I believe in God or at the very least a higher power. I'm just not very religious. Religion has always bored me. Talking about it is the quickest way to put me to sleep. My family used to make me go to church when I was a kid and I'd always fall asleep, which I felt was disrespectful. So I chose to stop going. No reason for me to go if I have no interest. But I don't judge anyone else's beliefs. I think ppl should be free to believe in whatever they want. It just annoys me when families or others try to force these things upon you. Other than that it's all good.
I also believe in God and consider myself a Christian. However, like you, I don't consider myself particularly "religious" either. In fact, it is my perspective that many atheists and many religious zealots share a common fanaticism (not criticizing anyone in particular here). Both are so absolutely convinced that they have 100% of the truth cornered, yet it seems implausible that either is completely right in all respects.
I find it difficult to accept notions that all that exists in creation, which so intricately operates/functions, could have come into existence per random chance or events. Some believe in such notions, however, with an ironically religious fervor. It astounds me that so many atheists can be so religious about their beliefs. Dare to question Darwinian evolution (even if you believe in it), and you are a heretic. It is just fascinating to me to emotional responses you get. Richard Dawkins has launched of publicity campaigns against religions generally in the UK. Despite being an atheist, he cares enough about what other people believe to riase money and post ads. Most so-called "religious" people don't care that much about proselytizing. You see what I mean about atheists with religious fervor? I literally watch in awe.
For myself, I first accepted the notion of intelligent design. Despite being a fan of L. Ron Hubbard, I can't really take seriously a religion apparently created by a sci-fi author on a bet (as I understand it - you can only learn so much without attending events), so it was just a matter of selecting a religion that I found the most truth in. for me that was Christianity. Many will disagree with me on that point, but that's fine. Unlike Richard Dawkins, I don't really believe it is my mandate to convert anyone, lol. I won't be taking out any ads to justify my "faith."
I'm not saying that there is no Great Creator but I believe that in most religions Man created God in his own image. Just my personal opinion.
This was my initial problem with Christianity (and most other religions): when you got to a church/temple/mass/service (and so on) they have a text that is supposed to establish the tenets of their faith, yet it appears like the congregation and especially the ministers/clergy are teaching an entirely different set of tenets and an entirely different picture of God than the accepted text. For example, some Muslims believe it is acceptable in modern times to wage war in the name of Allah. Conversely, others do not.
It is true with Christians: you go from one church to the next, and they don't believe the same thing yet all call themselves "Christians." Most of them have not actually read the Bible. Admittedly, it is a long read. I am persuaded that, if most of them did read the Bible, Christian churches would realize that they have crafted entirely new religions that they call "Christian" but that do not at all resemble the apparently sacred teachings of their primary text. They take like 10 verses from a book spanning thousands of pages, and they focus on that without regard for context, intended audience, etc.
So I consider myself a "Christian," but I think that means something different to me than it does to most people who use that word. I do belong to a church, but I seldom go to service. Instead, there is a discussion based "Sunday School" group I attend where people actually study the Bible and try to follow Christ's teachings by volunteering, donating, etc. Heck, the Bible actually defines the term "religion" as helping widows, orphans, and the poor/weak - not attending services/mass, memorizing scriptures, or converting everyone you meet (see James 1:27 if you don't believe me). I'm not saying those other things are bad or that they don't matter, but they aren't what Christian faith was supposed to be about if the Bible is intended to be the guide/standard.
I get the "great commission" means sharing your faith with others, but nowhere did Christ or any of his followers say I had to go convert 50 people to get into heaven. If I tell you that I believe in Jesus, that I believe he died for my sins (and I've sinned some whoppers), and that he rose again, and that this makes sense to me, then I have done my job here. I am not offended that others believe differently from me, and i don't feel it is my religious duty to convert every one I meet. I don't insert religion into every thread I post in online or into every conversation that I have.
I just wish people could be more tolerant of my faith when asking me to be tolerant of theirs. Heck, if you want evidence that modern Christianity doesn't match with the Bible - consider that the Bible preaches against judging others and in favor of forgiveness. How many people do you really see practicing that? I hope you've all seen more of it than I have. Fortunately, I don't believe going to the right church or living a perfect is as important as following the principles of the Bible and living a less selfish, more loving life.
I actually think that this perspective on life and religion has helped me deal with being on the spectrum. If people don't get me, or if they don't understand me, then that's fine - God's the only one who really "gets" anyone, and so it is much easier to forgive people for misunderstanding me and the things about me that seem odd or unusual to them.
