Wanting to finally have a religion Options

[artist27]

Well, all my life I have pretty much been raised around Christians. My dad and everyone on my dad's side are Christian. I was raised pretty much by my grandparents. I went to church a few times growing up. Most of my friend's parents were christian (my second homes), so I went to chruch with them a few times. Only thing is, I went to keep my friends company, I'd go just to spend time with my dad...it never felt right to me, and it never took.
So, all my life I have been open to possibilities. Does God exsist? Maybe. I'm not going to say that a certain religion isn't true, because there are so many supernatural things that go on in this world. But, what I will say, is that I think I have finally, after 27 years, found a religion that suits me.
I feel such a deep connection with the energy that flows through the earth itself. I feel the energy from the earth flow through me. I FEEL the universe around me, and it's something I don't think about, I just feel it. I find thunder storms so appealing and beautiful, that while it would be stupid to do, I feel like standing in the middle of open ground just to watch it (I never do, though), I feel ALIVE during those storms. I find everything about how the world and universe works, how it was created so complex and powerful. I feel a kinship with animals, like they are one of me. I feel their sadness when they're sad, and happy when they are happy. Instead of worshiping God, I would rather worship a thunder storm, rain or wind...I feel perfectly at home out in nature, and could just sit and watch it for hours (even in the rain), or just listen to the wind gently blow. I feel like myself out there.
So, I have come to the conclusion that I think I'm Pegan. Now, I'm still a bit confused. This is the first time in my life that I have even considered labeling myself with a religion. It's always been a big deal to me, because I want to be MYSELF. I never wanted to choose a religion, habit, likes and dislikes or anything else just to make someone else happy. I need it to be genuinely me. So, what are your thoughts on this. It sort of makes me nervous to take this leap, but I think by developing a belief it would really help me in my journey to finding myself. What are your thoughts?

[Dot]

Pagan, eh? I do think by developing a belief it would really help you in your journey to finding yourself but I disagree that this means you have to have a label. I don't have a label, I wish I did, but my views are so expansive that they don't fit in one box. I think it's wonderful that you feel this connection to the Earth and treasure it; maybe Paganism is for you, but maybe you ought to do some more research on it first to know what you're getting yourself into. You're not really getting yourself into anything but you know what I mean; to make sure it fits you.

The journey to finding the self doesn't need a name or an explanation of what or who you are; that's impossible to convey in a single word. Most modern religious people have changed their own religions rules to fit their own yet they still call themselves by this name; there's nothing wrong with this, it shows humanity is growing and changing, but if you say "Christian" or "Pagan" everybody automatically assumes a certain set of "rules" or beliefs, which might not all be followed. You can explain interests of yours to people, but as for a particular name, we don't really have one yet. I hope by the time we find one we won't need it.

I won't go into a labels rant but there's you, and you can't really put yourself in a box here. But maybe you can - a lot of people do, if it fits. But it doesn't sum up who you are; there are lots of different parts of you. Like the artist in you.

Anyway, I hope this has helped somewhat...

[artist27]

The journey to finding the self doesn't need a name or an explanation of what or who you are; that's impossible to convey in a single word.

Hmm...maybe you're right. I do think that each and every individual is unique. That's why I never tried a religion, just came up with my own beliefs based on my own experiences.

Anyway, I hope this has helped somewhat...

Actually it helped a lot. Sometimes I feel like a certain religion isn't right for me, because I have developed my own. My sudden embrace in the universe, the more I get to experience it has gotten me thinking, though. Obviously I worship the universe...so maybe there IS a religion out there for me? I will look into it more, but whatever I choose I will be happy in my decision.

[Dot]

I will look into it more, but whatever I choose I will be happy in my decision.

Great.

[aLittle Special]

sounds like buddhism is your cup of tea !

but in the end i do not think it matters if you have a name to what you believe & feel. sometimes putting a label to things puts limits to things too i believe there is no limit !

what we feel & believe is just simply that.

if you feel you need to call yourself for example in conversation with someone when they ask, just say you are spiritual

[artist27]

sounds like buddhism is your cup of tea !

I will research that religion, as well. Simply because I'm interested in the different religions that worship the universe. Thanks for the idea, though.

if you feel you need to call yourself for example in conversation with someone when they ask, just say you are spiritual

That's all I have ever said. I'm spiritual. Sometimes it satisfies others, and sometimes not. But I have no problem telling others what I believe.

Maybe I have it all figured out already, and maybe I just need to stop second guessing myself. But, I definately know one thing...I would like to research the different religions that celebrate the earth and universe. Maybe I'll come to a conclusion, maybe I won't. Or, maybe I could call myself bupagism. A little bit of both. lol

[aLittle Special]

haha 'bupagism'.... funny.

yes it would be interesting to research them in general. i dont know much about religions and should have a read myself

[A Lady]

Study any and all you wish, it's fascinating and will take you into history, geology, etc. as you learn where various groups are coming from and what shapes their worldview.

Dot is correct in that you don't have to have a label right now or ever.

It's a fascinating study and I think you will enjoy it.