Yet another religious topic..."Would you convert?"

[Kaeriuchi]

Are you religious? If you are, would you convert to another religion because eg. it would suit your personal viewpoints better? And if you aren't religious, share your opinion anyway. ^^
Personally my family was open about my religion, but even so, you always have some form of religious influence from your family...my parents were both Christian, and therefore I kind of was too. I believed in God and things that were written in the bible. However 4 or so years ago I started thinking on my own, and with all that was happening in my/our life I realised I wasn't happy with believing what my parents did. I am now agnostic (right in the middle! I am still open to the possibility that a deity exists) and am happy with that.
Earlier this year I let my mom read up on the principles of Buddhism, and let her take a very well done quiz (funny that a quiz of all things aided with this :P) for what religion suited her best. She was surprised at first, as she did not get Christianity as her best match, but Buddhism. She then funnily started to research more about the religion on her own, and last week she told me "You were right, maybe Buddhism does suit my beliefs better". ^^
She isn't converting, but she is definitely more open about these things than she was before.
Would you guys convert to another religion if it suited your beliefs better?

(PS. sorry for typos, pulling an all-nighter here and it's killing me xD)

[SmokingPepper]

Well I'm jewish due to my dad and cathlic due to my mom. I celebrate all holidays and use to go to hebrew school, but quit very early. I believe only in god, and none of the other things any other religion believes in. I wouldn't really mind converting for maraige purposes, even if I'm a guy. So pretty much if I had to then I would, but I have no need to do it.

[NarutardKK]

I'm in the process of switching from Lutheren to Methodist.....but I dont think that counts....

And.....I don't know....It depends on whether there was some tragic thing in my life that made me want to change....although I do try to be open-minded to other people's religions and beliefs.

Because, all it boils down too.....is how we explain birth and death

[Chamcham Trigger]

Nope I'm not religious and I'd only convert it the teachings were logical. I wouldn't switch religions just because it benefited my attitude, I'd only convert if it disproves what I choose to try to understand right now. That should basically be most people's reason for converting, but that's just imposing my opinion too much.

[diglossiablues]

Nope I'm not religious and I'd only convert it the teachings were logical. I wouldn't switch religions just because it benefited my attitude, I'd only convert if it disproves what I choose to try to understand right now. That should basically be most people's reason for converting, but that's just imposing my opinion too much.

I have to agree with that sentiment. I looked at a lot of religions because I was hoping I could find something that had principles, beliefs and ethics to which I could hold without feeling any internal contradictions. Never found one.

[Madara]

Are you religious? If you are, would you convert to another religion because eg. it would suit your personal viewpoints better? And if you aren't religious, share your opinion anyway. ^^
Personally my family was open about my religion, but even so, you always have some form of religious influence from your family...my parents were both Christian, and therefore I kind of was too. I believed in God and things that were written in the bible. However 4 or so years ago I started thinking on my own, and with all that was happening in my/our life I realised I wasn't happy with believing what my parents did. I am now agnostic (right in the middle! I am still open to the possibility that a deity exists) and am happy with that.
Earlier this year I let my mom read up on the principles of Buddhism, and let her take a very well done quiz (funny that a quiz of all things aided with this :P) for what religion suited her best. She was surprised at first, as she did not get Christianity as her best match, but Buddhism. She then funnily started to research more about the religion on her own, and last week she told me "You were right, maybe Buddhism does suit my beliefs better". ^^
She isn't converting, but she is definitely more open about these things than she was before.
Would you guys convert to another religion if it suited your beliefs better?

(PS. sorry for typos, pulling an all-nighter here and it's killing me xD)


My friend I think we have had a similar experience. A very similar experience. I was born Catholic, baptised and confirmed. It was only later that I understood that Buddhism was more useful to me for my spiritual growth.

However, I think you need to know a couple of things.

Buddhism could not be considered a religion in the Western sense of the word. It is simply an education. Major Western religions like Judaism, Islam and Christianity all require loyalty and faith. There is also a mythological aspect to these faiths. God, angels, devils, prophets, heaven, hell and so on.

Although Buddhism does have its mythology, it is irrelevant whether you believe in it or not. It is perfectly fine for you to be a buddhist Christian or a buddhist Muslim or a buddhist Jew. Buddhists wouldn't chastize you for it.

