What is your current religious affiliation?

[bobbylien]

I'm kinda curious to know what religion everyone follows. I'm currently agnostic but I'm looking at unitarianism.

[Scorpion]

Orthodox Druid.

[AnnEsthesia]

Eclectic is the best way to describe me. :)

[Buck Laser]

I was educated to be a minister in the United Methodist church, and maintained my ordination from 1960 until 1973. What I am could probably best be described as a Christian Humanist Agnostic with Unitarian leanings. I have great respect for the mystical aspects of all the Abrahamic religions, but no particular study credentials for them.

[Jaaaman]

I am a Christian and I attend a non-denominational Bible Church.

[MAP2010.wireless]

I'm a Christian (Follower of Jesus Christ) I do not belong to any denomination but I read the Holy Bible and was raised a Baptist, I read the Bible and learn from it and do not take part in any extra stuff thats not in the Bible. As A Christian I feel that Christ was sent to save every one and to show his love so we all might be with him in heaven, I'm not like other Christians who try to make you feel bad or your not worth anything. Christ come to forgive and save mankind, I feel so many Christian have forgot what a Christian should do and what its about. Place your faith onto God and you shall be saved, place your faith onto Man and you shall not. Not man is perfect or without sin only Jesus The Christ was without sin, be a teacher of Christ and show all his love and forgiveness. I do not think any one can really talk to God I stay away form people who say that can.

Thanks

Mark

[ttriber]

I am a Christian and I attend a non-denominational Bible Church.


Same Thing here except haven't attended a church since middle school but still follow the biblical principles and know that God is in my life. I also went to private school so that helped me get my morals and my political affiliation. I am one of those who think that you don't have to necessarily have to go to church to be one of Gods children as long as you obey him and praise him your OK. I don't go around preaching either.

[moses2792796]

Panentheist probably? With a strong connection to the Hindu scriptures and a sympathetic attitude towards the Abrahamic religions.

[jafar00]

Muslim.

[Labrocca]

Roman Catholic.

[PatrickHenry]

I am closely affiliated with a local Foursquare Gospel church.

I talk with God every day. He's so good to me.

Not so thrilled with the upper leadership of my denomination that decided to have this year's convention in Israel...

[HumanBeast]

I'm agnostic.

[davo]

Well, culturally I'd be Roman Catholic.

Yet in my mind I'm agnostic as I don't have substantial evidence regarding god's existence (or lack thereof)

[micfranklin]

Christian. The last time I went to church was last night to see my sister dance, and it's strange because it was like the first time I've been to any church since July.

[NDNdancer]

hrmmm...... well, I was raised in two traditions, Roman Catholic and the spiritual ways of my People. The Catholic thing was done as a nod to those in my family who embraced the church. They had no choice, it was forced on them. I don't attend church other then funerals.

I have a hard time embracing the concept of religion as it is commonly thought of. So I use spiritual ways as a somewhat poor substitute. We don't think of it in the same way so it's not the same as religion.

Our holiest time of the year is in the summer when we go to the Belly Buttes and participate in the Medicine Lodge. I guess it's similar to the other high plains Tribes do. You might think of it as "Sundance" in the Lakotah tradition, but it's different.

We have sacred bundles that are opened at different times of the spring and closed in the fall. Each of those bundles are ancient and have specific purpose and powers.

We also have sweat lodge where we pray for various intentions. They can be medicine sweats, or just a normal prayer time.

There's morning and evening prayers, as well as prayer thoughout the day.

Contrary to other religions who believe that only certain people are conduits to "God", I speak to Creator all the time.

Our spiritual ways are very much focused on individual rather then group participation. Our churches are the lands we still have. Our shrines are the mountains that form the backbone of the world. Our "Mary" is the earth who nurtures us all. All of nature is our church and congregation.

Here is one of our most sacred places, Chief Mountain.
http://formontana.net/Chief.jpg

[AnnEsthesia]

Here is one of our most sacred places, Chief Mountain.
http://formontana.net/Chief.jpg


How beautiful. I bet there is a lot of energy there!

[NDNdancer]

How beautiful. I bet there is a lot of energy there!


