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How much joy do you get out of your ideology?

AreaCode707

AreaCode707

Lifer
Not a question of who's right or wrong, or even if there is a right or wrong. But, how much joy do you get out of believing what you believe? How does that play into your day to day life?

I believe in a loving God, that the way to heaven is through a relationship with a living Christ. I have peace in what I believe, joy in the world around me, and hope in something beyond. This positively affects my attitude (most days 😉). For me, having confidence in an absolute has made my life better.

(I especially want Elledan to answer, to see the similiarity or difference in outlook of someone whose ideology differs so much from my own. 🙂)
 


<< I believe in a loving God, that the way to heaven is through a relationship with a living Christ. I have peace in what I believe, joy in the world around me, and hope in something beyond. This positively affects my attitude (most days 😉). For me, having confidence in an absolute has made my life better. >>


I used to be like that...it really did make my life better because it gave me one less thing to worry about
 
If what my ideology didn't make me happy, I'd go get another one. I feel sorry for some of the people that I know who stick to an ideology that constantly makes them feel guilty and depressed about everything they are and do. It constantly drives them to shame and sadness, yet they continue to come crawling back like an abused dog. Unfortunately, for many of them, they were raised with their ideology and it is essentially "The only love they've known" and they are afraid to move elsewhere for a variety of reasons...


 
This is a very interesting question. I tend to stress the metaphysical aspects of my ideology, and not the emotional and personal or other experiential aspects of it. In some ways, I'm the opposite of moonbeam. I have a grounded rationalism. I'm not the well educated Christian existentionalist, like linuxboy either. I am a well educated evangelical Christian, sometimes lacking in the "softside" of my worldview and emphasing the concrete reality of the historical Christ, and the certainty of a Creator/Designer/Unmoved Mover.

Neither do I feel that deriving joy is a necessary component of an ideology. An ideology should be held because it is true. Not because it feels good or whatever. Or even because "it works for me" (pragmatism). Nevertheless, I do think that possession of the truth is cause for joy. My lack of emotional response to my ideology is something I've been thinking about lately. Analytically, of course.
 
You're right that people shouldn't pick their religion because it works for them but it does happen that way.

Any given person can rationalize any sort of truth they want and they'll pick whichever one fits them best.
 
Being a fence-sitting agnostic my ideology brings me neither joy nor torment 🙂

I tend to act a lot like a "good Christian" (aka Ned Flanders?) might, not out of fear of some final judgment just because it's my nature and upbringing. I'd be happy to find some balance between actions and consequences exists in the universe (i.e. karma) but I'm not holding my breath.
 
LOL,To answer your question I'd actually have to think about it and truthfully that's not my long suite 🙂

I just am.. and I don't question it much or think about it much anymore.I get thru each day as best I can trying to treat others the same way I'd like to be treated, overly simplistic ? perhaps but I've never laid any claims to complexity 🙂

 
Im an athiest, so the jesus thing dont swing my way. I believe in family and friends. I like to make my friends and family happy, whether it be through humor, or just hanging out. Thats what I look forward to and believe in every day. I dont need a 1000 page book to give me something to believe in, but hey - to each their own, right?
 


<< but hey - to each their own, right? >>



Ultimately, that is God's final judgment. God will force no one to accept Him. But neither can people be saved "their way". I think this is what drives people to reject God. They want to be saved "their way" or no way.
 
i think that we as humans "know" relatively nothing about what is actually going on in the universe. i think traditional religions are there partly because it's human nature (instinct) and partially because of tradition, but i do think that traditional religions, when you take a step back and really examine them, are ridiculous. where is this god? how in the hell do you know he's there? the bible? what makes you believe the bible is acurate?

i think people just accept too many things and dont give thought to it. this not only applies to religion, but to daily life. many people are very simple and dont ever think "big".

my beliefs unfortunately do make me a bit elitist and stuck up feeling, which is unfortunate, but that is also partially just the fault of my personality. i'm just glad that i dont believe perposterous things just to give myself a false sense of happiness.

you know, the saying "ignorance is bliss" applies very well here...
 


<<

<< but hey - to each their own, right? >>



Ultimately, that is God's final judgment. God will force no one to accept Him. But neither can people be saved "their way". I think this is what drives people to reject God. They want to be saved "their way" or no way. >>


saved? from what?
 
"An ideology should be held because it is true."

BINGO!

It's satisfying to see your concepts substantiated. I'm not one to say "I told you so", but I sure as hell think it, and people know damn well what I think! 😛
 
I was just thinkin, why must people of religion press theirs on others?

*knock knock* Hi im the cool dude that is forced by my church to ride bikes and make u listen to my crap til u slam the door in my face *slam door*

U dont see us athiests crammin bibles up ur ass, do ya? 😀
 


<< enlighten me, what does it mean exactly to be "Saved"? Ive heard the term bunches of times, just never looked into it 😱 >>



To be honest, it means to be saved from God's wrath and the fires of hell.
 


<< I was just thinkin, why must people of religion press theirs on others?

*knock knock* Hi im the cool dude that is forced by my church to ride bikes and make u listen to my crap til u slam the door in my face *slam door*

U dont see us athiests crammin bibles up ur ass, do ya? 😀 >>



It works out evenly IMO. I'm frequently told by athiests that what I believe is ignorant and outdated. It comes down to a system of beliefs, and me telling an athiest that what I believe is right is no different than an athiest telling me what they believe is right. Personally, I think I'd prefer to not shove anything in anyone's face, just be content with people knowing that I believe what I believe through the way I live my life, let them believe what they believe, enter into discussions if they want to, and otherwise let everyone live their lives and make their own choices.
 


<< Im an athiest, so the jesus thing dont swing my way. I believe in family and friends. I like to make my friends and family happy, whether it be through humor, or just hanging out. Thats what I look forward to and believe in every day. I dont need a 1000 page book to give me something to believe in, but hey - to each their own, right? >>



I agree.....but I am not one anymore .....an atheist , I mean.
 
I certainly feel contentment from adhering to those things I feel are true.





BTW-I'm an Atheist with very conservative political leanings
 


<<

<< enlighten me, what does it mean exactly to be "Saved"? Ive heard the term bunches of times, just never looked into it 😱 >>



To be honest, it means to be saved from God's wrath and the fires of hell. >>



that's a general misconception ....


Though I am not a Christian ...I think it means that it's gonna save u from what is generally considered immoral.
Doing those stuff often creates problems ........wich trouble none else but u !!

If u take religion in a practical manner ....... there's much u have to know about!!!
 
NART

Ha, nice question,


<< that the way to heaven is through a relationship with a living Christ. >>


with this setup to make us feel insecure right off the bat!
 
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