Not sure what your point is, but a large number (most?) Christians think that the Bible is the word of God. He may have used human scribes, but you’d think he (the all powerful creator of the universe) would have made sure that it was clear and comprehensible, not only when it was written, but also for all time. What is the point of your main communication with the human race being a contradictory jumble of threats, promises and stories about salt?
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I am not a believer or an avid reader but from the outside, “all knowing” and “all caring” cannot be fully joined up - it’s one or the other and it it’s one, it’s neither…
humans cant take a food order properly when being paid to do so…
just because the contempories and those living within the next few hundred years of christ interpretted his words as such doesnt mean he spoke them as such…
im not sure where i stand on the whole spiritual issue, i kinda have to believe there is something higher…i can understand why the absolute contradictions in scripture and the historical behavior of clerics of different faiths lead people not to believe…
im just not all in on the ;
‘if thats your gods words then hes a violent god, it says it here in the instruction manual…and if its not his words then how can he be a god if he cant even get his communication right…i am smarter than you for pointing this out’
its a strange arguement to hang your hat on when all around you, you can see mans willingness to corrupt everything for his own benefit
its not as basic as god sitting in his cloudy chair saying to his son…‘you better head back down there, son, they didnt understand my point’
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Me too. I believe that there is something higher and more important than human beings. It’s called Nature. It is the creator and driver of the universe. Its wonders are infinite. It is truly awe inspiring.
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Looks like he’s done it again 
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Not religious, but after 3 years of practice I will be taking my Buddhist refuge vow this weekend. 
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What does that mean?
It means I formally commit to the Buddha, his teachings, and the sangha (a community of Buddhists I study with and learn from).
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@SBYM commited to the Sanga years ago…just his one has vegemite and cheese…toasted if possible…
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Why do you say you aren’t religious if committing to a religious figure, his teachings and community. Is that not the definition of religion? Genuine question
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There is a lot of good in the teachings of the Buddha and the world would be a better place if more people put his ideas into practice.
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Fair question. Buddha was a man like any other. He believed life is marked by suffering. However, he outlined the causes of suffering and taught ways to end that suffering. Buddhists don’t look to an external power or God for help in this journey, which is why I don’t consider it theistic. The teachings emphasize that all humans are alone and personally responsible for finding a way to end the causes of suffering (by walking the eightfold path with right view, determination, action, speech, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration). For Buddhists, the Path is the goal. In terms of the community, the sangha helps you stay on the Path but does not worship together.
I struggled with a lot of emotions after my wife passed three years ago. I read Pema Chodron’s When Things Fall Apart and realized that I had to work with my own mind and her Buddhist teachings helped immensely. It’s become the most important book I’ve ever read.
Hopefully this doesn’t come across as an offensive rejection of religion. It’s just a personal choice in living the way that helps me most.
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Secularist approaches to religion are not uncommon - it was fairly in common in Wales for people to go to church for the community aspect (and a good sing song) but dont believe in a christian god. It is particularly common among people who adopt Buddhist teachings though
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Sorry to hear that. Hope question didn’t seem judgemental. Always assumed that Buddhism was a non-theistic religion. Glad it gives you strength however you experience it.
My mother is deeply religious (Christian) and it definitely has given her strength through hard times. I’m quite envious of her certainty tbh
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I don’t think that being religious necessarily implies a bleief in God. I have strong beliefs which I would characterise as religious, but I don’t believe in a supernatural being or force.
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For me Buddhism is a religion as it still relies on faith. And like everywhere where faith is involved, it can turn ugly, just ask the Burmese people (or me actually, born and bred in a Buddhist based cult).
Not having a central authority, Buddhism is ripe for abuse. Very similar to other religions, it is very slow to recognize any wrongdoing.
I’d recommend anyone to put their ego to the side and read on cults and their mechanisms. It very easy for most people to step into one unknowingly, and turn a blind eye on it. I post this message because the best way to avoid getting into one is understanding the mechanism.
Faith is a powerful tool and driver in the human experience, I believe I have been vaccinated against it, but I won’t begrudge anyone for their choice. Just don’t try to tell me or others how we should live our lives, and we can stay on friendly terms. 
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What exactly do you mean by faith? Do you mean a belief in something unproveable? There are many things we take on faith, like the entire financial system. Is that the kind of thing you mean?
No criticism, just genuine interest.
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Some good points being discussed above.
Just adding the below which is more common in eastern philosophies more.
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That’s very interesting, and it does include the entire financial system to some extent. 
I hold beliefs, but I’m ready to change them. Faith in religions is usually not something that is malleable and open for change.