There is a raw power that's impossible for me to explain in english. Everytime we go there, just the approach to the mountain brings an awed silence.

[PatrickHenry]

How beautiful. I bet there is a lot of energy there!


There is a raw power that's impossible for me to explain in english. Everytime we go there, just the approach to the mountain brings an awed silence.
Many locations on the earth's surface exude power.

The Sequoia groves of Yosemite come to mind.

And the trails of the Grand Canyon.

Many Americans never see the land except from the window of a car on the Interstate or from 39,000 feet.

Up close, the Creator's power can be overwhelming.

[jafar00]

Christian. The last time I went to church was last night to see my sister dance, and it's strange because it was like the first time I've been to any church since July.


That's interesting. Do you read the Bible? Do you pray? Are you considered really a christian if you only go to church once in a blue moon only for special events?
I'm interested to know how many people claim to be christian but don't actually practise the religion.

[PatrickHenry]

Christian. The last time I went to church was last night to see my sister dance, and it's strange because it was like the first time I've been to any church since July.


That's interesting. Do you read the Bible? Do you pray? Are you considered really a christian if you only go to church once in a blue moon only for special events?
I'm interested to know how many people claim to be christian but don't actually practise the religion.
Plenty. Probably at least 50% in the US...The real religion is the cult of Uncle Sam.

[AnnEsthesia]

How beautiful. I bet there is a lot of energy there!


There is a raw power that's impossible for me to explain in english. Everytime we go there, just the approach to the mountain brings an awed silence.


There is a place near my house where the ledge rises up out of the ground that has that sort of raw energy, though I am sure not near as powerfully as on that butte. So wonderful. Sometimes I wish I was native just so I would be able to go to some of these holy places. :) (That and I would love to learn traditional basketry.)

[bobbylien]

Correct Patrick. Just compare the polls of the % of Americans who call themselves Christian versus those that show the % of Americans who go to church weekly.

[preservanation]

How beautiful. I bet there is a lot of energy there!


There is a raw power that's impossible for me to explain in english. Everytime we go there, just the approach to the mountain brings an awed silence.


There is a place near my house where the ledge rises up out of the ground that has that sort of raw energy, though I am sure not near as powerfully as on that butte. So wonderful. Sometimes I wish I was native just so I would be able to go to some of these holy places. :) (That and I would love to learn traditional basketry.)

ROFL, AnnE!
You made my day.
Unvarnished spiritually enlightened epiphany...and basket weaving!
you kill me.
Much love.

[AnnEsthesia]

What? Artistic endeavors are also spiritual.

[underdawg]

I am agnostic because I don't claim to know the unknown. I will not take a leap of faith because I think that is a foolish way to live my life. I do suspect that there is no afterlife. I have not experienced a god or demons or any such things. I do see the world as a perfect place balanced between life and death, good and bad. I can't imagine it any other way. When it is my time to die I hope that I can accept it with a sense of peace and dignity.

[NDNdancer]

Ann, if you ever make it to Montana, I'll take you to Chief Mountain, Red Blanket Butte, the tipi rings. If you have your passport to get into Canada, you'd even be welcome at the Belly Buttes during our Medicine Lodge ceremonies. You would be recognized by my people as a fellow human being with a good heart. That's all it takes, you don't have to be Native.

While we're waiting for the ceremonies, I'll teach you how to make willow baskets. A good woman's hands are always busy ;)

[AnnEsthesia]

Now *that* is an offer! I hope I can make it out there one day. We have friends in Wyoming and keep talking about heading to that part of the world to see all the natural wonders. The kids are finally old enough that one of these years we may actually make it. It helps that I am working now, so we can start saving for a trip. :)

I am trying to teach myself to make pine needle baskets. I also LOVE sweet grass. It smells so wonderful and reminds me of my childhood.

There is just something wonderful about baskets. The interconnections, the weaving, the beauty... and yet it is still useful and can be used for all sorts of things. :)

[lily]

Catholic school for 12 years. Quit going to Mass when they took the Latin out. For me it took all the mystique and beauty out of it. I also don't think you need to go to a church to worship God.

