Religious survey

[Harlekin]

I know you guys are probably pretty sick of religious threads by now, but I kind of need to do this as part of my philosophy assignment (I'm doing Journalism School and Philosophy is an extra course you can do).

The assignment (and the survey) is about religion and how it affects people (mostly young folk, so between the ages of 18-28) today. I have to write a little article based on this survey.

I want to make something extra clear though: This is not a discussion thread. This is thread simply for you guys to fill out this survey. Some small-time discussion about certain aspects of people's religion can be discussed, but I'd prefer most replies to be answers to the survey, not to each other.

I'm also going to have to ask that only people who actually have a religion participate. This assignment isn't about atheists or agnostics, but about people who do actually believe in something. Sorry folks, but that's the limitation of the assignment.

On to the actual survey:
Name?
<real name is preferrable, but not necessary>
Age?
<speaks for itself>
Your religion?
<are you christian, jewish, muslim or something else altogther?>
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
<what kind of proof do you have that this entity exists?>
What importance does religion have in your life?
<speaks for itself as well>
How free are you in your beliefs?
<in other words: have you been told to believe by your parents, or something else all together? Do you believe because your parents, or other authority figures, believe?>
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
<do you see him/her/it as all-powerful, do you think he's always right, do you believe that entity really makes a difference, what kind of rituals do you partake in to honor him/her/it?>
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
<speaks for itself>
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
<speaks for itself, again>

Thanks for everyone that helps me out on this.

 

[heypapajinx]

i see you have no posts yet.
i had to do this earlier this week and i just randomly PM'd people.
not ONE person turned me down and all were really good surveys.
i think you might get better reception that way.
good luck!t:

 

[danielisthor]

Since i have nothing else to do this morning

On to the actual survey:
Name?

Daniel Hanna

Age?

34

Your religion?

Odinist

What is your proof for God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?

Because they had the decency to die fighting the forces of evil so that man can live

What importance does religion have in your life?

Very minimal importance

How free are you in your beliefs?

I came upon them of my own free will after years of forced Sunday trips to church

How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?

I pay homage to them for the ultimate sacrifice they made

What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?

Absolutely none.

What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?

There is no connection at all. Religion is closer to a dictatorship than a democracy.


Thanks for everyone that helps me out on this.[/QUOTE]

 

[Harlekin]

i see you have no posts yet.
i had to do this earlier this week and i just randomly PM'd people.
not ONE person turned me down and all were really good surveys.
i think you might get better reception that way.
good luck!t:

Thanks for the advice. I might do that, but I usually find such things a little invasive.

I have amended one of the questions to make it more clearer. Anyone who doesn't wish to disclose their beliefs in this thread can always PM me, and thanks again for those who participate!

 

[hippy fascist]

Name?

Dave Parker

Age?

23

Your religion?

I believe in some form of higher power but not in any kind of religion. I believe the best way to "worship god" is to simply live what you would consider a good life. Religions are usually simply a good way for people to gain power over those who need to live their lives by instruction.

What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?

There is no proof, the nature of faith requires an absence of proof as faith with proof is simply knowledge. What i would point towards though is the big bang. Yes the universe was formed from a collection of gasses but where did they come from in the first place?

What importance does religion have in your life?

I view it as my conscience. Before taking any major action I consider whether or not I believe it to be the right thing to do. While I don't prescribe to traditional religious rules I still believe you have to live a good life.

How free are you in your beliefs?

Very, unlike most religions I don't subscribe to the whole, "do as we say or you're gonna burn ****er" attitude

How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?

To be honest (and this gonna come off super geeky) I see god as very much like "the watcher" from the marvel U. He sees what we do but in order to allow free will he cannot intervene in any way. This is why I never ask "god" for anything. My life is my own concern.

What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?

None because religion is ultimately a choice. Someone's belief structure shouldn't govern the lives of everyone else in a country. I believe this is a large part of the reason america is so ****ed up right now.

What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?

Very little, traditional religions are focussed around rules set by one person long ago that must be obeyed . The whole purpose of democracy is majority consensus so that everyone has a say. This is why religious governments often turn into fascist dictatorships.

