lack of religion today

gluegun · #1 05-03-2004, 11:35 AM

This thread is inspired by the New World View thread. While reading that thread I was surprised to discover that many of the members of this board have become very disillusioned with organized religion today. Do you guys think that this is a generational thing? Why are so many young people today giving up on organized religion and faith?

(FYI. I'm an atheist and have always been one.)

gluegun · #2 05-03-2004, 11:44 AM

Just making conversation

Besides, it is an interesting phenomenon.

Winter Storm · #3 05-03-2004, 11:58 AM

I don't know if it's generational, regional or what, because I still know many people who are religious. For me, though I think it's kind of a the "in" thing to be religious, especially among blacks. I have yet to meet a non-religous black person besides myself.

I see so many people walking around with crucifix necklaces and giving praises to God or Jesus Christ, not because they are true followers, but because everyone else is doing it.

I don't know, but I decided if I'mnot behind it 100%, I'm not behind it at all.

paperjam1015 · #4 05-03-2004, 12:18 PM

I think it has alot to do with seeing (or not seeing) the rationale between a lot of the traditions and beliefs that are forced on people by organized religion. A lot of people aren't raised going to church any longer. And alot of my friends who did go to church really don't know much about the bible. And like WB said, after exposure to so many religions, ppl just start to see that maybe there isn't one answer.

kimmer23 · #5 05-03-2004, 02:20 PM

do the atheists on this board acept presents at christmas time and take part in family events during this time? i hope not.

gluegun · #6 05-03-2004, 03:03 PM

Of course I both give and accept presents during the holiday season. I don't necessarily refer to these gifts as "Christmas presents" since many of my friends are either Jewish or some other non-Christian religion. What is wrong with that? I was taught that the holiday season was about spending time with family and giving gifts to the people that you love. My family doesn't pray before Christmas dinner or talk about the Christmas Story, but we still enjoy an opportunity to spend time together.

paperjam1015 · #7 05-03-2004, 03:08 PM

Christmas is definitely beginning to lose it's Christian meaning...

It's more of a "holiday season" than what it meant 20 yrs ago.

Not that I agree, just an observation.

cheshrcarol · #8 05-03-2004, 03:17 PM

Quote:

do the atheists on this board acept presents at christmas time and take part in family events during this time? i hope not.

I have to say I am offended by this. I may personally be atheist, so may members of my family. But for the most part my extended family are faithful Catholics and Christmas is very important time for us to all be together. Are my parents and I not allowed to participate because my father is of Jewish heritage and none of us believe in God? My aunt is married to a muslim, and they are raising their children in a combination of both faiths. So I guess they not allowed to be part of family gatherings either? My brother's agnostic, so maybe he can join in for Christmas dinner, but shouldn't accept any presents.

I truly believe the Christmas spirit is larger than just celebrating the birth of Jesus, but is a time for family, and to be more concerned with giving than receiving, no matter what your personal beliefs are.

I'm sorry to seem so annoyed, but it makes me extremely angry when "religious" people who are supposed to believe in living their lives to a higher standard are actually more intolerant than the rest of us.

gluegun · #9 05-03-2004, 03:49 PM

Yeah Kimmer, why would you hope that we don't spend time with our families at Christmas?

paperjam1015 · #10 05-03-2004, 04:26 PM

The gift giving tradition is based on the wise men (3 kings) bringing gifts to baby Jesus. Who by historical accounts was around 2 yrs old by the time they arrived.

Christmas replaced the pagan holiday of the Festival of Light/sun, a celebration of the winter equinox. That's why it's in December. By historical accounts Jesus was probably actually born sometime in the spring.

kimmer23 · #11 05-03-2004, 04:29 PM

shit, sorry for the anger before. its monday, its raning here, its cleaning day and i am still a little pissed at my friend for cancelling friday night at the last minute.

anyways i was just curious about everyone's situation. i had in my head thinking about how sunday school instilled a lot of values and morals for me right off the bat when i was little, but any parent can do that own their own with or without any type of religion.

i see how my husband's brother and sisters children are and they dont seem to have those values that i was taught when i was little, but its the parenting skills.

as what winter storm was talking about--i see sort of the same thing between white and black people and religion. all of the black people i know (i am white) are more religious than the white people i know. i cant explain it, it was mostly just an observation.

Crimson King II · #12 05-03-2004, 04:40 PM

This is interesting.

I don't know the answer.

I'm not particularly religious, but I find great interest in "religion." I think there are some interesting and good principles in christianity. But I think there are some very good applications found in Zen teachings...particularly for those of us with great passions and tempers.

Nonetheless, I find the tradition rich, embellishment steeped practices of Catholicism appealing as well. Did anyone see the West Wing episodes where the President was going through the crisis of faith and his administration and had the long dialogue where he rails back at God? It's that sort of devotion and passion to a religion that is, to me, at least admirable. It's that sort of give-and-take that should be found in religion more, I think.

Maybe I'm simply like Churchill called himself, "something of a hopeful agnostic."

kimmer23 · #13 05-03-2004, 05:03 PM

my husband is pretty much agnostic, but like you CK he has a lot of interest in those topics. he is always watching those shows on TLC and discovery channel.

i find all religions interesting, yet confusing at times. somehow math seems easier.... hehe!

Skyblade · #14 05-03-2004, 05:14 PM

I am a Christian and very much involved in my church and my faith is very important to me. I struggled and still do with a lot of things depression,etc. but it is my faith that always makes me happy. I can honestly say that without it, I don't know if I would be here today. I wasn't a strong believer till a year or so into college after studying more about it and discovering more about myself and what I wanted to be and how I wanted to participate in society. I found that not only does Christianity work for me, but I feel that it is how I was meant to live life. I've read a lot about it and while I can't say I'm an expert, I definitely chose to be a Christian based on my own internal feelings, not because it was the "in" thing to do, or any peer pressure, it was my own decision. With that said, I still think there are a lot of good Christians out there, but its hard to be a Christian in this country where there seems to be so many "fire and brimstone" types out there who may not get the whole picture. Anyways, thats my take. Feel free to PM me if you want to talk more.

lostindc · #15 05-03-2004, 07:22 PM

I am not very religious as:

1. I find religious services boring.

2. I find that religion tends to have the absolute "I'm right/your wrong" and "I'm holier than thou" attitude and is intolerant of other beliefs and ideas.

3. If religion preaches peace why are more wars fought in the name of religion?

4. Religion is slow to adapt to modern society - (religion should embrace scientific research that can save and enhance lives such as stem cell research)