Do you practice your religion in Japan regularly?

[bokuwa]

Since living here I have not been a good catholic by church standards. I don't go to church like I should and it bothers me sometimes.

I have gone to buddhist temples more than church. Anyone have this problem as well?

[P_chan]

I don't really consider myself religious.

I was raised roman catholic but I don't believe in religion anymore. It just doesn't make any sense to me. Sure it can do some people a whole lot of good. But it can also make people very ignorant.

Anyway needless to say I stopped being religious once I was around 16. So no I do not practice religion while I'm here in japan.

[xxzjxx]

Church is for weak minded people anyway. I personally think there are ENTIRELY WAAAYYY to many churches on Okinawa, its like missionary heaven here. Its kind of disgusting to see Japanese hanging outside of these Gaijin churches, I think Americans have perverted this country with their fairy tail beliefs.

I read a post by a woman a while back and she was some fat American Marine officers wife, most likely. She was bitching about how Japanese put pornography near the children's book section at Tsutaya or some shit. GIVE ME A BREAK, i hate when Americans NEED to express their big fat mouth and bodies based on their own belief in somebody elses country.

Americans are so good at fucking up other countries heritage and customs.

[P_chan]

Church is for weak minded people anyway. I personally think there are ENTIRELY WAAAYYY to many churches on Okinawa, its like missionary heaven here. Its kind of disgusting to see Japanese hanging outside of these Gaijin churches, I think Americans have perverted this country with their fairy tail beliefs.

I read a post by a woman a while back and she was some fat American Marine officers wife, most likely. She was bitching about how Japanese put pornography near the children's book section at Tsutaya or some shit. GIVE ME A BREAK, i hate when Americans NEED to express their big fat mouth and bodies based on their own belief in somebody elses country.

Americans are so good at ******* up other countries heritage and customs.


Wow your bitter, you just seem to hate everything!

I do agree with you about the american complaining about the porno in tsutaya. I think some people just don't understand japanese customs and are kinda ignorant for that. I do think there are too many churches as well. However religion can do some good for some people if you ask me.

As I stated before I am not religious and I don't believe in that. However there are some cases where religion has helped people better themselves. However, history proves that there are many times where religion caused people to murder and do other bad things for their beliefs.

Also there is a certain arrogance that some strong believers of religion carry around that just irks me. Kinda like all the baptists that live in my hometown. They used to try to recruit little kids on the playground on weekends! Ask them to get on their bus and go with them to church and McDonalds after church. Thats kidnapping if you ask me , and I'd be pissed if I was that kids parent. I remember I confronted two ladies one time who were talking to a bunch of small kids, probably around the age of 8 to 10. I told her to leave them alone and they should be talking to adults not children. They tried to convert me after that and I told them what I believe and they should leave me alone and respect my values and ideas. Finally in one last desperate effort they turned and said "You know sir, we are saved.". I just rolled my eyes and left.

[dk]

As I stated before I am not religious and I don't believe in that. However there are some cases where religion has helped people better themselves.

You'd be surprised what people will do when they're convinced that they'll burn in the fiery pits of hell if they're not careful. I remember a highschool teacher telling me that if sh*t was the last word out of my mouth before I died, even if I was a Christian and lived a good life my whole entire life, I would go to hell.

But I'm not touching this thread with a ten foot pole. Personal reasons.

However, history proves that there are many times where religion caused people to murder and do other bad things for their beliefs.
And this is true as well.

[P_chan]

yeah I usually don't like to get into religious debates, they go nowhere.

Especially in online forums! You try to debate your beliefs to a 14 year old believe all christian (or any other religion), and they just talk to you like your dirt. They act like even though they are only 14 and haven't lived life yet they think they are theology scholars who have all the answers.

[dk]

I usually see religious people try to convert others. Not treat them like dirt. You must have run into the wrong person. :P

[P_chan]

yeah I know not everyone is like that. I just remember vividly all the people trying to convert everyone in my town to baptist. They used to try so hard and once you said no they would talk down to you. Oh and they would be back next week.

[TheNoNamedOne]

Sounds like a fun town Pchan. I can't get enough of religious debate. Whenever I get the chance, I welcome those door to door fundies into my living room for cookies and milk. I keep them for hours until they are explaining to me that it is time for them to go.

Then I am always disappointed because they promised they'd come back the next week, but never do.

[xxzjxx]

I usually see religious people try to convert others. Not treat them like dirt. You must have run into the wrong person. :P

Thats where they go wrong. I say, if there is a god, he wouldn't want us waisting our short time "recruiting" people to bow down to him. Or, even to spend an hour in church every week, I dont know, if I was god, i wouldnt make people worship me and crap.

Very strong religious beliefs make peoples personalities boring.

[dk]

I say, if there was a perfect deity, he wouldn't change over time. Religion changes over time. So something doesn't add up.