 

[Kyalesyin]

Make of it what you will:

Name?
Full name? Aww crap.
Kyalesyin Sarah-Marie Armstrong-Ward

Age?
18

Your religion?
Somewhere between buddhist and pagan/wiccan with some christian elements. I pray primarily to the Mother Goddess, sometimes known as Gaia or Brede, although I also prey to Herne in times of conflict or anger.

What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
I exist. There are things I cannot explain. There are things I have felt and seen that have not come from myself. Some things have come together too seamlessly to be accident.

What importance does religion have in your life?
On a day-to-day level, its hard to say. I live constantly within my faith. My name means Serenity and I try to live by it- calm, serene, peaceful and balenced. Its a constant source of guidence.

How free are you in your beliefs?
I made up my own mind, and my faith has eveolved and developed over time from an understanding that there must be 'something' to a sense of self and things beyond myself.

How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I pray as and when I need to. If I'm having a ****ty day I go down to the sea and pray with my hands in the water, or up on to the moors and pray to the wind. In a way, I'm more spiritual than religious.

What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
None

What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Not sure. Organised religion never struck me as all that democratic.

 

[Darthphere]

On to the actual survey:
Name?
Roger Farinas
Age?
20
Your religion?
Chrisitan, Baptist to be more specific
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
None, that's pretty much the essence of faith.
What importance does religion have in your life?
I don't think there is any. I believe in God, I pray to him and try to live by his word.
How free are you in your beliefs?
I believe, because I chose to believe.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I think God put us on this Earth for a reason, I don't know what it is really, but there has to be a reason. I just try to live my life as best as I could.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
Many elected officials hold religion dearly and at times are almost insane about it, which is not a good thing in my opinion.
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Except the one made by elected officials, none. In its essence, religion of any kind is almost a dictatorship, where one person calls all the shot, or in the case of christianity a triumverate.

 

[GoldenAgeHero]

On to the actual survey:
Name?
Roger Farinas
Age?
20
Your religion?
Chrisitan, Baptist to be more specific
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
None, that's pretty much the essence of faith.
What importance does religion have in your life?
I don't think there is any. I believe in God, I pray to him and try to live by his word.
How free are you in your beliefs?
I believe, because I chose to believe.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I think God put us on this Earth for a reason, I don't know what it is really, but there has to be a reason. I just try to live my life as best as I could.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
Many elected officials hold religion dearly and at times are almost insane about it, which is not a good thing in my opinion.
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Except the one made by elected officials, none. In its essence, religion of any kind is almost a dictatorship, where one person calls all the shot, or in the case of christianity a triumverate.

especialy catholicism. i feel that religion is strongly a dictatorship.

 

[Calvin]

Name?
Leslie Vaginton
Age?
23
Your religion?
Christian
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
The Bible says it's true.
What importance does religion have in your life?
It keeps me from choosing to be a gay. And from being aborted.
How free are you in your beliefs?
I'll be free when they put prayer back in school like it needs to be. There wouldn't be school shootings if God had still been in our schools.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I cut my wrists with a Passion of the Christ nail before I pray every night and lay in a crucifix position. Then I use my tears to *********e as I recite the Lord's Prayer.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
Is this a trick question?
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
We wouldn't need democracy if everyone would just do the right thing. WWJD!

 

[Kyalesyin]

Name?
Leslie Vaginton
Age?
23
Your religion?
Christian
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
The Bible says it's true.
What importance does religion have in your life?
It keeps me from choosing to be a gay. And from being aborted.
How free are you in your beliefs?
I'll be free when they put prayer back in school like it needs to be. There wouldn't be school shootings if God had still been in our schools.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I cut my wrists with a Passion of the Christ nail before I pray every night and lay in a crucifix position. Then I use my tears to *********e as I recite the Lord's Prayer.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
Is this a trick question?
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
We wouldn't need democracy if everyone would just do the right thing. WWJD!

