This thread has been started not for a question but for opinion. What is your beliefs on nowledge on the history and beliefs of your religion but on others as well. My personal belief is that you should know information on many other religionsas well as your own. I believe that this not only gives a little insight on others lives but also gives more understanding to other religions or groups.
Any good religion teaches tolerance for other peoples beleifs. Therefore- knowledge of anothers religion different from your own should not be neccessary to treat one another respectfuly. Many people explore several paths to find their own and not many will have the time in this lifetime to explore someone elses religion that they have no intent on following.
Still though, while you're correct in saying that we should respect one another and our differing beliefs regardless of whether or not we understand those beliefs, understanding another's religious orientation and the beliefs and history behind it can be vastly helpful in understanding where this other person is coming from. Also, knowledge is power, and the more we know about not only this world but all of the others the more powerful we are and the more efficient our magick will become. As I see it, as man is by nature a physical as well as a spiritual being, we will never be able to fully understand those things that are purely spirit, just as we can never fully understand those things which are purely physical. Hence, all religions of man are not so much absolute truth as mere approximations (though I would say that some hold a bit more water than others). So, to get the fullest and truest picture of the Universe on a large scale it is necessary in my opinion to study a variety of religions, not only the one with which you are affiliated. I, for example, am I devout Roman Catholic, and yet I have studied Taoism, Buddhism, Shinto, Hinduism, Wicca, and Judaism. I believe my own religious experiences to have been greatly enhanced by my wanderings through other faith traditions, and I would recommend at least investigating a few other belief systems besides your own.
Well I for one am happy to reply. My beliefs stem from many different sources as such some may call me an eclectic but I would call myself a philosopher. I cannot say that I know much about any one subject. Except perhaps philosophy. As its really one of the only things which intrigues me and holds my attention. Lets see, beliefs, I believe that this world is half of two worlds. Much of the worlds of yin and yang. That when we dream we enter into the other world. I also believe that these things are physically evident, even if we are unaware. As such I take a scientific approach to discovering universal truth. I attempt to find truth where others only instill perception. I can't entirely go into my beliefs as there are incomplete, shall we say. As for history, well i am a pagan so I'll share a bit of info that some of my generation clearly are unaware of. Its interesting to say the least and it pertains to the witch hunts, pre christian paganism, and christianity. I used to get so angry thinking of the inquisition and the church and to date i occasion do, still. However i've been trying to get over anger as anger is the bane of wisdom. The early pagans actually hunted down the early christians as they were considered a cult and a political nuisance. Not saying that anything that happened was ok, but for those who would blame christianity for their faults, you'd do well to remember we did initiate the first hunting. Just my little peice of the information, enjoy.
I am ecclectic in my beliefs. I studied religions and philosophies from around the world because I was looking for something to believe in. I found believeing in myself and what few gifts I had was all I needed but I celebrate holidays from several religions as they suit my interest.
I am 20 years old & from five years from now I asked my self ,,what is the right relegion? so ... I converted to every known relegion ,all what I wonted is the truth ... and now I know that THE '''WHAT IS THE RIGHT RELEGION?''' is a wrong quistion.... you know why ? Because ALL the relegions are right all the relegions are telling the truth...... so I realaized that the right question was '''which relegion is closest to the truth?'''' And no one can answer that question but you .
I think that its important to gain an understanding of as many religions as possible. As for choosing a religion I'll just pick the one that makes sence to me. As i am yet undecided on my path.
