SelectSmart.com's Non-Theism description for SELECTSMART'S SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
NON-THEIST
by SelectSmart.com staff
Non-theists generally include atheists and agnostics and others such as "Scientific Skeptic" and "Secular Humanist" who do not adhere to a belief in an intelligent, personal deity - God or gods.
Some non-theist beliefs may be aligned with those of the Secular Humanists , but non-theism in itself does not necessarily include an emphasis on ethics and/or improving the human condition. Views on contemporary issues vary
widely. Agnostics are inclined to question the existence of supernatural
being(s) or a force, e.g. the answer to whether or not God (or Deity)
exists would be: "We do not and/or cannot know." Many atheists would argue with theists that there is no more credible evidence for God than there is for a "Flying Spaghetti Monster."
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance - Non-theism
Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
LIBERAL CHRISTIAN-PROTESTANT description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEM SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz to explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
LIBERAL CHRISTIAN/PROTESTANT
by SelectSmart Staff
Also sometimes referred to as secular,
modern, progressive, or humanistic Christian. This is an umbrella term for Protestant
denominations, or churches within denominations, that view the Bible as
the witness of God rather than the word of God, to be interpreted in its
historical context through critical analysis. Examples include some
churches within Anglican/Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian,
Unitarian, United Church of Christ. There are more than 2,000 Protestant
denominations offering a wide range of beliefs from extremely liberal to
mainline to ultra conservative and those that include characteristics on
both ends.
Belief in Deity: Trinity of the Father (God), the Son (Christ), and the Holy Spirit that comprises one God Almighty. Many believe God is incorporeal.
Incarnations: Beliefs vary from the literal to the symbolic belief in Jesus Christ as God's incarnation. Some believe we are all sons and daughters of God and that Christ was exemplary, but not God.
Origin of universe and life: The Bible's account is symbolic. God created and controls the processes that account for the universe and life (e.g. evolution), as continually revealed by modern science.
After death: Goodness will somehow be rewarded and evil punished after death, but what is most important is how you show your faith and conduct your life on earth.
Why evil? Most do not believe that humanity inherited original sin from Adam and Eve or that Satan actually exists. Most believe that God is good and made people inherently good, but also with free will and imperfect nature which leads some to immoral behavior.
Salvation: Various beliefs: Some believe all will go to heaven as God is loving and forgiving. Others believe salvation lies in doing good works and no harm to others, regardless of faith. Some believe baptism is important. Some believe the concept of salvation after death is symbolic, or nonexistent.
Undeserving Suffering: Most Liberal Christians do not believe that Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God's plan, will, or design even if we don't immediately understand it. Some don't believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering, and most take a humanistic approach to helping those in need.
Contemporary Issues: Most churches teach that abortion is morally wrong, but many ultimately support a woman's right to choose, usually accompanied by policies to provide counseling on alternatives. Many are accepting of homosexuality and gay rights.
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: The Center for Progressive Christianity.
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance - Conservative, mainline and
liberal "wings" in Protestantism.
CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN-PROTESTANT description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
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CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN-PROTESTANT
by SelectSmart Staff
On a continuum from Liberal to Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant, Conservative Christian is also sometimes referred to as traditionalist, orthodox, fundamental, or Evangelical. Conservative Christian is an umbrella term for Protestant denominations, or churches within denominations, that are Bible-centered, viewing the Holy Bible as the final and only authority, the inerrant Word of God, interpreted literally as law. Examples of conservative Protestant include some churches within Pentecostal, Southern Baptist, Fundamentalist, Evangelical, Lutheran, etc.. Anglican/Episcopalian is often regarded as a "bridge" denomination between Roman Catholic and Protestant. There are more than 2,000 Protestant denominations offering a wide range of beliefs from extremely liberal to mainline to ultra conservative and those that include characteristics on both ends.
Belief in Deity: Some, particularly Evangelical and Pentecostal, believe
God has a perfect human body. Most Conservative Protestants believe God
is incorporeal, omnipresent spirit -- a Trinity of the Father (God), the
Son (Christ), and the Holy Spirit that comprises one God Almighty.