*dies laughing* t:

 

[C.F. Kane]

Name?
Kyle
Age?
19
Your religion?
Secular Humanism
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
I believe that "God", while he does not exist in reality, is a useful metaphor for all that we can't understand, and all that we can hope to become.
What importance does religion have in your life?
I tend to focus on practical matters. I save my personal debates on epistomology, morality, etc. for really tough times.
How free are you in your beliefs?
I chose it freely.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I believe that there is no God, there are no universal laws set by him, and it doesn't matter if we win. What matters is that we play the game.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
We certianly need a sense of morality in all aspects of government. As long as it is not imposed on others, this would suit us fine.
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Personally, I think most monotheistic religions are antithetical to democracy. They teach us obedience instead of self-reliance. Heaven is a Kingdom, not a Republic. And while religious freedom is important to any democracy, the danger of a tyranny of the majority is ever present.

 

[phoenix_force]

Name?
tariq
Age?
16
Your religion?
muslim
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
quran spoke of scientific things that were not know then and they turned out to be true
What importance does religion have in your life?
it gives me self confidance
How free are you in your beliefs?
I chose it freely.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
i pray
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
religon should never be compulsary
A government should be democratic and not controlled by any religon

 

[terry78]

How come anytime someone wants to ask a controversial question/poll online they always say it's for a school project? Not that I'm saying the original poster did this, but I notice that a lot.

 

[Harlekin]

To give themselves some security/safety from attacks. I'm being honest here though. If I really wanted to ask controversial questions I would scrap about half of that list.

I also want to thank everyone for participating in this (yes, Calvin too ), you've been a great help.

 

[The Chairman]

Name?
Anthony

Age?
16

Your religion?
Roman Catholic, though I do have some beliefs that are associated with other religions.

What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
In reality, there is no true proof, which is why the concept of faith is put into power. Right now, my faith is really strong. I've prayed for a lot of good this year, and for the most part those prayers have been answered, which to me is enough proof.

What importance does religion have in your life?
It gives me hope and self confidence.

How free are you in your beliefs?
I went to Catholic school when I was younger, and I still harbour those beliefs. Though even I didn't, I most likely would still beleive in God.

How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I view God as a man who truly does love all who bring good to the world, and who punishes those who don't. I do think he is pretty much always right.

What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
None.

What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Once again, none. The only connection is that as democracy, we are promised religious freedoms, as stated in the Bill Of Rights.

 

[Poetic Chaos]

Name?
Junior
Age?
20
Your religion?
Catholic
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
None and none needed.
What importance does religion have in your life?
Basis for basic morals
How free are you in your beliefs?
Introduced by my parents
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I go to church, though not very often at all. 2 of them being Midnight Mass for Christmas and at Easter. Then just random days when I'm inspired.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
No idea
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Free will/Choice

 

[Mr. Walters]

Name?
Paul
Age?
26
Your religion?
Buddhist, although it's not really a religion.
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
I have no proof, and I don't feel that I need any.
What importance does religion have in your life?
I have found a religion, if you'd like to call it that, that preaches the message instead of the man. That to me is very important.
How free are you in your beliefs?
Buddhism doesn't demand anything, rather it suggests. I chose, on my own, to listen and follow these suggestions.
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I accept the fact that God is something beyond my own understanding and leave it at that.
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
Just that the government should let anyone practice whatever religion they want.
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Personally, I think relegion and democracy are very similar. Both are meant to accomplish a greater good for a large group of people, but seldom work if the people have not yet learned to embrace this.

Hope I was some help.

 

[Kaboom]

wow i cant believe you people are filling out his survey instead of disccusing randomness when he said PLEASE NOT A DISCUSSION THREAD...conformists, the lot of you.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

Name?
Jamal Joseph

Age?
21

Your religion?
Christian (former Catholic)

What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
Poof? Ha. I'm just going on a hunch

What importance does religion have in your life?
It's kind of in a slump now but it's usually very important

How free are you in your beliefs?
I was Catholic b/c of my parents but after some investigation and growth, I decided to "downgrade"

How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I like the "kid with an ant-farm" metaphor.

What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
I'd like to see them in harmony but there are too many different religions for that

What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Not aure how this question differs from the one above

 

[Harlekin]

A government is not necessarily a democracy.

 

[Colossal Spoons]

True, but my answer wouldn't vary too much between the 2 question.

