be very destructive but you sometimes have to destroy in order to create. Think of a forest after a fire, the fire destroys so that new life can grow, the winds can blow down a tree which will then rot so that other organisms can live on it and the tree then returns to the earth. Nature is a mother (mother earth, mother nature) which has a nurturing aspect to her and creates new life every day, even if she has a dangerous aspect.

The universe contains the sun and the moon, the sun warms the earth allowing nature to grow, while the pull of the moon moves the tides. The earth moves around the sun to create the seasons, thereby allowing a period of rest for the soil in the winter when its effectively sleeping.

Each works with the other to allow the earth to thrive.

In Paganism everything is in balance and needs its opposite element in order to survive.

 

[void]

You're lovely!! I really appreciate your encouragement. Most people just treat me like I'm weird!! Coup...

You are too kind:notworthy::notworthy::notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:

Yes, freedom from religious delusion and the control of the Church is a beautiful thing. The emotional release you feel from their chains is palpable and I am thrilled to see it.

Just a gentle kind word of caution....sometimes ppl who have been heavily repressed swing quite far the other direction in their joy and abandon. I'm not saying you have and I'm not judging your behavior in any way. It's just that I have seen others throw caution to the wind. Their newfound freedom is so exhilarating that they take dangerous risks and their exploration can create consequences they don't want. Be free, but safely free.:)

I mean that in the most respectful way because I don't want you to be hurt. I only care that you are well.:)

 

[Ellabella44]

I used to believe, but had a few bad experiences involving religion. Way I see it, if he exists, he knows why and would forgive me for an extended vacation from religion.

These days I believe more in what i can actually physically experience. A peaceful day of mindfulness at the beach in the pouring rain. Meeting people that restore my faith in myself. Taking care of cats in a shelter and being greeted by them with affection when I need it the most.

For me those things are my connection to some higher power outside of myself. They are good things that come into my life and yes I am grateful for them. And I see how its easier to believe in dog. But I much prefer a kitty lol.

 

[iwannadeletethis]

You are too kind:notworthy::notworthy::notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:

Yes, freedom from religious delusio...

Oh no, I'm sure that's great advice and I appreciate it!!

 

[iwannadeletethis]

I used to believe, but had a few bad experiences involving religion. Way I see it, if he exists, h...

Doesn't it make life beautiful?? I'm sorry for your bad experience though. That seemed like a very rational way to approach that.

 

[AnnaLost]

Like @void I grew up in a cult, severe in its thinking and very demanding in its proscribed views. I got out and struggled with what I believed. I'm now an atheist. I don't believe in any human definition of God or gods or that they have some sort of influence on my life. I just can't bring myself to get there.

But I do believe in the amazing vastness of the universe, it's complexities and wonders. If I were to define"God" it would be the infinite, encompassing everything and everyone. And I, and you, are a part of that vastness.

Then I had to decide what that meant, in terms of my actions and behavior. I chose this simple rule: I will strive to add more positive energy to the universe than negative. That's it. I can't do anything more.

I don't know if that will help you, but I will say that for myself, simplifying my belief system to such a level took a tremendous amount of stress off my plate and I've found myself much more able to look at questions and situations without anxiety since. I appreciate more and let go of things much more easily.

Good luck.

Oh, and people praying for me? I always thank them, because prayer is just putting out positive energy, right? And who couldn't use more of that? :p

 

[void]

Like @void I grew up in a cult, severe in its thinking and very demanding in its pros...

Welcome @AnnaLost !

you done sound lost to me;)
you sound like your mind is clearer than Billions of other humans:D:D:D:D