There is no conversion when you become a buddhist. You need to understand that. It is not about being with the good guys now. Buddhism is just a way for you to understand yourself, others and the world.

You don't need to leave your spiritual community for it. The Christian Church has messages in common with Buddhism I can assure you.

Now, if you'd like to know more I'm available until the 29th of November. Don't mind PMing me.

I'm starting my training on the 29th. I hope to soon become a Bodhisattva.

[diglossiablues]

I'm starting my training on the 29th. I hope to soon become a Bodhisattva.

What flavor of Buddhism do you do?

[Madara]

^^ Right now I'm at the outskirt knocking on doors. Like I said I'm really starting at the end of this month. But I've been studying Kagyu and Nyingma of the Diamond Vehicle. Otherwise known as the Vajrayana school. I could see myself as a Kagyupa or a Nyingmapa. We shall see. The latter is said to be the fastest way to enlightenment. Not too shabby. But they also say it can lead to madness.

[Kurairu]

Uhm..nah. I'm pefectly happy with being an Atheist D:

[diglossiablues]

^^ Right now I'm at the outskirt knocking on doors. Like I said I'm really starting at the end of this month. But I've been studying Kagyu and Nyingma of the Diamond Vehicle. Otherwise known as the Vajrayana school. I could see myself as a Kagyupa or a Nyingmapa. The latter is said to be the fastest way to enlightenment. Not too shabby. But they also say it can lead to madness.


The Tibetan flavors never grabbed me all that much. I always liked mahayana filtered through taosim the best. But good on ya, in any case.

The Diamond Sutra was always my favorite of those too. I tended to think that enlightenment (assuming there is such a thing) was something that happened in a flash, and the student spends the rest of their days learning just what it was.

[Madara]

^^ I think there is some confusion on your part. Students can have flashes of enlightment and then decide to study it but it isn't useful. Enlightenment is purely an experience. It is ineffible. Therefore the student is advised to practice sustaining enlightenment. Once bodhi is sustained it is not the end of it either. Bodhi is just a construction area.

[diglossiablues]

^^ I think there is some confusion on your part. Students can have flashes of enlightment and then decide to study it but it isn't useful. Enlightenment is purely an experience. It is ineffible. Therefore the student is advised to practice sustaining enlightenment. Once bodhi is sustained it is not the end of it either. Bodhi is just a construction area.

Views on enlightenment, dharma, sansara,, etc depend on the flavor you practice. Construction area = learning what it was. If I kept speaking about it, it'd be from a different perspective than what you're practicing. For example sansara can be thought of as not a literal reincarnation from body to body but the cycle of continually self-aware. But, anyway, since I don't practice, it'd be unproductive for both of us. =)

[Madara]

^^^ I don't think this was unproductive, I've learned new things. I am now reading on Mahayana and Theravada. You've made me aware of the gaps between the three schools.

[neko-sennin]

Religion? Been there, done that.

Personally, I don't convert people. I subvert them.

Proudly Corrupting the Youth Since 1998...

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[Danny Lilithborne]

I would, but so far I haven't found one.

[skunkworks]

I would, but so far I haven't found one.

I hear Scientology is always welcoming. :D

[Danny Lilithborne]

I hear Scientology is always welcoming. :DIf I wanted to be part of a cult headed by a lunatic, I'd be a Muslim.

[diglossiablues]

If I wanted to be part of a cult headed by a lunatic, I'd be a Muslim.

That's hilarious, what with the Gibran quote in the signature and all!

[Madara]

If I wanted to be part of a cult headed by a lunatic, I'd be a Muslim.

That is just basically the pinnacle of ignorance. Because...

1. You have a Gibran quote in your signature

2. Islam has no hierarchy like the Catholic Church. Neither does Judaism. So there is no lunatic heading Islam, simply because there is no one heading Islam.

3. It is the second biggest religion in the world and has far fewer schisms than Christianity. A cult it is not.

[Lance]

no........

[Danny Lilithborne]

You assume too much by saying that I'm insulting Muhammed by calling him a "lunatic". I have the utmost respect for Him and His fervent beliefs.

Scientologists are just as passionate about a bunch of stuff that some guy made up; that I believe in Muhammed and not in L. Ron Hubbard is a debate better left for another thread.