Incarnations: Jesus Christ is God's only Incarnation. He is the Son of
God and God, both fully divine and fully human, part of the Trinity of
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that comprises on God Almighty.
Origin of universe and life: The biblical Book of Genesis is inerrant.
God created the universe and all life forms from nothing in less than 7
days, less than 10,000 years ago -- not as revealed by modern science.
Many resolve the conflict between scientific evidence and the Book of
Genesis with the contention that God created the appearance of evolution
(perhaps as a test of faith), or that scientific evidence is faulty.
After death: Saved souls experience the bliss of heaven and unsaved souls the torture of hell. On Judgment Day, Jesus Christ will resurrect the dead, reunite body and soul, and judge each for eternity in heaven or on a restored, paradisiacal earth, or in hell. Some believe the souls of the dead will remain "asleep" until the resurrection and final judgment.
Why evil? The original sin of Adam and Eve caused all to inherit
sinfulness. Some Conservative Protestants believe that only relatively
few people will be saved. The work and influence of Satan prevail among
the unsaved and/or those who lack complete faith in Jesus Christ as Lord
and Savior.
Salvation: Salvation is granted by the grace of God alone, through faith
in Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior -- not through "works" such as
moral behavior, good deeds, and generally not through sacraments. Some
believe that once saved, or born again, always saved. When performed,
baptism is regarded by many Conservative Protestants as a practice for
adult believers, rather than infants/children, as it is not considered a
sacrament for salvation, but an act of commitment to the fellowship.
However, some churches do regard certain sacraments as very important
components on the path to salvation (e.g. Trinity Evangelical Lutheran
Church) including infant baptism, regarding baptism as a miracle from God
that creates faith in the heart. Some Protestants regard baptism as a
washing away of sin, which may be repeated. Among most,
confession/repentance is considered personal, between the individual and
God, unless a public sin is involved, and confession to a pastor, when
offered, is optional. Some use exorcism to remove indwelling evil
spirits. Pentacostals believe that speaking in tongues is a gift from God
as evidence of having been saved, and some regard it as the only evidence
of having been saved. Preaching the gospel,
the Word of God, is often regarded as a means for building faith in
Christ.
Undeserved Suffering: Some suffering is caused by the inheritance of mortality originating from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God, which includes vulnerability to illness and disease. Also, Satan rules the earth, causing pain and suffering. Many believe that suffering is God's design to test, teach, or strengthen belief in Him; the greater the suffering of innocent believers, the greater will be their reward after life.
Issues: Abortion is considered murder. Positions among denominations on divorce vary from
unacceptability of divorce and remarriage to acceptance of divorce in
certain situations and remarriage.
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Evangelical Denomination Selector
Christian Denomination Selector
RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance -Conservative, mainline and
liberal "wings" in Protestantism.
ROMAN CATHOLIC description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
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ROMAN CATHOLIC
by SelectSmart Staff
Note: (1) Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox have much in common. (2) Anglican/Episcopalian has much in common
with the Catholic church, considered a "bridge" denomination between Protestant and Catholic.
Belief in Deity: Trinity of God the Father, God the Son (Christ), and God the Holy Spirit, which comprises one God Almighty -- incorporeal spirit.
Incarnations: Jesus Christ is God's only incarnation, Son of God and God.
Origin of universe and life: A literal interpretation of the Book of
Genesis is held by some, but the Church maintains that God gave humankind both supernatural revelation
in the Bible and natural revelation through the rational human mind.
One may harmonize science with the Book of Genesis in that a "day" in
the Bible is not defined as a 24 hour day. It is infallible that God
created the universe from nothing, thus if the "Big Bang" theory is true,
then God created this event. If evolution did occur, it only occured
under the choice and control of God, and only with the understanding that
God breathed the first soul into the first man and all souls are
immediately created by God
After death: God judges who will go immediately to heaven or hell and who will experience the suffering and joys of purgatory for purification of all sins before heaven. Afterlife reward and punishment are relative to one's faith and deeds. Hell is considered a place of torture (eternal fire), especially the torment of eternal separation from God, a condition of one's own making by lack of faith in God and by committing unrepentant mortal sin(s). Christ will return to resurrect body with soul and judge each for eternal happiness in a perfectly renewed universe in Christ (heaven) or for eternal torment in hell.