[xxzjxx]

Absolutely,

Arrogant faith in a particular god is going to ruin the world, and I don't mean Islam, I also think Christianity is just as dangerous. Look at Ireland for crying out loud.

Just blame the parents.

[DoctorP]

Offtopic posts about porn were moved here (http://www.japanupdate.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197). Feel free to continue your discussions in the appropriate threads.

[Boost]

Church is for weak minded people anyway.

So you are telling me that every person that attends a church to socialize with others that share in the same beliefs as them is weak minded? That is a pretty broad generalization of the millions of church attending people in the world. It is nothing new for people who have similar interests to gather together to share in those interests. From various clubs to organizations, the general principle is the same. So are these people also weak minded? You could apply the same standard to those who join the Marine Corp. They are just weak minded people that need structure and someone to tell them what to do seeing as they can't think on their own.

Americans are so good at ******* up other countries heritage and customs.

You can't change someone's heritage, they are born with that. You can't change someone's customs unless they allow you to, so I disagree with your demonizing of Americans. Any changes to other countries customs by Americans have only happened because those countries allowed them to be.

Thats where they go wrong. I say, if there is a god, he wouldn't want us waisting our short time "recruiting" people to bow down to him. Or, even to spend an hour in church every week,

So what would he, or you if you were him, have us do? What would our purpose be for this short time on Earth we are given? Sit around doing nothing with our thumbs up our butts?

[Boost]

I say, if there was a perfect deity, he wouldn't change over time. Religion changes over time. So something doesn't add up.

I agree, a perfect deity doesn't change over time. However religion is formed by human beings who are far from perfect. So religion has changed do to the human factor, not the deity factor.

[dk]

I agree, a perfect deity doesn't change over time. However religion is formed by human beings who are far from perfect. So religion has changed do to the human factor, not the deity factor.
Which is why I have no problem with faith, only religion.

In my experience, religion has been manipulative. Faith has not. You can have faith and not be religious.

[Boost]

Which is why I have no problem with faith, only religion.

In my experience, religion has been manipulative. Faith has not. You can have faith and not be religious.

I agree except for if you have faith, you are typically labeled as a religious person and automatically asimilated with religion even if this is not the case. Does that make any sense? :)

[dk]

Yeah, it makes sense. But by my reasoning, you could believe in the Christian God and never spend a day in Church. Since most people require to have their information spoon fed to them via sermon, this is generally out of the question for the "religious type", but I'm positive that if a person were born and raised to have enough of an independent mind it would be possible for him/her to gather all of their information via the Bible and his/her own interpretation.

Not saying that the Christian God is necessarily THE CORRECT deity at all. Just saying that it is possible to have faith without being a part of actual "organized" religion.

The big thing that peeves me about religion is how the different denominations of the same religion are constantly at battle with each other. Yeah, as if being expected to believe a "fairy tale" (as some will put it) wasn't enough, you're also expected to choose sides against the different variations of the same story. Where is "God" in that?

[Boost]

Yeah, it makes sense. But by my reasoning, you could believe in the Christian God and never spend a day in Church.

I agree, I think people attend church though to be around others who believe in the same God be it the Christian God, Buddha, Allah, or what have you.

And on another side note, I think the term Christian has become pretty broad to cover every religion that is not Islam or the likes. I may consider myself a Christian but not a Mormon or Baptist or any other type of religion. I just think term Christian is being over used.

[xxzjxx]

You are not borne into heritage, you are brought up into it... I hope you can understand

[xxzjxx]

So what would he, or you if you were him, have us do? What would our purpose be for this short time on Earth we are given? Sit around doing nothing with our thumbs up our butts?

Like I said before, and I thought it was pretty clear...

I would love for you to do what you think will make your skin cells tickle themselves.

If you must put your thumb in your anus, and it makes you happy. .then please do it.

[bokuwa]

When I posted this question, it was because as a catholic I feel guilt when I don't go to church because that is what the church teaches. It is a sin to miss a holy day of obilgation.

Raised a Roman Catholic and now not going to church much anymore, I was trying to see if there are people with the same feelings I have.

Man, this went all in the wrong direction and ended up with the comment, a thumb up your ass is good if you like it, wow!

Glad I didn't start out with something about God or a real hot topic as such the guy wrote, church is for weak people.

Happy Saturday!!

[Boost]

Man, this went all in the wrong direction and ended up with the comment, a thumb up your ass is good if you like it, wow!

Glad I didn't start out with something about God or a real hot topic as such the guy wrote, church is for weak people.



LoL I guess this proves evolution is true...at least on the forums anyhow. Sorry it got so off topic, staying on topic seems to be something we have trouble doing.

But in answer to your original question, I am probably not an example of following your beliefs as stringently as maybe I should. It's easy to get caught up with life and all the hassles and what not that seem to beg for our attention everyday.

