I have no religion.
 

Unless believing in karma counts. I.E. what goes around comes around.
I never have to be honest, even when I was small I didn't believe there was a god.
I've never understood the draw that religion has. No offence meant in anyway to those who are religious, but I don't get how it helps anything. Feel free to share why and how its helped you, but I can't fathom how it will work.
Is anyone else on here like me? The closest I've met like me is a couple of pagan friends in real life.

Re: I have no religion.
 

Wow you mustn't spend a lot of time in this forum! :p

Look through the threads and you'll notice that there seem to be nearly as many atheists as Christians posting. So yeah you're not alone! :)

Re: I have no religion.
 

Re: I have no religion.
 

lol not in the religion part anyways. I rarely come to this part.
I'm a noob of the religion thread

Re: I have no religion.
 

Well, welcome Newbie!
I used to not believe in G-d at all, but it just really makes sense, when you think about it. Well, it really makes sense when I think about it, anyway. It's given a kind of clarity and focus to my life, which I like. I dunno if you count that as "helping" me or anything. For me, it's actually a lot like studying Biology.
Every day in Bio, I'm told about how some tiny macromolecules or ions interact inside the human body to carry out the various functions of the cell or how photons excite chlorophyll molecules in plants to kick-start photosynthesis. Well, I look at the explanation and I see how it's supported my the lab work we do and it all seems to fit well. I know it's not a perfect understanding, but I know it's the most perfect one we have today.
It's the same thing with G-d. Every day, I learn more about G-d's will and the way he works and how I should live my life to be in accordance with that. I know I can't every really KNOW what it is, but I have a pretty good guide.
For me, for now, at least, belief in G-d is just something I have, the way I have hazel eyes. I can't see my own eyes, but I know they're there and I know they're hazel because I can see thier IMAGE in the mirror. I feel G-d is there when I see his image--us.

Re: I have no religion.
 

Its hard to explain why religion is important, and I'm sure the reason for following religion is different for each person. I think that Atheists are brave, honestly and I respect that. For me though, religion is not only a moral compass, but a comfort. Because its a reason and a purpose for my life. Because of my beliefs, I have goals to work towards, and ideals to pursue. (I'm Catholic.) I mean, if we were just put on the earth for a lifetime and after that lifetime was over, we died and turned to dust, what would be the point? To me, it would feel empty. It also promises consequences and rewards for your actions on earth. Honestly, I think that very few people are truly Atheists. (Have no spiritual beliefs at all) I believe that there are many people who are agnostic. They simply haven't found a religion or belief system that fits. I think that studying many different religions helps people to understand their beliefs. Good luck and I hope that helps

Re: I have no religion.
 

You don't have a religion? Good, don't be in a rush to find one.

There are many appeals in religion, not just one. There is community, identity, anxiety-reduction, purpose in life, and self-actualization (which usually manifests as helping others), among other things.

Of course, there is also the opposite of all those things, at least within the institutions of religion, which is why religious politics are so dramatic. Religious politics are also tied in with socio-economic standing.

Re: I have no religion.
 

*ding ding ding*

At least that's why I do it. I volunteer all the time at my parishes charity work. We have gone to mississippi to help the victims of Katrina (it is still a wasteland), soup kitchens in Worcester, making a garden for the old folks home, etc.

Plus heavy religion volunteer work always looks good on your resume when applying to college. I have been confirmed in my church as well, even though I am not very religious at all.

Re: I have no religion.
 

I dont believe in god either.. the way i see it is if you cant prove it.. it means nothing...

Re: I have no religion.
 

I don't have any religion either. I don't even think I could be considered atheist or agnostic.

I think a god might exist in some form, but I highly doubt the Bible was inspired (much less written) by him/her/it. I think people should be judged by our actions rather than our beliefs, and whatever happens after we die happens. If a god exists and he/she/it wants to smite me for just trying to live my life, then whatever.