Do you believe in karma?

[Nirvana]

I don't believe in a God that will smite you if you steal an apple. I do not believe there is a purgatory, or a lake of fire. I don't believe that people should have their hands cut off in the name of religion. These are the negative messages that are promoted by certain religions to keep their followers in line. I do not believe in scaring people to choose the right path when its much simpler to show them a easier way to end their suffering.

[Pie]

Originally Posted by Nirvana

...show them a easier way to end their suffering.

[DanaC]

Originally Posted by Nirvana

I don't believe in a God that will smite you if you steal an apple. I do not believe there is a purgatory, or a lake of fire. I don't believe that people should have their hands cut off in the name of religion. These are the negative messages that are promoted by certain religions to keep their followers in line. I do not believe in scaring people to choose the right path when its much simpler to show them a easier way to end their suffering.

*Nods* ok. I can see how you can disbelieve that. What I don't understand (please don't take offence atthis, I am genuinely bemused) is how that can translate to believing all the religions that give positive messages. What if a religion gives a positive message about love and peace, but the main gist of that religion is that aliens started life on earth?

[Pie]

Originally Posted by DanaC

What if a religion gives a positive message about love and peace, but the main gist of that religion is that aliens started life on earth?

It makes as much sense as all the rest of 'em.

[Nirvana]

Originally Posted by DanaC

*Nods* ok. I can see how you can disbelieve that. What I don't understand (please don't take offence atthis, I am genuinely bemused) is how that can translate to believing all the religions that give positive messages. What if a religion gives a positive message about love and peace, but the main gist of that religion is that aliens started life on earth?

The freedom to choose which parts one believes as long as they are the middle way do not really have to be defined as one single religion. I believe if you have compassion for other human beings that your life will be happier. I believe if you help other people your life will be happier. Buddhism is not so much a religion as it is a way of life that follows no extremes.

The basic truth about what I believe is that we are all born and we will all die, so in between we all want to suffer less. Living your life in the shoes of others is very enlightening.