How did you come by your present religion or belief system?

Like you I made an effort to research every religion I could find, people have no idea how many are out there. What I found is that the vast majority consider women to be less than men. Many will say that is changing, but if it is it is at a snails pace. I have a couple natural abilities that caused me grief in my youth, I was called "witch" and "Child of Satan". It is not so much, I am an empath (a curse I live with) and I have the ability to communicate with beings who have departed life (on their terms, I can't call them). So they were right about the "Witch" part! I also studied the Buddhist philosophies and found them quite compatible. I looked into being a witch in depth and decided that Wicca was not for me and found that what I have been practicing for so many years is Pectic-Wit an.

As far as guilt goes, why would anyone do anything that would cause them guilt? I am my own person and am responsible for anything I do. I do not need scapegoats. Morality has NOTHING to do with religion. If a person has to have the church tell them what is right and wrong then they might be a danger to society since obviously they do not have the ability to discern it themselves.!

My opinion, if someone has a problem with guilt perhaps they should take a closer look at what they believe!

BB

)O(

I was raised Christian but never seemed to fit in or understand (or believe.) I prayed, I asked, I begged, I tried for 15 years to get some kind of answer in Christianity, to make it fit. I only felt lonely and out of place. The doubts and questions weren't answered logically and I never felt "saved". I never reached the level of belief. I became an adult and kept trying with no success.

I reread the Bible, listened to preachers condemning me and saying AIDS was God’s punishment on homosexuals and studied the bible. Studying the bible did it finally. I decided that wasn’t for me. I couldn’t worship the deity in Christianity. I never found the “loving” god so I stopped trying and looked elsewhere. Alcohol didn’t work and only messed up my life so that ended quick.

I was Wiccan for 10 years and that was MUCH closer to what I was looking for but not quite it. Having gods and goddesses made perfect sense to me. Eclectic paganism had been close but not exactly what I was looking for.

I began exploring my ethnic roots (going through Native American traditions, Celtic paganism and then I found heathenism. It took 10 years before I found the deities and religion waiting for me. From the moment that I picked up a book on heathenism I knew what I had been missing. I continued reading what little was available (two good ones, a couple of miserable ones) and it was like a lightbulb going on in my head and life. Now I have that challenge, love, acceptance, and encouragement I was looking for in Christianity without the threats of hell or requiring me to change my orientation. Heathenism sings to my very nature. As part of a Reconstruction religion, it's exciting because we question everything and that's welcomed. New information is found every year that lends insight into the religion of our ancestors. Personal insight and experience also is welcome in the religion but is taken with "a grain of salt".

Everything is questioned until verified or it remains in a nebulous state in the religion.

My deities don't want me to grovel to them or turn the other cheek to an enemy. They want me to live honorably and always question, seeking knowledge and honor them, my family, my friends, my ancestors and my self.

I grew up attending Sunday school at a Christian Science church. As an adult I have attended many different Christian churches of different denominations and studied the doctrines. My personal values and beliefs center on envrionmental stewardship which encompasses many different issues. The closest mainstream religion that addresses humanity in relation to the environment in a practical and realistic manner is UCC (United Church of Christ) - not to be confused with Church of Christ which is very fundamental. I even became a member of a UCC church but later resigned. I now live my life with prayer, meditaion and a personal connection to God in my life. I try to conduct my life with the goal of promoting peace and harmony toward others and mother earth.

Edit: My husband is a Budhist of sorts - interesting and a lot of goodness, but some strange practices that I can't accept.

I choose Eclectic Paganism because it fit me. Yes, I read a lot, and since I was raised in a Christian home I had that experience. Paganism in general made sense and as I have not found a particular branch that "feels" right I am Eclectic.

I tried different faiths until I found one that was more what I believed in. the Holy Spirit drew me and I knew I'd done right.If the spirit doesn't guide you then I don't think any one knows which faith to choose.

I would fear any faith that doesn't cause some quilt. That's what keeps us right. If there is no quilt , then it says anything you do is o.k. What kind of faith is worth that.? If all is well, then I can't see what would keep you from killing, raping, or whatever. Quilt of doing wrong ,is what we need.I'm not very good at putting things into words so I'll stop before I offend someone, I just really can't understand your choice? I fear for your soul.

I guess I felt what some refer to as a calling. I was loosely raised as a Roman Catholic - and gradually came to disbelieve much of their doctrine. I consider myself to be a non-denominational Christian. Much of my life experience, study, and prayer have led me to where I am spiritualy. I think society, as a rule, is a very poor exemplar when it coomes to matters of the spirit.

Went to university and studied religious studies with a minor in philosophy. Made my decision from there.

It's just something I belive, its not any set belif system that's already out there. At first I belived what my parents taught me but I guess that changed. II'm not sure when though.

I stripped away all of the dogmattic crap, tradition and fairy-tale and this is what was left.

Now I know the TRUTH,,,,,and the TRUTH has set me free.

I was born into it and I want to remain with my ancestors.