Why wrongdoing? Due to Adam and Eve's original sin, all are born sinners and are prone to the influence of Satan, but all have the potential to attain righteousness.
Salvation: One strives for salvation through worship and prayer to God the Father, in Jesus Christ, through the working of the Holy Spirit; good works, and seven sacraments, including one (infant) baptism and Communion. One's salvation must be restored after commission of a mortal sin by repeating the sacraments of Repentance/Confession and Communion. Confession of "venial" (less serious) sins to a priest is recommended but generally not required for salvation.
Undeserved Suffering: Some suffering is caused by the inheritance of mortality originating from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God, which includes vulnerability to illness and disease. Also, Satan's presence causes pain and suffering. Suffering is God's design to test, teach, or strengthen belief in Him; the greater the suffering of innocent believers, the greater will be their reward after life.
Contemporary Issues: Abortion is considered to be
a form of murder, an act worthy of excommunication. Homosexual behavior is unacceptable. Women and men are considered equal in dignity and value; however, it is a priority to enable and encourage women to be mothers and wives, which are highly valued roles. Marriage is considered a sacrament and permanent until death of a spouse. Divorce is not recognized, therefore remarriage results in sinful behavior unless the first marriage is nullified, declared invalid and non-sacrament, by the Church.
Remarriage after civil divorce (without nullification) results in inability to receive Church sacraments.
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Catholic Answers - Apologetics & Evangelization
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance-Comparing the beliefs of Roman
Catholics & conservative Protestants.
EASTERN ORTHODOX description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
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EASTERN ORTHODOX
by SelectSmart Staff
Includes the Church of Greece, the Church of Cyprus, and the Russian Orthodox Church.
Belief in Deity: Trinity of the God the Father, the Son (Christ), and the Holy Spirit, which comprises one God Almighty - incorporeal spirit.
Incarnations: Jesus Christ is God's only incarnation, Son of God and God.
Origin of universe and life: God created the universe and life. The Bible is not intended to be
a scientific revelation, and science is not infallible. There is no
desire to create conflict between science and Christian faith.
After death: God immediately judges who will
experience happiness (heaven), unhappiness (hell), or temporary punishment. Those who
kept faith in Christ, didn't sin after baptised or repented before death,
and did good works will find happiness after death. Those whose faith in
Christ was lacking or corrupt, or sinned after baptism without repentance
before death, or didn't do good deeds will find unhappiness after death.
Those whose only transgression was not performing good deeds may be
punished temporarily. Christ will return to resurrect and judge all for
eternity in either heaven or hell. Level of reward is relative to one's
deeds in life.
Why wrongdoing? God made
humans righteous by nature, but the original sin of Adam and Eve damaged
that nature. All have been potentially saved through Christ's death, but those not
"in Christ," born to God, are vulnerable to being with the devil, born to
the devil. Satan and his countless evil spirits work to lie and tempt
those who are not filled with the Holy Spirit to commit wrongs.
Salvation: All are already potentially saved (through Christ's death and resurrection), are still being saved (through faith), and will be saved in the future (with the second coming of Christ). Demands faith in and prayers to God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit; good works. Required sacraments include one baptism at infancy, and the Holy Eucharist with confession and repentance. Adherence to moral laws is essential.
Undeserved Suffering: Some suffering is caused by the inheritance of mortality originating from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God, which includes vulnerability to illness and disease. Also, Satan's presence causes pain and suffering. Suffering is God's design to test, teach, or strengthen belief in Him; the greater the suffering of innocent believers, the greater will be their reward after life.
Issues: Abortion is a sin.
Homosexual behavior is a sin. Marriage is considered a sacrament and permanent, but
divorce and remarriage are not condemned if reconciliation attempts are
exhausted. A remarriage wedding ceremony must include prayer and
repentance for the commission of sin. Remarriage may only occur three times. Some churches provide "ecclesiastical divorce" and "ecclesiastical remarriage" license.