[NDNdancer]

Now *that* is an offer! I hope I can make it out there one day. We have friends in Wyoming and keep talking about heading to that part of the world to see all the natural wonders. The kids are finally old enough that one of these years we may actually make it. It helps that I am working now, so we can start saving for a trip. :)

I am trying to teach myself to make pine needle baskets. I also LOVE sweet grass. It smells so wonderful and reminds me of my childhood.

There is just something wonderful about baskets. The interconnections, the weaving, the beauty... and yet it is still useful and can be used for all sorts of things. :)


I make all kinds of things for family. I tan a lot of hides, mostly deer and elk. Buffalo and moose are too hard! I do all kinds of beadwork and leatherwork. I make birch bark baskets and willow baskets. One of the things I learned from my Grandmothers when making these things is women's prayers and women's power.

As we make these things for our family, one of the "rules" so to speak is to never make them when angry or upset. Another is that my thoughts should be on the person I'm making them for, and for their health and well being. Also, only Creator is perfect, so in each item I craft with my own hands, if there is no flaw, I introduce one. I am only a pitiful human striving for perfection.:)

This is what makes my spiritual ways different then what is normally considered "religion". Everything we do is imbued with spirituality. So yes, the interconnectedness is the key, the lesson to be found in the basket. The weave and intereconnections are what makes it strong, just like our families.

Being Indian isn't a degree of blood, or skin color, it's a degree of heart.

[Deadshot]

Grew up Catholic and went to Catholic Schools from Pre-K through 12th grade.

Now I'm a Deist.

[Professor]

Moral atheist. Though sometimes when filling out a stupid survey I'll put Revival of the People's Temple.

[AnnEsthesia]

Now *that* is an offer! I hope I can make it out there one day. We have friends in Wyoming and keep talking about heading to that part of the world to see all the natural wonders. The kids are finally old enough that one of these years we may actually make it. It helps that I am working now, so we can start saving for a trip. :)

I am trying to teach myself to make pine needle baskets. I also LOVE sweet grass. It smells so wonderful and reminds me of my childhood.

There is just something wonderful about baskets. The interconnections, the weaving, the beauty... and yet it is still useful and can be used for all sorts of things. :)


I make all kinds of things for family. I tan a lot of hides, mostly deer and elk. Buffalo and moose are too hard! I do all kinds of beadwork and leatherwork. I make birch bark baskets and willow baskets. One of the things I learned from my Grandmothers when making these things is women's prayers and women's power.

As we make these things for our family, one of the "rules" so to speak is to never make them when angry or upset. Another is that my thoughts should be on the person I'm making them for, and for their health and well being. Also, only Creator is perfect, so in each item I craft with my own hands, if there is no flaw, I introduce one. I am only a pitiful human striving for perfection.:)

This is what makes my spiritual ways different then what is normally considered "religion". Everything we do is imbued with spirituality. So yes, the interconnectedness is the key, the lesson to be found in the basket. The weave and intereconnections are what makes it strong, just like our families.

Being Indian isn't a degree of blood, or skin color, it's a degree of heart.


The only thing I have created successfully is prayer shawls. I made one for my grandfather to surround him when he fell ill for the last time and he used it all that last winter. I recently made one for a friend's new baby. There is something peaceful about crocheting and thinking and praying. I wish I had time to do it more, but it takes more concentration than I can give at the moment. I am hoping this winter to be able to work on a few baskets, since we will be indoors more and won't be as on the go.

[lily]

Also, only Creator is perfect, so in each item I craft with my own hands, if there is no flaw, I introduce one. I am only a pitiful human striving for perfection.

This is also an old Amish saying about quilting.

[AnnEsthesia]

Yea, I like that idea. In the shawl I made for the baby, there was a flaw, a place where I counted wrong. I was going to undo and redo, then decided I liked it the way it was. :)

[tony mitra]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/417340144_a5a272ce77_o.jpg

Drawing a cue from Kyi Yo, here is an example of things that concretize my faith. A flock of snow geese taking to the air in Westham island, Delta, British Columbia, last winter.

Cheers
:)

[underdawg]

Wow Tony that is an awesome picture!