[Boost]

You are not borne into heritage, you are brought up into it... I hope you can understand

From Webster's II, New Riverside University Dictionary

Heritage

1. Property that is or can be inherited...Nope

2. Something passed down from preceding generations...Not that one

3. The status gained by a person through birth...There it is!

So sorry but you are wrong. Do your homework next time. I hope you can understand.

[xxzjxx]

From Webster's II, New Riverside University Dictionary

Heritage

1. Property that is or can be inherited...Nope

2. Something passed down from preceding generations...Not that one

3. The status gained by a person through birth...There it is!

So sorry but you are wrong. Do your homework next time. I hope you can understand.


If you live by the dictionary you are basically as gullible as the next guy who thinks that. That single word could be as easily switched out with another.

PA-THE-TIC. I'm glad I made you look in the dictionary, LOL! Anyway, something does not exist as true just because a dictionary tells you it is.

[dk]

Yeah, who needs dictionary definitions. Make up your own meaning! /sarcasm

[xxzjxx]

Heritage, if you dont understand it then you cant be a part of it, thats why I say you cant be borne into it, you have to learn it and experience it...

Thats like telling me an adopted baby from China raised by white people has Chinese heritage.

[Boost]

Yeah, who needs dictionary definitions. Make up your own meaning! /sarcasm

I think this guy lives by the lyrics of the old Pink Floyd song, "We don't need no education." It really shows through the ignorance of his posts. Screw education, screw text books, screw anything to do with knowledge. I'll just make the sh*t up as I go. He has no base from which to build his arguments on seeing as anything to do with knowledge is out the window in his mind. So I agree, screw it, I can have a more intelligent and enlightening conversation with my 6 year old then with this guy.

[P_chan]

Heritage, if you dont understand it then you cant be a part of it, thats why I say you cant be borne into it, you have to learn it and experience it...

Thats like telling me an adopted baby from China raised by white people has Chinese heritage.

how is it that someone can be proven wrong yet still come back and say they are right?

I don't believe boost lives by the dictionary nor is he gullible. He gave you example of how you were wrong yet you still try to turn it around and make it sound like your right. Just admit it and move on. Sorry but if I want to know what a word means, I'll believe the dictionary before you, or any joe schmo on the street. But then again I guess I'm gullible too then right? At least I'm not ignorant though.

You must live by the saying "Ignorance is bliss".

[bokuwa]

LoL I guess this proves evolution is true...at least on the forums anyhow. Sorry it got so off topic, staying on topic seems to be something we have trouble doing.

But in answer to your original question, I am probably not an example of following your beliefs as stringently as maybe I should. It's easy to get caught up with life and all the hassles and what not that seem to beg for our attention everyday.

Thanks for the acknowledgement; But in answer to your original question,

Because I just wasn't following along real good, I thought before your post. Thanks again;)

[bokuwa]

I am throwing in my 2 cents worth on this, what the hell.
A family tree or heritage of a person is what makes up the person's bloodline.
Great great grandfather and grandmother were Japanese, example only.

The culture the person is raised in will give the person certain personality traits, eating with chop sticks not a fork.

Being naked is not a problem with some cultures, another example.

Having said that, two white people adopting a chinese baby will still leave the kid with a chinese heritage, just not any culture of the chinese.

[dk]

Having said that, two white people adopting a chinese baby will still leave the kid with a chinese heritage, just not any culture of the chinese.
Which, in fact, is the exact situation in my family. My parents adopted a Taiwanese girl when she was 9 months old. If you met her, you wouldn't think she had any Chinese roots at all.

[bokuwa]

Which, in fact, is the exact situation in my family. My parents adopted a Taiwanese girl when she was 9 months old. If you met her, you wouldn't think she had any Chinese roots at all.

To open your home and own family to that, adopting, makes your parents special people for sure!!!

[dk]

They are truly the most generous people I have ever met. If I turn out to be half the person they are, I'll be satisfied at the end of my life.

[xxzjxx]

Pchan, its a good thing books exist, otherwise you would be roaming around the world bumping into everything (Hypothetically).

PChan can be thrown off by one single word in a book that was written by Man.

[P_chan]

Pchan, its a good thing books exist, otherwise you would be roaming around the world bumping into everything (Hypothetically).

PChan can be thrown off by one single word in a book that was written by Man.

Once again you have no idea what your saying. Maybe you should try reading a book before you make others suffer by hearing the pathetic mewling that spews from your pie hole.

You say I live my life by the 'book'. So I'm assuming that book is the bible? So everyone who disagrees with you is a bible thumper in your eyes eh? Well if thats what you think then that just proves your ignorance. Because I stated in previous posts that I am not religious at all. I know reading and retaining information is tough for you but you should try it.

Even if you don't mean the bible you still make absolutely no sense. So any book written by man is wrong? Even though man is the originator of the english language. So a book written by man on something made by man is still wrong?

Your penchant for ignorance just doesn't cease to amaze me!

EDUCATE YOURSELF!!!

[TheNoNamedOne]

You are the biggest moron I have ever seen.

Do not engage in personal insults.

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