What We Talk About When We Talk About God-Rob Bell

This is a great book.  I like the style of Rob Bell, it's as if he is talking to you.  After reading this book I felt re-connected to my family, neighbors, strangers, and even people I'm not so fond of.  It's so true that there is energy that connects us all and I feel it.  I can always tell how a party or holiday with family is going to be as soon as I walk in the room, even if everyone is trying to hide the tension and uneasy feelings, it's there.  If my husband or one of my kids or even myself are having a bad day, it's contagious to the rest of the family and we all end up having a bad day together.  (Though, sometimes a beautiful laugh from one of my kids will knock the energy back to positive!) And it is of course vice versa, good days are just as contagious!

We are all our unique essence, we are not just our skin and bones or our house or material things nor our we the one religion.  If all of those things were taken away, our essence would still be there.  The energy that makes us who we are and how we connect to others and find other essence and energy we can bond with.

Bell gave me Grenzbegrifflich and it is my new favorite word.  A German word that says it all when you can't see it or describe it yourself.  Its beyond description, something so powerful that you wouldn't even know its there if you hadn't felt it yourself.  This is love.  I feel it when I look at my children or my husband.  I can't describe how this intense feeling overcomes me and consumes my own essence and energy.  Bell uses the word to describe God.  And love and God are the same and not easily described.

Bell also talks about how we can be many things at once, we don't have to choose or stay the same.  We evolve and change.  Omnism is possible.  We should be able to believe in many things at the same time and across a wide variety of fields and not be stuck or have to choose one path.  We can make our own path by intertwining the many paths of religions.

Baha'i Faith

 

 

The Baha'i Faith coincides directly with Omnism because one of their core beliefs is "unity of religion". Which is exactly what I'm trying to achieve here!

The Baha'i believe in one God and the spiritual unity of all humans.  They have three primary beliefs. 

• The unity of God, and that there is only one God.
• The unity of religion, and religions have the same spiritual source and come from the same God.
• The unity of humans, and all humans are created equal and diverse cultures and people are one.

Baha'i is a relatively new religion that currently has around four million followers.  It began in the 19th century in Iran.  Baha'u'llah began the religious teachings until he was imprisoned in the Ottoman Empire and then his son Abdu'l-Baha continued the teachings with it spreading to Europe and America.

 

The Baha'i teachings focus on prayer and serving others to get closer to God.  They believe that messengers, such as Abraham, Jesus, Mohammed, and Buddha, as well as Bha'u'llah came to give God to the people in a way that they needed at that time in history.  So, all these religions are connected.

 

Also, as with all religions, the Baha'i faith has faced much persecution for their beliefs.  Muslims, Iran especially, have targeted Baha'is because they are considered apostates for leaving Islam. Many Baha'is are imprisoned and harassed. 

 

Honestly, I don't understand this need to persecute someone because they are different.  A religion that talks only of love and unity should be revered, not criticized.  People wanting only peace are sought after and killed in the name of God.  Well, the God that I know speaks only of love and forgiveness and being kind, even to your enemy.  It's distressing how words can be twisted to suit hatred.

 



Scientology

 

Scientology began in the 1950's by fiction writer, L. Ron Hubbard.  It is a new religion that seems to focus on facts and knowledge rather than emotions or faith.  It goes hand in hand with Dianetics, which their website, http://www.scientology.org/, states is a methodology which can help alleviate unwanted sensations and emotions, irrational fears and psychosomatic illnesses (illnesses caused or aggravated by mental stress).

 

This religion has grown and it seems it is now around 10 million.  Celebrities like Tom Cruise have brought the religion to the spot light with many people wondering exactly what kind of religion it is.

 

It is a religion dedicated to improving life with scientific facts and using a scientific method that frees the mind of pain, fear and hate and anything that inhibits a person from being happy.  There is no faith, there is only what is proven to work and see it for yourself to believe it.  The focus is on the mind, body, and spirit and survival in the universe.  A person can free their minds with Auditors, or Counselors that help Scientologists reach hidden abilities they don't know they have.

A curious thing about Scientology ais that it believes in reincarnation like Hinduism.  Its the only religion it seems to have anything in common with.

Last time I spoke of forgiveness.  Well, forgiveness in Scientology does not exist.  Hubbard says, "If there is any saintly quality, it is not to forgive. “Forgiveness” accepts the badness of the act. There is no reason to accept it. Further, one has to label the act as bad to forgive it. “Forgiveness” is a much lower-level action and is rather censorious."  I'm not sure about this.  I think forgiveness frees the mind and there are acts that we consider bad and affect us emotionally and we need to free the mind of this emotion to move forward.  Forgiveness does this for us.

