belong if they believe in a little of each religion, spirituality, and other odd belief systems? Would they be categorized as "New Age" or just plain simple "Crazy"

For example if one believed a little of the history and knowledge of

- Buddhist quotes
- Jesus's experiences
- Hinduism knowledge
- Wicca nature knowledge
- Native Indian wisdom
- Celtic Druidism

and the other many many religions that exist in the world.

I ask because I find some truth in every religion, spirituality, as of other religions not mentioned above.

Smiless I think many people the world over would fall into that category, myself included, though I outwardly reject Christianity for obvious reasons. I reject the religion itself but the jury is still out on Jesus. You will notice this is why I drag up a lot of uncomfortable issues that relate directly to Jesus that I have discovered over the course of my research.

Also, just for the record, the term "Neo Paganism" is somewhat of a misnomer and has been projected upon a group of people who tend to adhere to the much older Earth/Mother Goddess based religions which pre-date Christianity by thousands of years.

The term "New Age" also has a negative connotation to it. Its essentially a marketing term that was coined to designate certain shops and the merchandise and books they sell there as a resource to the community. It has less to do with these ancient forms of spirituality themselves.

You could be called a follower of new age, or even something along the lines of more of a pagan such as myself. It really just depends, although i prefer someone with religious beliefs rather than being labled under a certain one.

I don't know. I'm going to Mass today because it's the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. And, tonight I will be doing yoga and a little witchcraft. I have no idea where I belong.

When people cant compartmentalize your religion or spiritual beliefs to their satisfaction, they tend to become very uncomfortable with you and somewhat resentful.

That explains a lot actually.

Now I understand where the term New Age comes from. It should be called Old Age actually, because like you say it predates many of the present bigger religious group bodies. I was at the bookstore the other day and saw two shelfs of "New Age" material ranging to everything from Wiccan, Pagan, Tarot Card readings, Spirituality, Laws of Attraction, Celtic Druidism, and I asked myself that some of this stuff must have happened a very long time ago. I learned there are still followers of Ancient Egyptian belief system who worship the God of Ra. A instruction manual on how to become a member. I thought that was fascinating.

It is very interesting. I must have spent a whole day in the bookstore, like I always do, and just fascinated myself with the many books available.

I guess there will be no term for what I believe. Some just call themselves pagans or whatever. I will just call myself "The Other"

I understand how you feel about Christianity. I know quiet a few who feel the same way about this religion. I learned that if a mind is set to a belief system and it helps them, I will not interfere or try to change a mind in doing so. I just hold my breathe and walk on even if I don't agree with it. I don't want to spend hours debatting. I might just live a few years longer also if by doing this

In the long run what counts is the person (whatever belief system) can laugh and enjoy their individual life.

I grounded my own religion, spirituality, or whatever you want it call it these days. It is called "The Other"

Every religion has similarities, they all have a flood story, they all have a creation story, for the most part they all have some reflection on being appreciative and respectful of people and the world around you. One thing I like most about hinduism, is that they do not have one depiction of "God" they accept various incarnations of the deity, they also believe each incarnation to be one and the same and regions tend to favor certain incarnations more than others. The same perspective can be applied to almost every religion... the differences are due to developments in different regions and cultures and spread and modified in the same manner as languages and other cultural aspects

Yep. "The Others" That's what we are.

Yes they are all much older than the dominant world religions today. Those would be Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Actually, in most New Age book shops you will find a copy of the bible, the Torah or the Quran. You can almost always find these religions addressed and represented in New Age shops. However, try finding a book about Wicca in a Bible Book Store. You might want to send in an expedition of coal miners with lights in their helmets to assist you.

Others here, too.

Though I rather had the term "Spiritual" attached to me, rather than other religion.

If you ask for one a giant hole opens up in the floor that you fall into and are never heard from again.

That's why it is just "The Others". No religion attached. Don't worry, if we start to turn into a religion Krimsa and James will stop us.

Very true what you say. I also realized with Hinduism is that they add more to their religion. They take in a bit of every religion and just make it work inside their ancient belief system already. It is fascinating as I once had a guru tell me this.
What you say is true. The message is the same the stories are different. Some are not so good though, I will have to admit, but it is a matter of taste I guess one can say.

Hinduism is fascinating indeed. I had some Sri Lankan friends who where Hindus who had a business in Frankfurt, Germany. Everytime I visited them to buy something they would talk to me about a God and what they represent. I love how each one is described. Unfortunately, our lives are short and we can't learn everything! It would take a lifetime to learn Hinduism I feel.

I did find two books on Wicca!! Yes and almost bought them to. A idiot's guide to Wicca was one of them I ended up buying Tarot Cards instead Mainly because it provided beautiful illustrations I love art what can I say

You already have some knowledge of Wicca and what it is Smiless. Ive heard you discuss it on forum I think unless that wasnt you. Wicca is actually the 5th largest religion in the US to date now. I am not a Wiccan though I agree with many of their philosophies. Wicca only trails Hinduism now as a major organized religion in the states.

It was probably someone else, unless I talked about it without realizing it
Now if you cover the topic of "Fantasy" then I can go for hours on that. I have at least 200 books on fantasy, over 2 million words written about it, including stories, games, etc. etc.

Fantasy is my speciality to tell you the truth. It is the study of different mythologies and religions, including spirituality and just transforming them into mythopoeia prospect. More about mythopoeia you can read here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mythopoeia

The stories are just purely my imagination but the world I write about is so believable that one can only think if such a world actually does exist somewhere in the many galaxies.

Fantasy or Science Fiction can become dangerous for some. Hubbard a prolific author sold millions of copies to later on ground Sciencetology that later has a huge following.

I don't want to go there that is for sure, but I do enjoy the lessons on these forums to create more stories to my big mess in the office

Then we look at JK Rowling who many claim are a witch or wiccan follower.

We also have CS Lewis with his Narnia Novels, which are strongly followed from Christianity.

Of course we have Star Wars with Yoda and his wisdom, which are pretty similiar to Buddhism. George Lukas is a Buddhist by the way.

and the list goes on...

Perhaps everything we believe today is nothing more then the imagination of another person. A continues chain event to where there are many roads you can take. Some choose the main highway as others choose the sidewalk and take it in a different approach

All I can hope for is that a few will follow my imagination occassionally

It all based in mythology.

The bible is the Christian Creation Mythology. No more, no less.

The pagans observed the Solstices and the Equinoxes which are clearly reality based but they invented their own little accompanying mythologies and stories just as the Christians did.

For some it is the truth and they put their whole faith into it. I say more power to you if it helps you throughout the day.

May there always be a light when times get dark.

May there always be peace regardless in what you believe in.