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Orthodox Church
in America
Recommended Website: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
JEHOVAH'S WITNESS description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
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JEHOVAH'S WITNESS ("Watchtower Bible and Tract Society")
by SelectSmart Staff
Belief in Deity: There is one God
Almighty - a Spirit Being with a body but not a human body. There is one
God and no Trinity.
Incarnations: Incarnations: Christ is Lord and Savior, but not God (Jehovah) incarnate,
not a God-man but inferior to God, not part of a Godhead. He was a
created spirit being, God's only begotten son, sent to Earth as a perfect
human. His sacrifice became the "ransom" price to redeem mankind from sin
and death. God created all in heaven and on Earth through Christ, the
"master worker," God's servant. After Christ's resurrection by God, he
was "exalted" to a level higher than angel.
Origin of universe and life: God created the heavens and earth in six days but each "day" is equal to thousands of years. God created and controls all processes and events.
After death: Other than the "little flock" of 144,000 faithful Christians who rose to heaven to rule over earth with Christ, a process completed since 1914, people cease to exist after death; the soul does not survive. At a time appointed by God, Jesus Christ will cleanse the earth, destroy the wicked, eliminate Satan, evil, illness and death. God will recreate the body and soul of each of the righteous (and potentially righteous) to spend eternity on this restored, paradisiacal earth.
Why evil? The original sin caused humans to inherit death and sin. Satan and his demons pervade the earth as spirits tempting all to sin, which God allows as a test of faith in Him.
Salvation: You must show faith in God and in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Adhere to the practices, requirements, commandments, laws, and sacraments of the faith. "Witnessing" and active sharing of their faith with others is fundamental. Avoid behaviors that God dislikes, including celebration of birthdays and holidays originating from false religions.
Undeserved suffering: Much suffering is caused by the inheritance of mortality from Adam and Eve, which includes vulnerability to illness and disease. Also, those who choose to succumb to Satan's temptations may suffer self-inflicted damage to their health. Satan and his demons cause great misery. God has allowed the situation to continue so that mankind can discover that God's rule is better than independent human-rule. He has allowed Satan to cause suffering to challenge Satan's claim that God's creation, humans, would turn from and curse God under pressure.
Contemporary issues: Abortion is wrong.
Homosexuality is a serious sin. Gender roles are defined -- men are the
head of the household and women are loving caretakers who assist the
husband in teaching the children. Divorce is permitted under certain
circumstances, but Jehovah hates remarriage unless the divorce occured as
a result of adultery. Service in armed forces or any form of
allegiance to government is prohibited; one must only show allegiance to
the Kingdom of Christ. Blood transfusions, along with ingesting blood,
are considered wrong, as God said the soul is in the blood. Bone marrow
transplants are left to the individual conscience. (Note: all other forms
of medical treatment are acceptable.) Jehovah's Witnesses persistently promote their belief system, especially through dissemination of Watchtower Society literature and door-to-door contacts.
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Recommended Website: Official Web Site of Jehovah's Witnesses
MORMON-Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
MORMON - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
by SelectSmart Staff
Belief in Deity: A "Godhead" of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as three separate entities united in purpose. God the Father resides in heaven with His wife
the Heavenly Mother, Christ their only begotten Son, and "exalted" Mormons who become godlike in heaven. God has a perfect body, which looks like ours.
Incarnations: Jesus Christ is not God incarnate, but God's firstborn son. Jesus is Lord and Savior; God of this earth; creator of all in heaven and earth as directed
by God the Father; one in purpose with the Father and the Holy Spirit -- a Godhead
of three separate members.
Origin of universe and life: God created the heavens and earth in six time periods -- the word "day" is not of a specified number of years.
After death: One's spirit immediately joins the spirit world and will be
assigned to either paradise or spirit prison. Based on one's record of
thoughts, words, and actions, righteous believers will live in a state of
paradisiacal happiness. Unbelievers and sinners in spirit prison will
live in misery, but they are provided the opportunity to repent, accept
the gospel, receive ordinances performed for them by the living, and thus
move to the lowest level of heaven. At the Final Judgment and
Resurrection, most will be assigned to a one of three kingdoms of heaven
where spiritual growth continues. Only a relatively few, the unpardonable sinners,
will suffer eternal torture in the outer darkness as most will have
accepted the gospel and suffered for their sins enough by the end of the
Millenium.
