Atheists Converting

[society]

To all atheists on here out there, if you were compelled, and must join in a religious denomination which would you choose to follow – Judaism , Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Baha’i, Hinduism, Scientology, etc.?

[joggerjayne]

Yes, Pantheism is the belief that God is all around, in all things.

Wordsworth was a Pantheist.

Logically, Paganism is more likely to be a "proper" basis for religion than, say, Catholicism, as it was around much earlier, and many "Christian" ideas were just plagiarised from Paganism ... including the idea of a festival in December, now called "Christmas".

Personally, I'd choose Buddhism, because the costumes are nice.

[naomi24]

I can understand people believing that a universal God is all around - just not that he's the God of Abraham.

[joggerjayne]

It seems more plausible than the notion that there is a divine being, in whose image He created us ... I mean, why would He ???

Buddhism's "oneness with the universe" is attractive. It's rather like some of the more ancient religions, like the faith of the Aborigine's, for instance.

[jno]

the costumes are nice, JJ? You'd look much more chic dressed in a nice archiepiscopal getup

http://www.oxfordorat...rchbishop_longley.jpg

[joggerjayne]

Why would I want to dress up as a kiddie-fiddler, jno ?

[naomi24]

Why indeed? Here we are - in universal terms less than ants - and yet we think we're so special. Got my doubts!

Buddism is a lovely philosophy - and I like the costumes too, Jayne - and I love all that hands together bowing to everyone. So gracious, so polite, and so very dignified.

[joggerjayne]

... or is he C of E ?

[sandyRoe]

I'd become the first Atheistic martyr.

[jno]

no, no, RC, though not as far as I know a paedophile. But you'd look a right mug behind the wheel of a 4x4 in a saffron robe; a proper crook and mitre would be much more fitting.

[joggerjayne]

I agree, Naomi.

If one subscribes to the idea that all religions are simply systems of order - to create some semblance of structure within society - then Buddhism works better than most.

Such a belief is not inconsistent with a belief in God, since the best argument in favour of the existence of God is that, if He did not exist, Man would create Him.

[naomi24]

Cross posted there Jayne. My last was in response to yours of 21.51.

[society]

JJayne, are you AB's Goddess? :-)

[joggerjayne]

jno ... I'm just conerned that a crook and mitre could make me look ...

... a bit of a t!t ?

[naomi24]

Quite.

[jno]

well, it would certainly put you in touch with your female side.

[joggerjayne]

Yes, I worked it out, Naomi.

Society ... I think a Godess would be be expected to set a better example than I do.

[naomi24]

Oops. Another cross post JJ. Whilst I think you're very nice, I'd draw the line at calling you a goddess. :o)

[joggerjayne]

Feminine side, jno ?

How does wearing something that looks like one's mother's curtains do that ?

[joggerjayne]

Yes, Naomi ... I think "goddess" would be stretching the point a bit.

[society]

I see Buddhism as a purpose to life and to many goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy.