IAP Political Forum

Is it feasible to combine the good elements of different religions, to suit your life? A bit like a mix and match. Eg I will take this good element from Christianity, and this good element from Buddhism etc.

Or do you have to solely immerse yourself into the one religion?


Just curious, what other people think about it  :)

Well...meditation is often associated with Buddhism, and I used to "meditate" during Yoga (kept my mind off the pain).

I think certain "positive" elements of different religions may be called upon...I think the crux of the matter is who you pray to, and how you perceive your "salvation" to be obtained....

What ones would you suggest?

yup I would have to agree with you Patton

Not sure. That is why I asked the question  :)

Mixing religions? Hmmm, I can think of two examples. Cai Dao, and the Bahai. Though thats not really what your asking. Your talking about elements from different religions.

I think yes, but I mean then its not really religion anymore its a personal philosophy, and then you might as well look at the philosophers like the Cynics, Stoics, Epicureans and so on. If your looking for a personal philosophy I wouldn't look to much at religion, which is mostly ritualistic I would look at eastern philosophies and or ancient greco-roman attitudes.

its my understanding that all religions mix and match. they evolve, like anything else.

if they are to mix and match and to evolve then wouldn't one naturally think that religion would be like a revolving door with those that agree with the change and stay and those that get annoyed and walk out?

I think religion is a personal journey as well as how we seek God.... I believe that yes we need fellowship but really it's about our own personal relationship and the church and religion tends to get in the way of this and cause corruption and distortion as we learn about someone elses idea of who or what God is

t, remember the Reformation? (the council at Nicene, the many denominations that have broken off, the changes the catholic church has made, etc.)

I think u may be referring to the personal spirituality and personal ritual that some people define and distinguish on their own (much like the early pre-xian mystery religions).

I wouldn't call this a religion in the same sense: that is, you don't come up with your personal religion and then call yourself Muslim or Roman Catholic.

that said, I realize that the term 'xian' means all sorts of things and is an umbrella term for someone who appreciates some of the teachings attributed to Jesus.
and consider that xianity grew - evolved - out of Judaism, which grew out of previous religions.
xianity borrowed from other religions: pagan and mystery cults, egyptian, and greek myths.

I think to most who call themselves Christian, the core belief is ones salvation is through Christ.

Anyone can "appreciate some of the teachings attributed to Jesus"....even you Barney...and not be a Christian.....

It probably depends on what sect of Christianity you are talking about. The Protestant factions throughout history have had some widely different interpretations and views.

The "TULIP" doctrine thought up by protestants (Calvinists particularly), was abysmal and anti-humanistic in it's values and appraisal of humanity.

Yes! It's called Foundationism!

I know a bunch of people who call themselves Xian but don't believe the supernatural aspects of Jesus. One in particular only accepts the quotes of Jesus that relate to love and rejects the rest of the Bible.  He is in a Bible study group, calls himself a Xian, and says he understands why people get upset - but it doesn't change the fact that he calls himself xian.

I read a lot of religious texts and interact with those from other faiths and while I adhere to Christianity there is always something to learn.  Zen Buddhism is probably one "faith" I utilize the most, outside of Christianity, but it's more of a philosophy anyway.

This is a funny comment but I don't really care to explore it.

I guess one could call himself anything he wants...I could call myself Muslim...but if asked certain questions by other Muslims, I think the consensus would be by most Muslims using Muslim foundational principles that I am not.

Its a tough call. Who is in charge of determining whether a person is a xian or not, or a BETTER xian or not? The Catholic Church? (Personally, i think so. I think only Roman Catholics are true Xians).
There are people who call themselves Xian who follow the Creed, then there are some that only follow the teachings of Jesus the philosopher (for what its worth) but still call themselves xian (they don't believe Jesus was divine).

it seems to me, call yourself whatever you want, just define your terms.