Why evil? Humans did not inherit guilt, as children are innocent, but Adam and Eve's original sin resulted in adult propensity for sin and the presence of evil in the world. The Fall was a planned blessing from God, enabling people to experience human bodies, the joy of redemption, to procreate, and to do good (to which evil is a necessary complement). Satan and his demons pervade the earth as fallen angels tempting all to sin. God gave people free will, and Satan's temptations are a blessing from God so that people can show their faith by resisting.
Salvation: Show faith in and obedience to God and
Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Adhere to the practices, requirements,
commandments, laws, and sacraments of the faith as exemplified by Jesus
Christ. Good works are integral to the faith through monthly fasts and
fast offerings to the needy, to show your obedience and love for God.
Baptism at age 8 is necessary, the age of accountability, and be
confirmed as a member of the church. Confess all sins to God, and major
transgressions to a presiding officer as well. Receive the laying on of
hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost; receive the temple endowment; be
married for time and eternity.
Undeserved suffering: Adam and Eve disobeyed God, thus the first humans and their descendants lost their immortality and connection to God, gaining physical bodies that suffer disease and deterioration. Also, Satan pervades the earth and causes misery to those who succumb to temptation. God allows Satan to cause misery to mankind as an opportunity to test, challenge, and strengthen character and faith.
Contemporary Issues: Abortion is wrong.
Homosexual behavior is wrong and homosexual rights are vehemently opposed. The divine role of woman is mother and wife, helper to the husband. Men are regarded as the head of the family, provider, leader, and teacher.
Marriage is regarded as eternal and a sacrament, and divorce is strongly discouraged, but it is permitted if necessary. The marriage seal must be cancelled by the church, not just through civil action.
In keeping with the belief that doing good works is essential for
salvation and is Christian, Mormons established a "welfare" program.
Mormons practice monthly fasts and give fast offerings to assist the
needy.
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Recommended Website: The Official Internet site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
ORTHODOX QUAKER description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
ORTHODOX QUAKER
by SelectSmart Staff
A Christocentric branch (Note other Quaker branches: Wilburites are traditional; Gurneyites are progressive, evangelical, and bible-centered; Hicksites and Beanites are liberal, primarily in eastern USA.)
Belief in Deities and Incarnations: There is a Trinity of the Father (God), the Son (Christ), and the Holy Spirit that comprises one God Almighty. God is personal and incorporeal.
Incarnations: Jesus Christ is God's only incarnation. God is manifest within all as the light. Jesus possessed the light to the highest degree and is "the Light" within.
Origins of universe/life: The most orthodox Quakers hold to authority of the Bible, and the Book of Genesis - that God created all in less than seven days and less that 10,000 years ago. But many would maintain that a Biblical "day" is not a literal 24 hours.
After death: Most orthodox Quakers believe in direct reward and punishment, heaven and hell, the second coming of Christ and resurrection of the dead (similar to conservative Christian).
Why evil? Some Orthodox Quakers adhere to similar beliefs as conservative Christians - belief in original sin and Satan. Many believe that lack of awareness of God's divine light within, or rebellion against it, is the cause of wrongdoing, and that alienation from God leaves one vulnerable to temptation, or Satan.
Salvation: Some Friends churches include rites of baptism and communion,
but sacraments to God are most often considered to arise from inward
experiences, a personal encounter with God, rather than church ritual.
Salvation is found internally through union with Christ, the divine Light
within all. Many Quaker churches, e.g. Evangelical, believe similarly to
Conservative Protestant, that salvation is a free gift from God, with
faith, independent of good works. Yet, moral behavior and good works are
viewed as essential to showing faith and obedience to God. Good works,
such as humanitarian service, social justice, and peace efforts are an
expression of Christian love. Simplicity and humility are viewed as
essential to living a Christian life.