Scientology is an interesting and complicated religion.  There are many facets to it that are difficult to understand when I read about it.  But the concept of believing in what is in front of you and what is proven is a good one.  I believe in that but I also believe in what isn't proven and I think there is so much more than what is in front of us.  And like Scientologists, every religion has the goal of freeing the mind so we can survive. Scientologists do that themselves, other religions free the mind by releasing it to God.  Ultimately the goal is to be happy and live a happy life.  There are just many ways to go about doing that.

 

 

Forgiveness in All Religions

Forgiveness is an action that is deeply personal to all of us.  Regardless of our religion.  The primary benefit of forgiving is the person who forgives, by letting go of the stress of holding hate and revenge in the mind and body, they are releasing the negative energy and anxiety keeping their life angry so that after, they will be able to live a fuller, happier life.  However, forgiveness can also benefit the person who is being forgiven.  Perhaps shame and regret hold this person down and distraught and unable to move or love or be happy.  If they are forgiven it could relieve stress and a huge weight off of their shoulders so they too can move on to a fuller, happier life.

Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism have festivals or holy days to remind us to forgive.  Judaism has Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement.  This is the day where Jews forgive those who have done them wrong so that they too can be forgiven for their sins.  Islam also teaches forgiveness and says that Allah will reward those that forgive others.  For Eid-al-Adha, the custom is for Muslims to go ask others for their forgiveness and any sins or wrongs that they might have committed against them during the year.  On this day, forgiveness must be granted and friends and family reconciled.  For Hinduism, forgiveness is for oneself.  They, too have a festival to mark a day of forgiveness.  Its called Holi, festival of colors.  Its in the spring and a day to forgive and reconnect with broken relationships.

In Christianity, forgiveness is essential and mandated by God and Jesus.  If we want to be forgiven, then we must forgive others. 

Buddhism has a different take on forgiveness.  Its not something that is mandated by God or Allah.  Its for your own well being.  Hate hinders the mind so one must free the mind by forgiving.

We are all sinners, none of us are perfect and all of us have wronged someone in some way, even if by accident.  So why wouldn't we forgive someone else for their mistakes when we ourselves have made so many mistakes.  I know its difficult and there are things that will take longer to forgive but each day is new day and a step toward forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is so common in religions that I wonder why then is there so much hate and unforgiving between religions... With Omnism there is no need to be unforgiving of another religion because acceptance is forgiveness. 









 

Asatru Movement

The Asatru Movement is an old pagan religion from the Viking Age that was renewed in Iceland in the 1970s.  There are around 2,000 followers that believe in the Norse gods such as Thor, Odin, and Frigg.  Of which so many movies are made from these days and my kids love those stories and the possibility they may be true.

Most pagans today believe the old tales of the gods as metaphors, not necessarily literal.  As with some Christians using the messages of Jesus and the Bible as metaphors, not literally.  Pagans are basing their beliefs on history lessons and even folk tales.  Christianity bases their beliefs on the same thing, stories written down from people's point of views, which could also be classified as folk tales. 

Religions, like Christianity, have said Pagans are devil worshipers or godless creatures, because they're polytheistic rather than monotheistic.  I don't agree with that.

Pagan ethics believe in honor, courage, integrity, hard work, and loyalty.  All of which I would not say are evil.  Also, Christianity chose their holidays to coincide with pagan holidays so it would be easier to convert them.  So, who's to say who is right and wrong. 

I think perhaps Thor, Odin, and other remarkable people did exist.  And the word used to described them were gods.  Many of the wise tales and traditions we have are passed down from our ancestors and are incredible and hard to explain.  If we believe in the one God and the possibility of His existence, then the possibility of Norse gods is also believable.

Conclusion, the pagan religion is included in Omnism.

Atheist or Anti-Theist

 

I recognize Atheism as a religion.  But this is one I've been hesitant to write about.  Because I can't say as an Omnist and belief in all religions that I believe in Atheism, or that there is no God.  When I truly believe in the other religions.  The ones that state there is a God.  So, is Atheism a part of Omnism?  I don't know to be honest.  I do know that I respect the Atheist beliefs because everyone has a right to believe what they want to and you can't change the heart of a person.