 

[Cyrusbales]

Name?
Cyrus Bales
Age?18
Religion?
Anti-theist
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
The lack of proof and suchlike makes me not believe
What importance does religion have in your life?
I find Relgion is a bane of civilised society(my POV, so don't get arsey!)
How free are you in your beliefs?
Using rational thought, I have come to my own conclusion
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
I don't, you may as well deal with a magical invisible dragon(Once again, my POV, richard Dawkins can say it, why can't I?)
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
NONE!!!
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
Religion is used as social control, the ruling party can manipulate the public using it



Using the inclusive definition of religion, Anti-theism can be considered a relgion(ironic I know).

 

[Memphis Slim]

I know you guys are probably pretty sick of religious threads by now, but I kind of need to do this as part of my philosophy assignment (I'm doing Journalism School and Philosophy is an extra course you can do).

The assignment (and the survey) is about religion and how it affects people (mostly young folk, so between the ages of 18-28) today. I have to write a little article based on this survey.

I want to make something extra clear though: This is not a discussion thread. This is thread simply for you guys to fill out this survey. Some small-time discussion about certain aspects of people's religion can be discussed, but I'd prefer most replies to be answers to the survey, not to each other.

I'm also going to have to ask that only people who actually have a religion participate. This assignment isn't about atheists or agnostics, but about people who do actually believe in something. Sorry folks, but that's the limitation of the assignment.

On to the actual survey:
Name?
<real name is preferrable, but not necessary>
Age?
<speaks for itself>
Your religion?
<are you christian, jewish, muslim or something else altogther?>
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
<what kind of proof do you have that this entity exists?>
What importance does religion have in your life?
<speaks for itself as well>
How free are you in your beliefs?
<in other words: have you been told to believe by your parents, or something else all together? Do you believe because your parents, or other authority figures, believe?>
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
<do you see him/her/it as all-powerful, do you think he's always right, do you believe that entity really makes a difference, what kind of rituals do you partake in to honor him/her/it?>
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
<speaks for itself>
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
<speaks for itself, again>

Thanks for everyone that helps me out on this.

Believe me.....They are not tired of religious threads as long as they bash Christians. Those get the red carpet treatment. They don't like the ones that are critical of other religious groups ....especially Muslims.

 

[black_dust]

Name?
Not saying my real name
Age?
22
Your religion?
I dont have one i wasnt anything as a baby
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
They dont
What importance does religion have in your life?
Its not important at all, as i live with out it and have never been to church
How free are you in your beliefs?
My parents let me make my own mistakes
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
All the same to me
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
They shouldnt kill in the name of "god" thats for sure

 

[Poetic Chaos]

I know you guys are probably pretty sick of religious threads by now, but I kind of need to do this as part of my philosophy assignment (I'm doing Journalism School and Philosophy is an extra course you can do).

The assignment (and the survey) is about religion and how it affects people (mostly young folk, so between the ages of 18-28) today. I have to write a little article based on this survey.

I want to make something extra clear though: This is not a discussion thread. This is thread simply for you guys to fill out this survey. Some small-time discussion about certain aspects of people's religion can be discussed, but I'd prefer most replies to be answers to the survey, not to each other.

I'm also going to have to ask that only people who actually have a religion participate. This assignment isn't about atheists or agnostics, but about people who do actually believe in something. Sorry folks, but that's the limitation of the assignment.

On to the actual survey:
Name?
<real name is preferrable, but not necessary>
Age?
<speaks for itself>
Your religion?
<are you christian, jewish, muslim or something else altogther?>
What is your proof for the existence of God/Allah/The entity your faith is centred around?
<what kind of proof do you have that this entity exists?>
What importance does religion have in your life?
<speaks for itself as well>
How free are you in your beliefs?
<in other words: have you been told to believe by your parents, or something else all together? Do you believe because your parents, or other authority figures, believe?>
How do you deal with God/Allah/Other?
<do you see him/her/it as all-powerful, do you think he's always right, do you believe that entity really makes a difference, what kind of rituals do you partake in to honor him/her/it?>
What do you think the connection between religion and the government should be, if any?
<speaks for itself>
What do you think is the connection between religion and democracy?
<speaks for itself, again>

Thanks for everyone that helps me out on this.

if only they could resist.