Undeserved suffering: The most orthodox Quakers maintain that Satan causes suffering. Suffering is allowed by God as part of His divine will and plan. Quakers focus on reducing human suffering, especially that caused by social injustice or violence.
Contemporary Issues: Contemporary Issues: Social
betterment programs and nonviolence are fundamental to Quakerism. Some
Orthodox Quaker churches are very accepting of homosexuality and others
condemn it as contrary to God's will.
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: The Religious Society of Friends
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Recommended Website: George Amoss' Quaker Electronic Archive & Meeting Place
LIBERAL QUAKER description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
LIBERAL QUAKER
by SelectSmart Staff
Liberal Quakers have been referred to as Hicksites, supporters of the influential 19th century liberal Quaker Elias Hicks; similar to Beanite Quaker. (Note other Quaker groups: Wilburites are traditional; Gurneyites are progressive, evangelical, and bible-centered; Orthodox are Christocentric churches.)
Belief in Deity: Diverse beliefs, from belief in a personal God as an incorporeal spirit to questioning belief in a personal God.
Incarnations: Beliefs vary from the literal to the symbolic belief in Jesus Christ as God's incarnation. Most believe we are all sons and daughters of God with the main focus on experiencing and listening to God, the Light within, accessible to all.
Origin of universe and life: Emphasis is placed on spiritual truths as revealed to each individual. Many believe that God created/controls all events/process that modern scientists are uncovering about origins. Many believe in scientific accounts alone, or don't profess to know.
After death: Few liberal Quakers believe in direct reward and punishment, heaven and hell, or second coming of Christ. The primary focus is non-dogmatic -- God is love, love is eternal, and our actions in life should reflect love for all of humanity.
Why evil? Beliefs vary, as the focus is not on why, but how to eliminate wrongs, especially violence. Many believe that violence against another human is violence against God. Many Quakers believe that lack of awareness of God's divine light within all may result in wrongdoing. Many believe that evil is simply an unfortunate part of human nature that we all must work to eliminate.
Salvation: Diverse beliefs as there is a de-emphasis on dogma. Most believe that all will be saved as God is good and forgiving, and the divine light of God is available to all. Good works, especially social work and peace efforts, are viewed as integral to the salvation of humanity, regardless of belief or non-belief in an afterlife.
Undeserved Suffering: Liberal Quakers do not believe that Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God's plan, will, or design even if we don't immediately understand it. Some don't believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering. Quakers focus on reducing human suffering, especially that caused by social injustice or violence.
Contemporary Issues: Views vary, some maintaining that abortion violates
Quaker commitment to nonviolence, but many view the right to choose
abortion as an aspect of equal rights for women, and/or as a personal
matter between the woman and God. The American Friends Service Committee
(an independent Quaker organization with participants of many faiths that
provides international programs for economic and social justice, peace,
humanitarian aid) supports the woman’s right to choose abortion per her
own conscience. Very accepting of homesexual behavior and supportive of homosexual rights.
You might also enjoy taking this SelectSmart.com selector quiz:
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RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: The Religious Society of Friends
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Recommended Website: George Amoss' Quaker Electronic Archive & Meeting Place
Recommended Website: soc.religion.quaker Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE, Church of Christ, Scientist, description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE ("Church of Christ, Scientist")
by SelectSmart Staff
Belief in Deities: God is incorporeal Spirit -- creative Principle,
supreme, omnipotent Father-Mother, omnipresent, omniscient -- the only
intelligence and all that actually exists. God is Mind, Spirit, Soul,
Principle, Life, Truth, and Love. "God is All-in-all."
Incarnations: We are all incarnations of God. Jesus was the Christ, divine
Exemplar, and the divine idea of “sonship -- the Master. Jesus
showed the way (the “Wayshower”) for all to realize Truth, which is God.
We are all sons/daughters of God.
Origin of universe and life: The universe and humans are reflections of
God's likeness and image, which is Spirit -- without beginning or end.
Illusions, or delusions, of a material world and material body result
from error in thought and ignorance of the true and only nature of
reality, which is spiritual. God is all that truly exists.
