Question regarding my "label"

Monagi · Post by **Monagi** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:49 am

Hi there. I was just skimming the net and came across this site, looks pretty intriguing. I figured you guys may have the answer to what I am looking for..

My belief system is simply that I believe in a higher power (God, if you will), but I choose to not follow any religions due to the fact that they cannot be accurate or factual (in my eyes). So, I live life according to my own principles and moral beliefs. Also, I believe that if there is an afterlife, that I would not be punished for these thoughts. It would seem kind of dumb to live a good, moral life but be punished because I didn't follow a certain set of rules, regulations and ceremonies.

Anyhow, I was curious as to what my offical "label" should be. Is it simply "Theist"? Or is there a more detailed name for my beliefs. Thanks!

edit: Oh, and forgive me if there is a more appropriate forum for my question

Chad · Post by **Chad** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 3:05 am

This is sounds pretty much like the description my friend gave to me about his views.

I suppose I would call it theism of some sort. However, do you believe that the God, or higher power, just kicked it off and let everything run it's course? Or do you feel that he/she/it may intervene in some way? If you answer yes to the former, then I guess you would be considered a Deist.

Monagi · Post by **Monagi** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 10:42 am

Well this is where I share an agnostic sort of view...I believe that it is simply impossible for us to determine that, so I choose not to side with either option. My beliefs simply stick to the basics I described, without seeking further detail.

For a while I figured I was a agnostic theist, which I took as believing it is impossible to know whether or not a god existed, but still lean towards the belief that a higher power does. Now I still believe that, but I am leaning very strongly on the theistical side of that fence now.

Monagi · Post by **Monagi** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:35 am

Bump for an answer!

Monagi · Post by **Monagi** » Thu Nov 23, 2006 1:35 am

Bump for an answer!

The Persnickety Platypus · Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:57 pm

Sounds to me like deism describes you pretty accurately.

If not, perhaps you should look into inventing your own label.

conus · Post by **conus** » Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:40 pm

I can give you at least one example of the importance of knowing what you believe and why you believe it. It gives you perspective, a point of view on any number of topics. If you are on the fence about what you believe, then more than likely you will be unable to take a stand for your beliefs if you don't know what they are, you will fail to maintain a position.

For instance, I am an Atheist. As an Atheist one of my concerns is with the environment. I know that if we as humans destroy our environment to the point that it becomes uninhabitable to our species, then that's the end for us. Their is no God to control this, were on our own. Therefore, Global Warming is important to me and I take a stand for it.

In contrast, Christians believe in God and think he controls the environment. So I imagine they do not have as much concern for this increasing problem.

I realize this is a simple example; but, I think this holds true for all topics.

methylatedghosts · Post by **methylatedghosts** » Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:22 pm

Sounds like me. I don't have any particular "label" for myself. I chose pagan, because it can have a very broad meaning, and I know a few pagan people, and some of my beliefs are kind of similar.