[GeniusShikamaru]

Actually I'm not religious. In fact I think they are overrated. All religions basically say the samething: dont steal or kill, Be good to your parents, and be good to your family and your neighbors. So I see it pointless in being religious in any particular religion. But some of my family is very religious. So for their sake I am a catholic. But the girl I love is Muslim and said she wouldn't convert cuz of her views and family and stuff you know. So I said I wouldn't mind changing my religion if it meant being with her. I honestly dont care about what i am religiously as long as i'm happy with my own life.

[WayfarerStrife]

My friend I think we have had a similar experience. A very similar experience. I was born Catholic, baptised and confirmed. It was only later that I understood that Buddhism was more useful to me for my spiritual growth.

However, I think you need to know a couple of things.

Buddhism could not be considered a religion in the Western sense of the word. It is simply an education. Major Western religions like Judaism, Islam and Christianity all require loyalty and faith. There is also a mythological aspect to these faiths. God, angels, devils, prophets, heaven, hell and so on.

Although Buddhism does have its mythology, it is irrelevant whether you believe in it or not. It is perfectly fine for you to be a buddhist Christian or a buddhist Muslim or a buddhist Jew. Buddhists wouldn't chastize you for it.

There is no conversion when you become a buddhist. You need to understand that. It is not about being with the good guys now. Buddhism is just a way for you to understand yourself, others and the world.

You don't need to leave your spiritual community for it. The Christian Church has messages in common with Buddhism I can assure you.

Now, if you'd like to know more I'm available until the 29th of November. Don't mind PMing me.

I'm starting my training on the 29th. I hope to soon become a Bodhisattva.

Ha, well said ... :tem

Well, strangely, most people didn't realised that Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are actually philosophies ... Sakyamuni, Lao Zi and Kong Zi didn't claimed to be gods or prophets ... but strangely, most modern Asians are actually worshipping them rather than studying their teachings, hence most people in the west had mistaken them as idols and most of us as idol worshippers ... but they are pretty right when they say that Buddhism and Taoism are false religions, since they aren't really religions at all ... :amuse

Note: Most 'Taoist Gods' are actually from Chinese Folklore rather than the teachings of Lao Zi, but well, they have been pretty deep in Taoist beliefs nowadays ...

Anyway, I am Mahayanan dharmaist, as well as a Taoist ... :tem


The Tibetan flavors never grabbed me all that much. I always liked mahayana filtered through taosim the best. But good on ya, in any case.

The Diamond Sutra was always my favorite of those too. I tended to think that enlightenment (assuming there is such a thing) was something that happened in a flash, and the student spends the rest of their days learning just what it was.
Well, mine is the Kalama Sutta ... :)
It stays true to both logic and science, rather than religious dogma ... :laugh

[pajamas]

Possibly... but only if it makes absolutely no sense... like Flying Spaghetti Monsterism (http://www.venganza.org/).

[Sesha]

As I'm a religious pluralist (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_pluralism), no. "Convert", and such are only labels for me.

[rimpelcut]

to convert or not convert that is the question. I have nothing to convert and nothing to convert to.

[Jedi Mind Tricks]

If I wanted to be part of a cult headed by a lunatic, I'd be a Muslim.

That is just basically the pinnacle of ignorance. Because...

2. Islam has no hierarchy like the Catholic Church. Neither does Judaism. So there is no lunatic heading Islam, simply because there is no one heading Islam.

3. It is the second biggest religion in the world and has far fewer schisms than Christianity. A cult it is not.

__________________

[Shade Luka]

I was going to convert for the guy I loved but I would've had to go against my own morals of being someone who goes outside of the box.

[Orochimaru-sama, Sannin]

Read my dig, then tell you me if I'm religious

[Edo]

I would if that other religion could convince me that it is better!

One should be able to chose no matter what his/her parents religion is! your beliefs your choice.

[The Internet]

You assume too much by saying that I'm insulting Muhammed by calling him a "lunatic". I have the utmost respect for Him and His fervent beliefs.

Scientologists are just as passionate about a bunch of stuff that some guy made up; that I believe in Muhammed and not in L. Ron Hubbard is a debate better left for another thread.

You assume too much by saying that I'm insulting Jesus by calling him a "lunatic". I have the utmost respect for Him and His fervent beliefs.

Scientologists are just as passionate about a bunch of stuff that some guy made up; that I believe in Jesus and not in L. Ron Hubbard is a debate better left for another thread.


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