Religious Affiliation?

[JandCMI]

I was reading through some threads and found several dealing with people having guilt issues about swinging/bisexuality due to religious brainwashing in the past and so forth. I couldn't find any kind of poll in this vein - so here goes.

I'm quite curious to find what a sampling of those in this alternative and subversive lifestyle consider themselves.

[Maybe_Someday]

I voted Protestant Christian, but specifically I am Episcopalian. Growing up I found myself struggling with the orthodoxy of other denominations. I really enjoyed the fact that my church was one that allowed parishioners to ask questions and did not assume that they (the church had all the answers.

To quote a former add campaign for the Episcopal Church, "The problem with churches that have all the answers is they don't allow any questions."

MS

[BiDrywallChick]

Witch here aka Pagan

[Dynamar]

I voted "other"... Was brought up with religion (Protestant, specifically Methodist), but was just never comfortable with all of the dogma. I do, however, believe in a higher power, so that's why I didn't choose "atheist."

[Spoomonkey]

I am a Christian. It is something that is very deeply meaningful to me, so I often have a tough time fitting into a church

Spoomonkey

[intuition897]

Originally Posted by Spoomonkey

I am a Christian. It is something that is very deeply meaningful to me, so I often have a tough time fitting into a church

Spoomonkey

I am very much the same. I, too, am a Christian, but haven't been to church in a LOOOONG time. Not even for Christmas or Easter I'm ashamed to say. I grew up Anglican (basicly the protestant equivalent of Catholocism), then my Mom switched churches to Free Methodist because she objected to the Anglican church condoning not only female ministers, but gay female ministers. Needless to say, she knows nothing about our lifestyle or the fact that yeah, I've had sex with another woman. And I plan to keep it that way. She's a good woman, and I'm sure we'll see each other on the other side of the Pearly Gates someday, but she has a tendency to keep her blinders on, pretend that the big questions aren't really there, and just follow the rulebook. It's just her way. Whether a blessing or a curse, God granted me an inquisitive mind and a bit of a rebellious streak. I'm a truth-seeker at heart, and I am very uncomfortable doing what everyone else does for the sake of fitting in. I think what unsettles me the most is not the fact that people are moving in a particular direction, but the fact that no one seems to understand why they're travelling such a treacherous road...and that so many are doing it!! With so many people's lives being affected by these ideas, following the same road map as it were, has anyone thought to ensure that the map they are using is the most up-to-date? Are they sure they aren't holding the map upside down? Scary thought, that the leader of the tour group held his map upside down and the rest of the group turned their maps over too, wrong way around, simply following a leader who was not necessarily cut out for his job.

My constant question seems to be, "What makes you such an authority?" In God's eyes, we all put our pants on one leg at a time. We're all worth each as much as the other. Some people were meant to be leaders; others just like to be the boss, and have manipulated their way to front of the line. It's for that reason that I choose to think for myself rather than simply believe and do what I'm told.

Interesting thread and poll! I'm anxious to see the results.

[DaveNSheila]

I chose Wiccan Pagan. then again my signature says it all I admit to being a Witch Doctor. D

[Sweet_Candy]

Other!
Riligious dogma plays no part in our personal lives (Sweet_Candy). Both of us were raised in a riligious background. We treat others as we want to be treated with respect and dignity. We've never understood the need or desire to believe in the supernatural.

Sweet_Candy

[TheGeek]

I was brought up Methodist, but some Fundamentalists successfully converted me to atheism.

[jennandjamesinm]

I was raised Catholic and converted to Methodist as as adult, although very rarely do I attend church. I voted other. I mostly think of myself as a Christian, although I find fault with many of the different beliefs - so I mashed them all together and have my own set of values.

Jenn

[Alura]

I'm the product of an Irish mother and a Native American father. My mother claimed Christianity but never practiced it. My father smiled inwardly.

It seems to me there must be some sort of force that we cannot understand that brings such perfect order to the universe. I do not think there is a man, sitting on a cloud tossing lightning bolts at us and deciding if we will go to heaven or hell. I doubt the existance of both.

I've had some experiences that make me believe something like reincarnation is at least possible, if not probable.

I try to follow Native American philosophies, particularly respecting our ancestors and holding our environment holy, saving it for our children. I do not believe in human sacrifice, nor do I think we should occasionally raid Little Rock to "count coup." I think Spider Woman is a metaphor, just like Adam and Eve.

I think Jesus Christ is one of the greatest men who ever lived. I do not know if he was the "Son of God" and don't feel I have the ability to find out. I believe the vast majority of the people who are running their idea of "his church" have no idea what he was trying to teach, nor do they care. I think any possibility of a church founded on Jesus' teachings died when Saul of Taursus took over as de facto leader and changed Jesus' teachings to his own.

I voted "other."

Mr. Alura

[Alura]

TheGeek wrote:

I was brought up Methodist, but some Fundamentalists successfully converted me to atheism.

HeeHeeHee! This post falls in the category, "Wish I'd said that!"


Mr. Alura

[BiNWAR]

I was brought up Roman Catholic...now im in recovery
I have been a Witch/Wiccan/Pagan/Christian Wiccan (so many labels so little time) for about 10 years now. I guess Ive kept some of my earlier learnings, like the commandments and integrated my followings now together with them.

[jennandjamesinm]

Originally Posted by BiNWAR

I was brought up Roman Catholic...now im in recovery

When people ask me what religion I am - I always answer Recovering Cathoilc. I get curious looks down here in the bible belt I'm so glad that I'm not the only one who says this!!!

Jenn

[BradAndJanet]

I usually just say 'none', but that wasn't an option, so I said 'other'. Thanks to my open minded parents, I had the chance to experience many different religions and religious ceremonies. Nothing stuck...

The closest you might come to defining my beliefs is that, on a good day, I am a Diest, as were many of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Other days I am equally convinced that there is no god at all. I generally do not believe in the supernatural.

-B