Religion?

I'm just a glutton for controversy I guess..
and it's one of my areas of personal interest and I thought it would be interesting to get the perspectives of such a unique and diverse group of interesting people such as yourselves. So providers and hobbyists, if you aren't uncomfortable with the subject:
What is your religious affiliation (if any), lapsed or practicing in what capacity, and does it have any effect on your approach or attitude toward 'the hobby'?
I am a Wiccan myself, have been a practicing priest for many years and am on a path toward ordaination in TX now. I know very few people have a genuine understanding as to what my faith entails, so the very brief '101' is that it is a nature-based neo-pagan religion, 'witchcraft', has nothing to do with Satanism which is just Christianity turned upside down and practiced by rebellious teenagers and 30 year olds in their parent's basements. For ethical purposes, we have one commandment: "If it harms none, do as you will".
Without committing 2 touchy subject taboos and bringing in politics I'll just sum that with the statement that I believe all ethics are situational, and morality and legality, like church and state, should have nothing to do with one another. So basically I 'justify' said alleged illegal activity in that, when engaged in wisely, neither participating party (or parties, if you are the type capable of affording that sort of arrangement), are harmed. Being a mutually beneficial transaction, as well as hopefully a mutually pleasurable one, it also spreads good karma and good will.. I believe I am helping a lady make ends meet and hopefully doing so in a way that she enjoys, and she is helping me get more enjoyment out of my life.. win-win, no-harm-no-foul... no "sin".
Didn't intend to get 'preachy', just like to hear myself type sometimes but hopefully this will get an interesting discussion going.

Gnostic?

Atheist.

It is my opinion that the most LOGICAL choice is for people to be agnostic. There is not enough info either way to decide. At best we cannot know of such existence or non-existence.

With that being said, I am only human and humans tend to not always do the most logical thing.

Pagan (since u r such a lover of controversy lol) - I disagree with you that ethics are situational (if I interpreted that correctly). Saying ethics is situational is the same as saying ethics are relative. That cannot be true. If so then people would be able to claim that such atrocities to humanity are ethical because of their "situation." (i.e. Germans could say that the Holocaust was ethical because it was best for their situation and that CANNOT BE TRUE)!!!!) There has to be a right and a wrong. I am not saying (because I do not know) what is right and wrong, but they do exist. I of course think I have a good idea of what is right and what is wrong but I can never know this with any level of certainty.

My .02

Started off Mormon and migrated to nondenominational Christian. As far as my views go...what consenting adults do behind closed doors or in the privacy of their home is none of my business or concern as long as nobody is getting hurt or robbed.

well I was brought up strict lutheran and private schooling through out high school. I left the church right after graduation ( after a marriage and kid) I saw hypocrites all around me.
i have some weird beliefs... i believe there is a higher being just know what it is.
Pagan... I have wanted to learn more about Wiccan beliefs for some time now, cause it seems to fit me well.
I dont think "religion" has any bearing on a hobbyists choice to do what they do. ( or the provider for that matter) since we are all sinners anyways and we are damned. so I have been taught. lol. But now I believe that I have the power of my own destiny and what happens with my life and those around me. good will to all and good will come back to me.

that is my two cents anyways.

licks and kisses

Theory.. surely there can be semantics beating any such blanket statement to death, but in general I do believe that there is no clear 'right and wrong'. 'good and evil'.. Atistotilian philosophy is a fallacy waiting to happen and the cause of much of historys strife. One can never in true wisdom say what is 'good' or 'bad' behavior, only that such behavior seems good or bad to him (or her). All astetics are a matter of interpretation. One must define their own personal boundaries and borders and remain within them to be 'a good person' in their own right, regardless of how society in general or other individuals in particular may interpret them. That beign said, yes obviously those who commit atrocities big and small that offend my personal sensibilities are subject to whatever level of criticism or retribution I deem appropriate.

and Mslove.. you truly have a goddess soul
and the best way to not be a sinner is to not believe in sin
among my kind sexuality is not considered a taboo in any way shape or form and is in fact sacred

Spiritual but not religious....

Agnostic, thank-you; S.O. is Catholic. Go figure....

Atheoist. I don't believe. I think.

Like PaganGuy, I refrain from causing harm to others. I respect that all people have their own way of viewing the world in which we live. I have no intention of changing their point of view and appreciate it if they don't try to convert me to their beleifs.

Raised Christian, but now Agnostic. I believe that while it is impossible to prove or disprove the existance of God, it is irrelevant. I live my life thinking that if I try to treat people the way I want to be treated and try my best (with all of my imperfections) to do what I think is right, that if there IS a God, that will be enough.

If there is not, then I have still lived the kind of life I can be proud to have lived.

I do think that most people use religion as a crutch to justify their own moral mistakes, rather than take complete responsibility for their choices.

I am a catholic school girl... . with a very bad girl side... but hey what catholic school girl do you know that isn't naughty... lol maybe I just need a good spanking... he he

While being catholic, I don't entirely believe everything taught. I believe that if you are a genuinely nice person... and you truly try to do the right things... well then... You will be rewarded.

As far as how it effects me in the hobbyland... well anyone who knows the bible can tell me where my name came from. And I believe I am doing what I can to provide a good life for me and my family.. without living off the state and tax payers. So I think God can understand that... he should just close his eyes sometimes.. since my sessions can get a little wild.. even if I am calling out his name lol

Raised Presbyterian to didn't care to bible-studying and believing Baptist to agnostic. Strongly distrust organized religious institutes of any kind.

Strongly distrust organized religious institutes of any kind. Originally Posted by 9pinBowler

Totally and completely DITTO to the above!!!!

I believe in something higher- I just dont know what exactly it is but I do KNOW it is there- in my heart and soul I feel it is so.

I like to live my life according to the Golden Rule and live and let live. I respect the beliefs and religions of others but I do love a good debate as it is just in my nature to discuss and such. I believe I should treat others as I wish to be treated. But much of me also believes that if someone hurts me intentionally- or someone I love such as a child or family member- the perp will suffer in some way by my own hand.


KKA
XOXOXO

My moms side of the family is Mormon. So, I too was brought up Mormon and was very involved in the church for many years. I just got lazy, I guess, and quit going when I moved out of my moms house at 17. Also, mom wasn't waking me up for our 3 hr day at church anymore and I did not take it upon myself to keep going. Who wants to wake up hungover to go to church? lol Sometimes I want to go back because I really did like it, but I don't have the guts to because of what I do. I'm not a bad person, but I feel like it would be disrespectful of me to show up. I just try to forget that what I'm doing is a sin. Can't help it, I luv my job :P

In some ancient pagan cultures there were temple prostitutes who were revered and respected as vessels of the goddess and being with them was considered a religious experience.