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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 08:02:09
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I am interested in religion, philosophy, spirituality and psychology alongside sociology. Like to know what makes people 'tick'.
Although I would say I am Humanist I dont like some of their more extreme members anti religious stand. I believe I can live a good and meaningful life without religion, but I respect others beliefs and try to understand them.
I like elements of Buddhism. If I was Christian I would be a quaker, although I do love C of E church music.
Can I 'pick and mix?'.  
I try hard to be compassionate and try to understand others point of view even if I dont agree.
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 17:02:03
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Sorry, Bev ... don't know what makes people 'tick'! If I did I would be one rich old woman (and wouldn't that annoy the h*ll out of some folk ).
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It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
Edited by - MeMe on 29 Sep 2008 18:06:57 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 17:50:05
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This was in response to the religious topic of Zakat, but I think Mom made it into a new topic because I was going off topic. I hope that makes sense!
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 18:06:26
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I think a mix is the way to go too .... organised religion makes me uneasy - it's the one size doesn't fit all bit that gets me every time  I too appreciate elements of different faith but have yet to find one that is truly tolerant (ie homosexuality isn't a sin, every woman has the right to use birth control, etc). There will be people out there who say that the positives to their religion outweigh the negatives but I personally couldn't 'sign up' to anything I didn't 100% believe in.
Is that what you meant? |
It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 18:23:16
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YES! For example I like Buddhism, but dont believe in reincarnation. I like how they respect animals and believe in Karma etc....
I like lots of things from the teaching of Jesus, but dont believe in everlasting life.
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 18:28:28
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| And yet we strive to find something that will shed some light on to the age old questions of 'why are we here and what's it all about' Have you ever been on one of those Alpha courses, Bev? I have to say I'm tempted .... |
It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 19:04:29
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| Bev, have you tried reading the religious scriptures, Bible (Old and New Testament), Quran, etc...I think it will greatly help you understand and give a greater appreciation of religion. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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musa pembo
United Kingdom
154 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2008 : 19:05:06
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gambiabev,Now that I know what makes you tick,I will from time to time switch it on and off just to see your reaction!!
For me,I am interested in religion,politics and Cultures of different parts of the World.Like to read about other faiths other than my own to see how topics are handled from their religious perspective.This is not done to condemn or criticise,but for a better understanding of human thoughts and feeling.
gambiabev,what makes you think you were going off topic? To me you were making a legitimate enquery which incidentally open the subject up for discussion.Momodou,in my opinion was just trying to help out.
MeMe,Could you tell me more about your signature at the bottom of your replies,I mean the one referring to Ernesto.It is quite a catching phrase and full of meaning. |
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2008 : 12:53:15
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Musa, I can indeed but will do this in a private message as I don't want to highjack Bev's thread here
Back to the discussion:
I've read the Qu'ran and, having been schooled in the UK, had some Christian teachings too along with a background to Marxism and Maoism. It's an emotive subject and one which comes round and round again - usually when things are tough and you start questioning the point of your daily existence! Books are one thing however but listening to someone speak about their religion with passion is always interesting. I've even felt myself getting drawn in by those TV preachers sometimes ... they are wonderful orators. I've also visited the mosque here in Edinburgh during the open doors weekend and spoken to some of the Islamic Centre staff there about their religion. And, like Bev, I am also interested in the community-centred and at times quite liberal Quaker faith.
"Pick and mix" might be the way to go for some of us but I don't think it'll stop aggression between faiths. |
It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
Edited by - MeMe on 30 Sep 2008 12:56:21 |
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gambiabev
United Kingdom
3091 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2008 : 13:38:03
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Me Me I went to the Mosque in Edinburgh during last years festival. I spoke to some very interesting people.. Small world!
I went to hear the Dalai Lama speak in Nottingham. He was amazing.
I'm not really interested in the Alpha courses as I see that as a way of trying to draw people into Christianity. I was raised in the C of E. I like bits of it!
I do still tend to agree with Marx that religion is the opiate of the people. Muslim faith in Gambia certainly seems to be that.
In my humble opinion it holds people (especially women) back from striving for their true potential.
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MeMe
United Kingdom
541 Posts |
Posted - 30 Sep 2008 : 14:39:08
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The mosque is a beautiful building (inside and out) and it's nice to sit in the area behind it and enjoy the offers from the kitchen there! I suppose it's not a patch on those I've experienced in Istanbul though
Yes, here in Edinburgh we can cater for everyone |
It is better to die standing than to live on your knees - Ernesto Guevara de la Serna |
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mansasulu
997 Posts |
Posted - 01 Oct 2008 : 17:09:08
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I believe there is a difference between religion from people and going to the source yourself. Peoples enthusiams can sometimes get in the way of the true message. What are suggesting is to read those scriptures (if possible from front to back pages). A thorough reading of the scripture is a worthwhile undertaking in that you will always takinga recurring theme from it a la something that always sticks out.
Do not be memserized by the preachers, read the scripture yourself that way you can obtain your own independent appreciation of religion. |
"...Verily, in the remembrance of Allâh do hearts find rest..." Sura Al-Rad (Chapter 13, Verse 28)
...Gambian by birth, Muslim by the grace of Allah... |
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jambo
3300 Posts |
Posted - 03 Oct 2008 : 10:56:29
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Hello Bev, what makes people tick, regarding religion, its a belief that makes sense and feels right.
i am C of E high church, mass, music, kneeling and praying some people do not get it, but are Christians and they find comfort in the methodist, pentecostal, baptist arms of Christanity, it depends on the individual,
As for Islam that is the same, you can go by the book and be strict or you can be flexible, the main thing is belief.
The practice is upto you.
Juddaism is the same, some ultra orthodox, some are less so but they are still jewish.
Mansasulu is right take it back to your roots, maybe you should try a different church it could be around the corner or in the next parish.
Nothing wrong in visitng lots churches
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