by kenpodragon 24 Replies latest jw friends
When I left the B-org, I became very agnostic, almost athestic, now I am much as kenpodragon is, I consider myself an agnostic pagan, I follow some of the ideals of the eastern beleifs like Budisem and such, but do not base anything I beleive in on any religon. I also do not beleive Jesus was ever even anything more then a good idea that a few fundamental jews came up with.
Seedy
I sing at a Lutheran church of late, but no, I am not a Christian...
...I wear a sun/moon necklace rather than a cross.
It's fun to don a big blue gown on Sunday mornings!
cellomould
"Money walks through the door, and memory flies out the window" Dream Theater, 6:00
Upon my departure from the J-dubs, I was (and had been for some time) agnostic. I'd always had a love for mythology, philosophy, etc. and realized that I now had the freedom to explore those things more fully. I started out reading books on neo-Wicca, quickly found out that it wasn't for me due to a lack of scholarship. Met a couple of Reconstructionist Pagans online whom I still have contact with and started studying historical/scientific and original sources primarily from an Indo-European perspective.
Now, what do I consider myself? Agnostic with Reconstructionist Pagan leanings. I'd love to believe that the gods exist, but can't get beyond the lack of empirical evidence that is inherent to any faith-based belief. But, I still hold out that the possibility exists and keep my eyes open for proof of it. But I don't have my life staked on it. I will live my life honorably and enjoy it without fear of divine wrath or consequences.
As far as Christianity goes, if but for some twist of fate, Mithraists might have dominated the scene instead of Christians. Mithraism pre-dates Christianity and has many of the same basic elements:
1) Mithras is the sun-god (son-god) created by the Supreme Being and was considered co-equal with him. He was born from a virgin mother. He was considered to be the savior of the world and died to save all his followers so that they could live eternally in heaven.
2) Sunday was a day of worship.
3) Their primary holy festivals were held at the same time as Christmas and Easter.
4) They practiced baptism.
5) It was a prophetic religion.
So, Christianity wasn't all that unique in its basic teachings. I'm not being anti-Christian here. I'm pointing out that every religion can be traced back to something else (including Mithraism). Humans create religion and superstition to explain the world around us. In my opinion, even if god(s) do exist, we are still the creators of the means by which to acknowledge/glorify/worship them. Until I receive some hard empirical evidence demonstrating to me otherwise, that will remain my belief. :)
Cheers,
~arachnia
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
-Kahlil Gibran
I quit going to the meetings but still considered myself a JW for about a half year until I realized how full of crap the doctrines were. After that I considered myself a christian for a few more months until I figured out that one of the big reasons the JW's are so screwed up is because they have a warped interpretation of a warped book. Because of that I REALLY don't believe in the bible or any christian belief.
Now I believe that there is something else out there but don't spend any time worrying about it. The way I look at it is that many people who are much wiser than I have spent thousands of years trying to figure it out without any success so I'm not going to get anything. Not only that but if I needed to worship some great deity then it would be alot easier to find if it really wanted me to worship it.
Religion is a way to help explain the world around you. As it just so happens there are a lot better explanations in science than religion so I'm happy with that.
Back down the bullies to the back of the bus
Its time for them to be scared of us
I believe in God, but not Christianity or religion in general. It is of my opinion that religion is nothing more than control and dictation of man's teachings over the masses.
In a nutshell, I am pagan. But it is not quite that simple, as I am not a "witch" nor do I practice anyone certain set of standards. I take a bit from here and there... a piece of all of them. Buddhism, Christianity, Celtic, Eastern, blah blah... Whatever feels right and makes sense. So, since I am such an eclectic mix, I suppose you could but me in a category of pagan, although I am not 100% sure if that applies either.
Sloppy Faery Kisses,
Moe
UADNA - FL
Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Florida Division
You and several of the other posters especially right after your first post are into paganism or atheism, but yes most who quit JWs retain belief in God and Christ though you couldn't tell it from those posting the most on this board of course where the non-Christians like to be most vocal.
When I left I think thats when I started to become a Christian. I think I still am one but that's only my opinion.
Join the Watchtower or you will die.
Only Jehovah's Witnesses have the TRUTH all other religions EVIL and from the Devil.
You must beleive the Watchtower or you're going to die a painful death forever, isn't that really GOOD NEWS?
You and several of the other posters especially right after your first post are into paganism or atheism, but yes most who quit JWs retain belief in God and Christ though you couldn't tell it from those posting the most on this board of course where the non-Christians like to be most vocal.
I don't post often here, in fact, I only get over to these boards perhaps once a week at best. I don't know you, so I'm not sure what the driving force behind this comment is, but it struck my curiosity. Are you of the opinion that non-Christians should "shut up" in favor of Christian opinions, or are you simply bemoaning a lack of participation on the part of Christian voices on this board? I'm not sure how to take your comment. Could you please clarify?
Cheers,
~arachnia
Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
-Kahlil Gibran
When I left, I hardly gave much thought to any higher powers. I was more concerned with making up for lost time. For years I would have labeled myself agnostic, but in the last 10 years have been more atheist (with pagan tendencies). Until recent months i've avoided all forms of religion and religious conversation.
Imagination is more important than Knowledge. Albert Einstein
No I am not a Cristian. I have no beliefs in any God nor do I believe it to be possible.
Beans
