This might seem presumptuous, but because, as far as I can tell, no existing religion fits with my belief system, I am tempted to begin my own. That might sound naive or even self-serving, but I cannot align myself with any Christian religion. Some of the Eastern religions intrigue me, but not being of that culture, I am certain I would be unable to truly understand them.

Maybe some of you who are more schooled in alternative religions and denominations can match my beliefs with something that already exists.

1. I believe in the existence of a supreme being only because science has been unable so far to prove otherwise. The Big Bang theory doesn't work for me because there had to be something to bang. It is not an explanation of the actual beginning of the universe.

2a. I am not a Christian. After speaking with people of the Jewish faith (who actually live in Israel) I have learned that the Jews believe Christ existed, they just don't see him as anything but a Jewish Rabbi... not the Savior. Since no Christians existed at the time, I feel the Jews would have the best handle on this and they are not into the whole Christ as Savior thing.

2b. I am not into this sacrifice thing. I don't understand lent or not eating meat on Fridays. I don't see any logical reason why I or anyone else should suffer or go without needlessly.

3. I am not into the "blind faith" idea. Entering into anything blindly is a foolish move. Just because I can't see it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but the odds are in favor of non-existence.

4. I do believe that we are free to worship however we wish as long as we do not bring harm to others.

Since my laptop battery is about to die, I have to go.

--------------------- Later ------------------------

I am somewhere else now on another computer and able to continue my diatribe...

5. I do believe in the Golden Rule and the Christian 10 Commandments. Those are pretty much a given for any religion I would guess.

6. I don't believe nudity is a sin. I think Western Civilization, especially Victorian ideals, has treated nudity and sexuality in general as a sin for far too long.

7. I believe that religious beliefs need to be sanctified by ceremony. People need ceremonies as rights of passage. Otherwise how do we know when we've accomplished a milestone?

8. I believe in the institution of marriage, but I also see nothing wrong with people over the age of 18 having sex before marriage as long as every precaution is taken to prevent pregnancy and the spread of disease.

9. I have no problem with drinking alcohol, but it should be done with caution. Alcohol has been the ruin of many families.

Does anyone recognize any of these doctrines as being part of another existing religion? Looking back at my partial list here, I believe I know exactly which religion I am... Atheist.

Hello forum. Meet the world's first ordained minister of the atheist religion. Is that a contradition in terms or what?

Seriously... Anyone?

Joseph

My friend,

Religion is the structure through which one expresses one's faith. You have not described a coherent belief system. That makes it hard to give you any advice except to explore with diligence.

B'shalom,

Peter

By the way, Jews in Israel are not more Jewish than Jews elsewhere!

Peter, that’s funny and I didn't mean to imply that Israel Jews are more Jewish; they are the only Jews I’ve ever spoken with about this matter. I only meant that if the Jews don't recognize Jesus, and the Romans didn't recognize Jesus, then who is left? Who was he supposed to be the Messiah for?

Maybe you are right. Maybe I have no coherent belief system. I don't know what that means. What would be an example of a coherent belief system?

Maybe I don't need a sophisticated system full of religious dogma and doctrine. I don't know. I am exploring...

Joseph

Rev. Joseph, have you given any thoughts to Wicca or Paganism? How about Daoism (Taoism)?
You do not have to follow any established religion.
You might want to just focus on your relationship with your Creator, and throw the whole religion thing out the window.

Mystic,
I appreciate your suggestion, but what kind of a spiritual leader can I be if I am unable quantify/qualify my own beliefs?

Joseph

I've been asking myself this same question. I really cannot define my beliefs by any known existing standards. I think there is a spiritual realm, but as for one religion, or another, being right about it, if we cannot see something, or perceive it with the 5 physical senses how can we fit it into our neat little descriptive boxes so that everyone agrees on what is there?

I was baptized in a Christian church as a child, and left that church as a child. I don't "fit in", I'm odd, with questions, and doubts, and ideas of my own.

My belief is the greatest thing we could give or receive is unadulterated LOVE.

I don't want to lead a congregation, or baptize, or perform weddings or funerals. I became ordained, and since have asked myself "why?". I think the answer is, I asked for ordination so that I could minister to myself; To build a church within my mind and my soul; To become the temple of this spirit of GOD, a force that I am not sure how to describe, but that I sense is there; to open my life to a Higher Authority and allow whatever there is of Goodness in this life to surround, fill, and to strengthen me. If there is to be more, I trust that it will be revealed in time.

Tammy,
Beautifully stated. That is me to a "T". I know that the religions I have so far discovered hold nothing for me, so where is my place? Why don't I fit in? Why do I have questions beyond what the established religions I have been exposed to can answer? Why did I, of all people, a confirmed, 20-year atheist, havfe a desire to become ordained? For the same reason you did. It felt like the right thing to do for myself.

Maybe we are not so different after all?

Joseph

I minister to people one person at a time. I do not preach, I listen. If the person wants advice I give it, in the terms of their faith.

I perform divination when requested. I pray, and encourage others to do the same.

I often tell people to work on their personal relationship with “God”, however they see It.

I have only performed one wedding, for my mother and her life partner. It is not legal in Alabama, but they still wanted a ceremony. They have been together for 11 years now. I performed their “marriage” around 6 or 7 years ago.

You do not need a church to be a minister. The best way to lead others is by example.

I let that be my ministry.

Mystic,
I like that. I like your nondenominational approach to your ministry... Or perhaps I should say your multi-denominational approach. Whatever it is, I like it. I agree the best way to lead is by example. I also believe that to assist people one should act more like a coach than a teacher.

Joseph