If you are religious now and were non-religious before

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So you started this thread to confront people who used to be atheists and are now religious? Okaaaayyyy…. No wonder nobody is engaging with you.

OP. This is my first time replying to any post in this thread. I haven't read many of the posts. Why did you assume that I was the poster who you're referring to?

Thanks to everyone who has posted helpful posts!

So op: 5 days ago you asked this question, and now you are back and haven’t read many of the posts?

Why are you asking this question, then leaving the forum for 5 days and then re-visiting your thread and announcing you haven’t read most of the responses?

To OP -- please consider not getting sucked in by this agitating poster.

I think those are good questions. Why would you ask a question about anything and then not read the answers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

I am a non-religious poster married to someone who was also non-religious and has become very religious over the course of the last 5-10 years.

To me, the distinction is largely related to "religion" being a specific thing. People are not generally "just religious" - they belong to some religious community that is united in a group of beliefs that are distinct in some way from the beliefs of other spiritual groups. It feels more organized and more like there is probably behavior associated with it - going to church, attending religious study groups, etc. as well as whatever behaviors are dictated by the religion they're part of (e.g., rules about food, rules about intimacy, etc.).

Someone who identifies as purely spiritual seems like someone who believes in some sort of divinity and broader purpose (for lack of a better phrasing) but maybe does not belong to any particular religion. I myself would also describe someone who is really involved with their religious beliefs as spiritual. My husband, for example, is an extremely spiritual person who is actually new to being part of a religious community - he is a Buddhist who got there by meditating sporadically and independently for many years but then due to some crises of faith and difficulties in his life, he sought deeper involvement and now works with a teacher within a specific lineage. There are a lot of people who do religious things and describe themselves as religious while maybe not having a deep intellectual involvement with spiritual beliefs.

I have never posted on this forum before to my recollection (though I've been reading DCUM for like 10 years so who knows) and I opened this thread because at times, my non-religiousness frustrates me because it would be a really lovely way for DH and I to connect and relate to each other and I just do not believe the things that he believes. I don't know that I would say that they are "wrong" or "incorrect" because a lot of them are things that cannot demonstrably be proven to be correct or incorrect, but I don't believe the things he believes and am not affected emotionally by those things. I don't find them comforting or validating as he does, and I sometimes worry that my non-belief will create a rift between us. His religion isn't aggressive about conversion which is helpful, but interpersonally, I think it may at some point be hard for him to reconcile the strengths of his beliefs with my lack of belief. I was hoping to get some insight into what other people's experiences were and am disappointed that a couple of jerks decided to take it upon themselves to make it unpleasant, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

I am a non-religious poster married to someone who was also non-religious and has become very religious over the course of the last 5-10 years.

To me, the distinction is largely related to "religion" being a specific thing. People are not generally "just religious" - they belong to some religious community that is united in a group of beliefs that are distinct in some way from the beliefs of other spiritual groups. It feels more organized and more like there is probably behavior associated with it - going to church, attending religious study groups, etc. as well as whatever behaviors are dictated by the religion they're part of (e.g., rules about food, rules about intimacy, etc.).

Someone who identifies as purely spiritual seems like someone who believes in some sort of divinity and broader purpose (for lack of a better phrasing) but maybe does not belong to any particular religion. I myself would also describe someone who is really involved with their religious beliefs as spiritual. My husband, for example, is an extremely spiritual person who is actually new to being part of a religious community - he is a Buddhist who got there by meditating sporadically and independently for many years but then due to some crises of faith and difficulties in his life, he sought deeper involvement and now works with a teacher within a specific lineage. There are a lot of people who do religious things and describe themselves as religious while maybe not having a deep intellectual involvement with spiritual beliefs.

I have never posted on this forum before to my recollection (though I've been reading DCUM for like 10 years so who knows) and I opened this thread because at times, my non-religiousness frustrates me because it would be a really lovely way for DH and I to connect and relate to each other and I just do not believe the things that he believes. I don't know that I would say that they are "wrong" or "incorrect" because a lot of them are things that cannot demonstrably be proven to be correct or incorrect, but I don't believe the things he believes and am not affected emotionally by those things. I don't find them comforting or validating as he does, and I sometimes worry that my non-belief will create a rift between us. His religion isn't aggressive about conversion which is helpful, but interpersonally, I think it may at some point be hard for him to reconcile the strengths of his beliefs with my lack of belief. I was hoping to get some insight into what other people's experiences were and am disappointed that a couple of jerks decided to take it upon themselves to make it unpleasant, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

Ask him. It sounds like he doesn't care, and would want you - or anyone - to do want seemed right to them

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

No just read this thread. About did you become religious. And so many answers are I go to church to because I am "spiritual." Very common to hear this now. Go ahead and disagree that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

No just read this thread. About did you become religious. And so many answers are I go to church to because I am "spiritual." Very common to hear this now. Go ahead and disagree that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable.

I hate trite and snarky replies, but: Wut?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

No just read this thread. About did you become religious. And so many answers are I go to church to because I am "spiritual." Very common to hear this now. Go ahead and disagree that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable.

I hate trite and snarky replies, but: Wut?

If you have read through this thread you will see how many posters have said, in response to the question "if you are now religious and were not before," that they are "spiritual." This seems to be the new thing. So go ahead and disagree with me that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable than saying you are religious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

No just read this thread. About did you become religious. And so many answers are I go to church to because I am "spiritual." Very common to hear this now. Go ahead and disagree that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable.