After death: Death is the belief in death. There is no death as humans
are immortal Spirit. After that which we call "death," spiritual
development toward Truth continues until all evil, or “error,” destroys
itself. Heaven and hell are not places, but states of consciousness that
continue after death. ”Heaven” is the self-made eternal bliss of
realizing oneness with God. “Hell” is the self-made anguish of believing
in pain and death.
Why evil? Evil is the belief in evil. God is all that is real and God
is completely good; therefore, good is real and evil is an
illusion/delusion. The only power evil has is to destroy itself; attempts
to destroy good naturally result in punishment for the evildoer. Sin
creates its own hell. Not realizing one's true nature as Spirit results
in selfishness, which can lead to error and disharmony.
Salvation: Salvation lies in bringing oneself into harmony with one's
true nature as God's reflection, through good works, patience, meekness,
love, watchfulness, prayerful gratitude, devout obedience in following
Christ's example. There are two basic commandments: that one turn only
to God, perfect Mind, for guidance -- the Mind that was also in Christ;
and, that one "love thy neighbor as thyself." Healing and immortality
are achieved through consciousness that the only true reality is God, which is Love, and
that one's true and only nature is in God's likeness. As one realizes
the error of belief in the reality of suffering and evil, these images of
thought impressed upon the mortal mind can be altered, thus banishing
sickness, death, and sin -- testimony to the power of faith in God, of
Mind over matter.
Why suffering: Suffering is the belief in suffering, an
illusion/delusion (or error) of mortal thought.
Issues: The church claims no position on abortion. Conventional medicine is not forbidden, but is often eschewed even in cases of serious conditions, as a basic tenet of the faith is that sickness is illusion and that Christian Science healing is effective. Christian Science Practitioners may be called upon to provide healing prayers and consultation on treatment. Homosexuality is sometimes regarded by adherents negatively, as a condition that requires healing through Christian Science practices. The Mother Church has recently (mid-2000s) extended a welcoming and non-judgmental stance regarding sexual orientation.
You might also enjoy taking this SelectSmart.com selector quiz:
Christian Denomination Selector
RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: The official home page of the Church of Christ, Scientist
Recommended Website: Spirituality.com
Recommended Website: Mary Baker Eddy Biographical information
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
SECULAR HUMANISM description for SELECTSMART.com's SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEMS SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
SECULAR HUMANIST
by SelectSmart Staff
Generally, Secular Humanists are atheists or agnostics who value ethics, reason, logic, rational/critical thinking, inquisitiveness, use of scientific methods to learn about the world, and humanitarian action to improve the quality of life of individuals and humankind. Related: Scientific Humanism, Scientific Skeptics; Freethought, Ethical Culture, etc.. Some secular humanists identify as "deist," believing that a mystical force was responsible for the origins of matter and life ("First Cause"), but is no longer present or in control.
Belief in Deity: Belief in deity is disregarded as irrational or as an unnecessary hypothesis,or unknowable; many secular humanists take a strong atheistic stand. Some say that claiming the existence of a "Flying Spaghetti Monster" is no less valid than claims of a Supreme Being.
Incarnations: Same as above.
Origins of universe/life: The scientific method is most respected as the means for revealing the mysteries of the origins of the universe and life.
After death: The concept of an afterlife or any kind of spiritual existence after death is not recognized or is viewed with deep skepticism, or viewed as unimportant/irrelevant as it cannot be disproved. Some oppose such beliefs as irrational, or lacking in credible evidence. Those who claim to be able to contact or "channel" the dead are viewed with suspicion. No afterlife heaven or hell: most important is how you live your life and serve humanity now.
Why evil? No concept of “evil," or Satan, or supernatural Karmic action. Reasons for wrongdoing are explored through scientific methods, e.g. through study of sociology, psychology, criminology, etc.
Salvation: No concept of afterlife or spiritual liberation or salvation. Realizing ones personal potential and working for the betterment of humanity through ethical consciousness and social works are considered paramount, but from a naturalistic rather than spiritual standpoint.
Undeserved suffering: No spiritual reasons, but rather a matter of human vulnerability to misfortune, illness, natural disasters, and victimization. Secular humanists believe rational thinking and human actions can reduce human suffering.
