|
|
Post by Bramble on Aug 28, 2010 0:44:57 GMT -5
In some of the other threads in this section, there has been discussion about what everyone's beliefs are. I was just wondering how everybody arrived at those beliefs.
Figuring out what I believe has been something that I have struggled with for a long time and I'm still not entirely sure, so I was just wondering how some of you decided. Whether you figured it out for yourselves or whether it was how you were raised, etc. Even if you are like me and aren't entirely sure, I would be curious to hear about your experience with trying to figure things out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kaelan on Aug 28, 2010 2:14:11 GMT -5
This is a hard topic to address, especially within the frame of a forum post (opposed to the theological doctoral thesis I think I could make this into!)
I was raised Christian from about the age of five. When I was eight, I decided to make it my faith as well. I grew up deeply involved in my faith and learned that I could trust it. I wasn't going to throw it away for anything.
It wasn't until I was 20 or 21 that I realized that I'm therian (that story is for another time, I think), and I was immediately struck with so many contradictions! How could I have the soul of a tiger if animals don't have souls? How could I wish that I were a tiger (meaning that God had made a mistake) if God is perfect and cannot make mistakes? It took me the next six years to work all of that out -- to balance the teachings of my pastors with what I myself believed.
The problem is that therian itself is a belief. It is a fluid belief that is different for each and every one of us. My therian belief is that I am intrinsically not entirely human. That while my body is human (and doomed to remain that way for the rest of my terrestrial existence), my soul is not. To me, it is a freeing belief; and to believe the opposite (which I attempted vehemently on many occasions) is a kind of death.
But here's what I think is the most important thing about this: your faith is YOUR faith. It is what you make it, and only what YOU make it. If you are a part of a rigid system that doesn't allow for deviation (Islam comes to mind), then you must choose between beliefs. But if you are part of a more flexible system (of which I count Christianity), a fluid and all-encompassing system (Paganism or Wiccan), or no system at all (atheism), then all you need do is weigh the differing parts of what you believe and then believe. Claim them as yours, for that is what they are.
|
|
|
|
Post by Bramble on Aug 28, 2010 11:47:13 GMT -5
Sorry to ask about such a large topic, but thanks for your reply. This was just on my mind last night, and so I made the post and only realized this morning what a hard topic it was.
Recently I have had a couple of friends pressuring me (in a friendly way) to figure out what I believe. The search for that is actually what led me to therianthropy and here. Unfortunately, realizing that I am therian has only made things more confusing since I'm not sure where that fits in my beliefs and I know it wouldn't fit with my friends. I'm determined to find where it can fit though, since I know I at least believe that.
|
|
|
|
Post by Kaelan on Aug 28, 2010 14:31:25 GMT -5
I'm guessing that you're attending a Christian college (admins get tidbits of info like that). If you want to talk to someone about anything in private, please don't hesitate to email me. I would love to talk with you in as long a discourse of you would like. If you can't view my email address, PM me and I'll gladly give it to you.
|
|
|
|
Post by selenagreywerecat on Oct 3, 2010 0:05:21 GMT -5
This may sound wierd, but I don't follow any 'real' religions. I follow the religion of the cats in Erin Hunter's Warriors series. StarClan. Don't call me a charlatan or whutever, I do realize I am human, but I just can't seem to beileve in the 'human' religions.
|
|
|
|
Post by selenagreywerecat on Oct 3, 2010 0:08:06 GMT -5
My therian soul is of the black panther. The same one as in my avvie.
|
|
|
|
Post by Saber on Oct 3, 2010 10:38:47 GMT -5
This may sound wierd, but I don't follow any 'real' religions. I follow the religion of the cats in Erin Hunter's Warriors series. StarClan. Don't call me a charlatan or whutever, I do realize I am human, but I just can't seem to beileve in the 'human' religions. Ok ... I dont really know what WarriorCats is ... But I do , like you , have trouble really being in ''human'' religions too ... I'm more in the shamanism and Nature oriented religion .... I make my own belifs . just a ps : this is the ''old WCA forum ... So if you dont get replies quickly its because we're on the new one . anyway heres a link . www.r4pgroup.net/WCA/forum/And Welcome to WCA  I hope you enjoy your stay . |
|
|
|
Post by selenagreywerecat on Oct 3, 2010 18:02:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the welcome Saber!  |
|
Capsha
Cub
Ethereal Lioness
Posts: 129
|
Post by Capsha on Oct 4, 2010 10:42:49 GMT -5
I practice Pictish Craft. I've always been fascinated by wicca and the Picts, so I mashed them together and found that spirituality. It's the best fitting one for me, and it's not all about casting spells. There's celebrating Pictish holy days, sacrificing, making craft stuff... loads! As for my therianthropy, I always felt like I was "odd" but it wasn't until I googled were-animals and I found a good site, I found out about therianthropy. I was actually looking for more Scottish therians when I saw Wildcat's profile, it found "Scottish" as a keyword, and I joined up! Cap x |
|
I hope you enjoy your stay .
