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[star_laughter]

what does everyone feel about religion? From an Idealist point of view...do you feel that religion and type are similar/different/totally unrelated...?

Comments

[rynmorianqueen]

I think that NFs are inclined to be more spiritual than the other types, but I believe that NFs are no more inclined to be religious -- that is, spirituality with some kind of theology or dogma -- than any other type.

[landale]

I'm an athiest INFP. Which seems to go against the grain, apparently.

Not only that, but some people in some religions frustrate me since they use religion as a weapon to hurt and oppress people, which really brings my ire as an INFP.

I read an INFP profile that said the type was very compatible with religion... but I've never really felt so inclined. I don't feel that I could put my faith in a God that destroyed a whole city and its inhabitants, sinful or not. I also just... don't feel I believe in it.

I don't know if Type and religion are related... in my experience, no, but others may feel otherwise.

-Synth

[aevalia]

I'm an atheist INFP as well. I don't see this as a problem, though. I'm still an atheist for ideological reasons. Like you, I see the intolerance prevalent in religion and I find that I have to look elsewhere for guidance. My ideological world centers around the fact that I think PEOPLE have the inherent capability to be good, not that some God is inherently good and guiding inherent sinners. In its own way, atheism is a religion as much as any theist belief, because it's not like we're all apathetic or anarchists. I have put a lot of thought into my atheism.

[landale]

My ideological world centers around the fact that I think PEOPLE have the inherent capability to be good, not that some God is inherently good and guiding inherent sinners.

Exactly how I feel about it too.

-Synth

Just so you know...

[whitewillow]

There are more ways to be spiritual than being Christian or even believing in God at all. Most people seem to think that it's Christianity or Athiesm...you know...I either believe in Jesus or I don't. I'm not trying to tell you what to do...just don't write off religion just because Chrsitianity, Judaism, and Islam all suck dog. And, I agree, yes they do.

[passionrlsusall]

I am now considering myself culturally Jewish and agnostic. I've realized that I've never really believed in the religious beliefs or some of the moral aspects/perceptions of Judaism, but I do still like to observe some of the holidays and customs. In recent months, I've actually found myself become more detached from religious ideas and less believing that there is a God or truth to much of what religious teach/preach. I'm more and more skeptical and disbelieving of it all. Interestingly, this is after having come back from a 10 day trip to Israel in December. I still feel a certain cultural and heritage type connection to the religion I was born into, but the religious part of it is seeming increasingly silly to me. To illustrate this point, my family and I had a seder the other night and read through the prayer book for it, but we were laughing and questioning it all throughout and discussing skipping parts, etc., while reading.

[humandays]

i think humankind has an innate thrust toward spirituality as an expression of the systematizing and valuing functions. systematic religion is a kind of ossification or petrification of that lively impulse.

Absolutely.

[whitewillow]

I agree completely. Stagnation of the learning process comes from the human desire to catagorize. Ever read any of Joseph Campbell's work? Good stuff. Introduces the idea of religion as metaphore and of the anthropological significance of its inclusion in various cultures. Highly recommended.

Tish

Hmmm....

[whitewillow]

Well, I would have to agree that most Idealists are more inclined to be spiritual. I, personally, have little to NOTHING to do (did I mention NOTHING?) with organized religion. I feel that it has done little other than bring destruction, pain, and ignorance to any people or culture within its reach. This goes especially for ANY of the big three: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. (disclaimer: this is my own point of view. If I see any burning crosses in front of my apartment in the next few days, I will eat your children...or something. I haven't decided yet

Re: Hmmm....

[marybagain]

Nice to find a Heathen. :)

(disclaimer: this is my own point of view. If I see any burning crosses in front of my apartment in the next few days, I will eat your children...or something. I haven't decided yet.)

LOL! Do let us know (none have ever appeared to me...yet

everyone DID get the part about NOT WICCAN, right???

Ah - Wiccan. Now we refer to that as "British Neo-Pagan Witchcraft" in my world of accademia. Does anyone here hold to this belief system?

Re: Hmmm....

[jeroentiggelman]

Ah - Wiccan. Now we refer to that as "British Neo-Pagan Witchcraft" in my world of accademia. Does anyone here hold to this belief system?

Not me, but I have moderated groups where the majority may think they do. Given the amount of differences of opinion of what constitutes "Wicca" to begin with, I am not sure it matters that much. (I am pretty sure most of them haven't read Gardner, for a start.)

I appreciate the points about spirituality being something live and personal and religion (which word I reserve for something with more of a group angle) should be alive (and somewhat disorganized ;-)), too.

I consider myself agnostic.

--Jeroen (INTJ)

Re: Hmmm....

[marybagain]

We had someone working on a Psychology paper who was looking for Wiccans who would be prepared to answer a questionnaire for his research - that was why I was randomly enquiring.