Contemporary Issues: The American Humanist Association endorses self-determination and privacy in matters such as abortion, reproduction, sexual orientation, gender roles, etc.. Secular humanists generally initiate and support secular programs/legal action for equal rights for homosexuals, gender equality, racial equality, anti-poverty, health, peace and non-violence, and environmental protection. They value separation of church and state. They take a secular approach to divorce and remarriage. Some organizations actively oppose supernatural and/or unproven claims (e.g."pseudoscience"), which are regarded as obstacles to individual well-being and and human progress.
RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Recommended Website: The American Humanist Association
Recommended Website: Council for Secular Humanism.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST description for SELECTSMART'S SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEM SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
This description is generally aligned with the topics addressed in SelectSmart.com's entertaining yet educational Spiritual Belief Systems selector quiz, comparing more than two dozen world religions/belief systems.
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
by SelectSmart Staff
A tradition that values spiritual seeking, acceptance of diverse and liberal spiritual and philosophical beliefs that are not necessarily based on the precepts of an established religion. Comprised of mostly Non-theists (atheists, agnostics etc.), Humanists, Liberal Christians, Neopagans, New Age spirituality, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, etc. (Note: Some UU churches are led by Christian ministers, but this is not to be confused with the Christian Universalist church )
Belief in Deity: Very diverse deity beliefs, as Unitarian Universalists (UU) welcome all deity beliefs as well as non-theistic. The UU tradition does not generally offer deity-centered services; few UU believe in a corporeal or incorporeal "personal" God. Many believe in a universal life spirit or force within that connects all, which some UU refer to as "God."
Incarnations: Very diverse beliefs, but most do not believe in a supernatural deity nor incarnation as such; many believe that all are the embodiment of God. Some believe Christ is God's Son; most view Christ as an important figure, a "wayshower," exemplary of the power of love, compassion, and humanitarian values.
Origins of universe/life: Diverse beliefs; most believe in the Bible as symbolic and that natural processes such as evolution account for the origins of the universe and life.
After death: Diverse beliefs; most believe that heaven and hell are not actual places but symbolic. Some believe heaven and hell are states of consciousness either in life or continuing after death; some believe in reincarnation; many believe that a supernatural afterlife is nonexistent or not known or not important, and that actions in life are all that matter. Many believe that one lives on through their legacy and memories held by those they impacted in life.
Why evil? Diverse beliefs. Some believe wrong is committed when people distance themselves from God. Some believe in “karma" in the sense that "what goes around comes around." Many believe wrongdoing is a matter of human nature, psychology, sociology, etc.
Salvation: Some believe in salvation through faith in God and Jesus Christ, along with doing good works and doing no harm to others. Many believe all will be saved, as God is good and forgiving. Some believe in reincarnation and the necessity to eliminate personal greed or to learn all of life’s lessons before achieving enlightenment or salvation. For many, the concepts of salvation or enlightenment are irrelevant or disbelieved, or that you achieve your highest level of actualization through devotion to humanitarian works.
Undeserved suffering: Diverse beliefs. It would be a rare Unitarian Universalists that believes that a literal Satan causes suffering. Some believe suffering is part of God’s plan, will, or design even if we don’t immediately understand it. Many don't believe in any spiritual reasons for suffering, but turn their attention to reducing suffering.
Contemporary Issues: The Unitarian Universalist Association's stance is to protect the personal right to choose abortion. Other contemporary views include working for equality for homosexuals, gender equality, a secular approach to divorce and remarriage, working to end poverty, promoting peace and non-violence, and environmental protection. Humanitarian work is intergral to the church, including social justice, human rights, and charity.
RECOMMENDED LINKS:
Books on Religion & Spirituality from Amazon.com
Recommended Website: Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Recommended Website: Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashua, "100 Questions That Non-Members Ask About Unitarian Universalism."
Recommended Website: Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations
THERAVADA BUDDHISM description for SELECTSMART'S SPIRITUAL BELIEF SYSTEM SELECTOR - a comparative WORLD RELIGIONS quiz. Explore your spiritual path.
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