I hate trite and snarky replies, but: Wut?

If you have read through this thread you will see how many posters have said, in response to the question "if you are now religious and were not before," that they are "spiritual." This seems to be the new thing. So go ahead and disagree with me that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable than saying you are religious.

DP -- I agree, but don't know what "spiritual" means. I think being religious means believing in God and expressing it though a particular religion

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

No just read this thread. About did you become religious. And so many answers are I go to church to because I am "spiritual." Very common to hear this now. Go ahead and disagree that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable.

I hate trite and snarky replies, but: Wut?

If you have read through this thread you will see how many posters have said, in response to the question "if you are now religious and were not before," that they are "spiritual." This seems to be the new thing. So go ahead and disagree with me that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable than saying you are religious.

DP -- I agree, but don't know what "spiritual" means. I think being religious means believing in God and expressing it though a particular religion

That's the beauty of it! It's vague and evasive, but sounds similar to religion so it's more socially acceptable, but you can't be pinned down on what you actually mean by it.

[Anonymous]

I grew up in a fundie-evangelistic background. Young Earth Creationist, was saved and baptised and was convinced the Rapture was coming any day. I towed the line, but between high school and college it all stopped making sense and I became an atheist.

And angry atheist, to be honest. I am careful not to attack people for their beliefs, but I do recognise that I carry anger towards what's I see as dishonesty in how the Bible is used in order to maintain a status quo. It's used more as a fear-device to keep people afraid of eternal punishment, but also afraid to really trust themselves out of fear they are being tricked by Satan.

However, I have found a softening towards the concept of faith and the practice of religion as a means of growth and connection and opened to the idea that the Bible is one history among many of humanity's relationship with the divine.

While I am not necessary convinced that there IS a God, I certainly have experienced a deep sense of joy and connectedness which I'm more open to the possibility of being divine. I am motivated to continue the practices that have led to these experiences because it helps me be more compassionate to myself and therefore empathetic to others.

I do think there are plenty of rel

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in a fundie-evangelistic background. Young Earth Creationist, was saved and baptised and was convinced the Rapture was coming any day. I towed the line, but between high school and college it all stopped making sense and I became an atheist.

And angry atheist, to be honest. I am careful not to attack people for their beliefs, but I do recognise that I carry anger towards what's I see as dishonesty in how the Bible is used in order to maintain a status quo. It's used more as a fear-device to keep people afraid of eternal punishment, but also afraid to really trust themselves out of fear they are being tricked by Satan.

However, I have found a softening towards the concept of faith and the practice of religion as a means of growth and connection and opened to the idea that the Bible is one history among many of humanity's relationship with the divine.

While I am not necessary convinced that there IS a God, I certainly have experienced a deep sense of joy and connectedness which I'm more open to the possibility of being divine. I am motivated to continue the practices that have led to these experiences because it helps me be more compassionate to myself and therefore empathetic to others.

I do think there are plenty of rel

^ good comments. Thank you. What was that last sentence supposed to be

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So you started this thread to confront people who used to be atheists and are now religious? Okaaaayyyy…. No wonder nobody is engaging with you.

OP. This is my first time replying to any post in this thread. I haven't read many of the posts. Why did you assume that I was the poster who you're referring to?

Thanks to everyone who has posted helpful posts!

So op: 5 days ago you asked this question, and now you are back and haven’t read many of the posts?

Why are you asking this question, then leaving the forum for 5 days and then re-visiting your thread and announcing you haven’t read most of the responses?

To OP -- please consider not getting sucked in by this agitating poster.

I think those are good questions. Why would you ask a question about anything and then not read the answers?

+2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Funny how everyone uses "spiritual" these days, rather than "religious." It's almost as if people are embarrassed to say they're religious.

Spiritually and religion are two different things.

Correct, but the thread is "If you are religious and were non-religious before." So why do so many people say they are "spiritual?" As you say, they're two different things.

DP. In our church, the word “spirituality” is used all the time and it’s a compliment to say someone is “spiritual.” I don’t know pp’s background, but Christians have been talking about spirituality for hundreds, maybe even 2,000, years.

But what does it mean?

Very great question. It sounds like vague enough to be very cool, but not "religious" which isn't seen as cool.

Does being “cool” carry a lot of meaning in your world? When someone or something isn’t “cool,” do you and your friends laugh and poke fun at the “uncool-ness?”

well, yes. But more importantly, I see it as a good development that in our society intelligent people don't want to be labeled, "religious" so they say they are "spiritual," which seems more socially acceptable. Like "spiritual" is different than "religious" which is not something you want to call yourself.

You are projecting your thought process and opinions about religion and “coolness” onto strangers. It’s even more disturbing because you feel being “cool” is something other adults (if you are an adult) want to be.

If you are teenager, I get it. If you are an adult: sorry. Someone failed you.

No just read this thread. About did you become religious. And so many answers are I go to church to because I am "spiritual." Very common to hear this now. Go ahead and disagree that being "spiritual" is more socially acceptable.

No, nobody has said “I am spiritual.” They’ve talked about finding “spiritual meaning” and “spiritual communities.” In any case, do you really think they're trying to be “cool” for people like you, because they think nobody will understand they’re actually going to church or synagogue?