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Post by Ganbare! on Oct 29, 2009 17:33:05 GMT -5
Do you have a religion ? Was it inherited from your parents ?
I was born a Roman Catholic but as time passed by I became an atheist. My interest for Zen Buddhism grew fantastically in a few years and I'm considering 'changing faith' even though it might sound ridiculous to some since Buddhism is in general classified as a philosophy.
The process didn't come naturally since I wasn't exposed to Buddhism. I feel it's time for me to abandon this unhappy science-worshiping life for a much needed philosophical one even if it means discipline and sacrifices.
I'm curious to hear about your experiences.
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Post by D.A on Oct 30, 2009 7:29:24 GMT -5
"The process didn't come naturally since I wasn't exposed to Buddhism. I feel it's time for me to abandon this unhappy science-worshiping life for a much needed philosophical one even if it means discipline and sacrifices."
I'd just like to point out, although I do agree Buddhism is a philosophy, but then again, so is Catholicism (or theology) and Atheism. Your wording of that sentence implies one is unable to be both an advocate of science and a philosopher. Would it probably be more correct to state your need to convert to Buddhism as more spiritual rather than philosophical? (that being said, one can also be scientific and spiritual...)
Personally, with my mum being christian and my dad unknown, I grew up with an introduction to christianity but easily dismissed it and was agnostic (just didn't care). Since then I have become an atheist through philosophy (or rather, use philosophy to maintain my atheistic beliefs). I have read up on Buddhism a bit, but can't quite get around the spiritual aspect of it so I gave up delving into it further. It's philosophy is quite wishy washy in some areas, although it does have alot of great points (particularly around truth and suffering).
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Post by betahat on Oct 30, 2009 16:36:45 GMT -5
It's probably true that craving and attachment to worldly pleasures is the source of all suffering, but it feels so good!
I like atheism because it absolves me of all sin and provides no grounding for ethical or moral conduct. Which means I have to be cleverer than myself or the other guy to convince myself that I'm right. Atheism is the only faith for people who like to argue with themselves and others - yeah, I know there is a lot of debate within and between other religions, but only when you have no foundation and refuse to acknowledge one does the real fun begin. That's why atheists who take themselves too seriously (like Mr. Dawkins) annoy me a bit - science isn't a replacement for religion. My arbitrary views on cosmogony and abiogenesis and good vs. evil and the afterlife are based on nothing more than the cleverest arguments I can think of at the moment and my gut.
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