re: How many of you put your religion before everything else in life?

I explored 2 religions growing up, the reform-style Judaism of my mom's family (aka the Bacon-eating Jews) and the Catholicism of my father's side. I ended up choosing Catholicism on account that it felt like a natural continuation of the Jewish Faith, as if Judaism was leading up to a moment that was the life and death of Christ, and the Catholic Church seemed like the natural vestige of the church that resulted from that movement.

I had attended some Baptist services growing up, but I disliked several things about it: the judgemental overtones towards sinners (Catholics are welcoming, like Jesus, believing that we are all imperfect and all need God), the strict morality codes regarding vices (drinking, gambling, rock music, ect), the complete disregard for the stories and history of the Old Testament (unless they could use a choice quote to condemn a given vice or behavior), and the blatant disregard for all science. I found that the church, to me, felt like it was used as a vehicle to allow people to feel superior to others. As if the entire purpose was to create a caste system of undesirables with whom civilized people would never be caught dead with, and their moral superiors. I did like the post service meal though, that was nice.

When I was in college, I explored some other faiths. I found Islam to be straight up evil. That was some sickening shite in the Koran. Hindu is fascinating, but often confusing and convoluted.

I ended up going back to my roots in Catholicism and staying strong in that. I do not agree with everything the church has done or continues to do, but it seems, at least in South Louisiana, to be a humble institution that acknowledges the flaws in its organization and members, is welcoming without pushing itself where its not wanted, preaches moderation rather than strict abstinence from vices, and preaches to sinners rather than excludes them.

quote:

---

I'm not going down for Easter this year, just like last year, and she's goign to ask why again and I'll say, "well mom, you're miserable to be around on Good Friday b/c you treat the entire day like a funeral and put down everyone eating crawfish and being around family having fun. You're going to spend Saturday praying again and going to church again, and then there's the 2 hour mass on Easter Sunday. I'd rather spend the time at home with my kids playing with the one gift the fictitious easter bunny will bring them, and just enjoying life and family in general for the weekend instead of revolving my world around the death and resurrection of Jesus for 3 straight days for the 55th time. You are more than welcome to come visit us"

---

Sounds like your mother is in need of an intervention.

quote:

---

I had attended some Baptist services growing up, but I disliked several things about it: the judgemental overtones towards sinners (Catholics are welcoming, like Jesus, believing that we are all imperfect and all need God), the strict morality codes regarding vices (drinking, gambling, rock music, ect), the complete disregard for the stories and history of the Old Testament (unless they could use a choice quote to condemn a given vice or behavior), and the blatant disregard for all science. I found that the church, to me, felt like it was used as a vehicle to allow people to feel superior to others. As if the entire purpose was to create a caste system of undesirables with whom civilized people would never be caught dead with, and their moral superiors. I did like the post service meal though, that was nice.

---

This times 1000. I have attended all types of churches and the first thing that turns me off of a church is if you feel judged. I want to learn and see the readings related to current situations, but I don't need some preacher telling me I'm going to hell if I have a little too much to drink one night.

I go to Catholic Mass probably 90% of the time, but will still attend other services if I hear it is good.

That begs the question: is a dogmatic religion a prerequisite for a strong moral code? I certainly don't think so.

quote:

---

That begs the question: is a dogmatic religion a prerequisite for a strong moral code? I certainly don't think so.

---

They must be morally strong if they need the threat of a fiery fantasy land to keep themselves in line.

IMO, the Golden Rule (which manifests itself in nearly every world religion) is pretty much the basis of morality. Actions that do not harm others can not be considered wrong/bad. Demonizing certain thoughts or desires, which are innate to humans, only serves to create a guilt complex.

quote:

---

You're right. it's not complicated at all. Of course, neither are unicorns, fairly dust or Thor.

---

After what Thor did saving this planet once in NYC and again in England?

Lets leave the Mighty Thor out of this.

Those "god first life" stickers creep me the frick out. As if salt life and the spinoffs aren't bad enough. These people need to think about what they're really saying. God FIRST? Not family first?

quote:

---

What about harming yourself?

---

Unwise or misguided, perhaps, but not wrong. You own yourself. Whatever you may do to your body implies consent, which I view as the biggest determination of right and wrong (morally).