However, after the recent shootings in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  The killer of three young Muslims was said to be an Atheist or an Anti-Theist, is the new term for him.  I have heard he hated all religions.  He didn't just not believe there was a God, but detested anyone that thought there was one.  I wonder if that is how Atheists behave.  Then I remember that every group has fundamentalists or extremists and this is an example of an Atheist terrorist.

Because there are Atheists that don't believe in God but still try to live a good, moral life.  Atheists around the world recently developed their own Ten Commandments.  Which include, commandments such as "Be open-minded", "Be mindful of the consequences of all your actions and recognize that you must take responsibility for them", "Treat others as you would want them to treat you", and "Leave the world a better place than you found it".   These are all things that I agree with and try to live by.  So, then again maybe I am a little bit Atheist.  Here's a great article where you can find all ten of the commandments.  http://www.worldreligionnews.com/religion-news/atheism/atheists-write-10-commandments

Then there is the Pastor, Ryan Bell, that lived a year as an Atheist and in the end decided that there was no God and he is an Atheist.  He's not a bad person, just chose reality instead of God.  I can see the appeal and how much easier life could be without belief and faith.  Because those two things do take some effort.

But I know the feeling of not being sure of a supreme being or God or the universe being connected somehow.  A feeling of where there seems to be no hope or reason for what you're going through or experiencing in life.  This feeling is lost and sad and I didn't like it.  I choose to believe in God and that the universe is connected and my life has a purpose and the moments with my family matter and that faith holds me up and helps me to see the beauty of the world.  Believing makes my life, this life I am living, better.  When I have faith I'm connected to God, the energy inside of me feels charged and loving and excited.  I'm not saying that I don't have questions and criticisms for religions, but I believe that any religion that can't take a little criticism, isn't worth the effort of believing.  Even Omnism.


 

I Wish I Could Go To Church

I want to go to church, I want to bring my family to church.  I remember as a child going to Sunday School and to church with my brothers' family and I loved it.  People were nice and happy.  It was fun learning about the Bible and the stories in it.  I was taught a good and kind God that brought joy to the world.  I don't recall any negative feelings or judgments about others, including different people, or even mentions of other religions in a bad way.  My mom didn't go to church, she always said, "why should I go to church, then walk back out and sin."  At the church I knew, no one judged her, they still loved her and welcomed her at Easter when she did venture into the building. 

I think about the sermons that were preached.  Things like God forgiving us for our sins and following a righteous and moral path with God leading the way.  That God loves us.  I remember giving myself over to God so I could be happy and live a good life too.  All of those are memories of a child that loved church and God and the family it brought with it.  Those are the memories of the God that I know and love.

But when I speak about God these days to preachers and members of a church.  It seems full of judgments.  Rather than being welcomed and understood with open arms as my family being Muslim and Christian.  Islam is criticized and we are nudged, with a smile, to come to church and accept only Jesus as our Savior. 

I wish I could find an interfaith place to worship and find the love and family to openly and kindly discuss our beliefs with acceptance and compassion.  And perhaps in a bigger city, something like that exists.  But here in a small town, where there is a church on every corner, acceptance goes only as far as a polite smile when you say your Muslim and Christian.

Hinduism is Easily a part of Omnism

Hinduism is a vast religion and I couldn't possibly cover everything with one simple post.  It is one of the top religions in the world with 900 million people believing.  Most of which are in the India and Nepal region. 

One of the things I find most interesting is that its really not a religion like other religions.  There is no one person responsible for the spread of the religion, like Jesus or Mohammed.  And there is no sacred book that you must adhere to.  It is a way of life, a way to live, more like a feeling of being rather than a book or strict laws that you force upon yourself so that you may be a part of a particular religion. 

They say that, like Yazidis, you have to be born into being Hindu.  But so many people across the world have adapted Hinduism outside of India and Nepal that its impossible to restrict such a popular religion.  And since its more of a way of life, anyone can live as a Hindu.

Though there are no books and founders.  There are a few ways of life that is common amongst Hindu's.

•      Most Hindu's hold sacred, the scriptures called Veda's.  These are texts and Veda means Knowledge.  These are ancient truths and believed to be passed directly from God.
•      They due believe in a supreme being, God, but also in deities that represent God.
•      They believe in Karma and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.  How you live this life will determine what your next life will be like.
•       And Dharma is important.  This is the code of conduct that Hindu's try to live by so their next life will be a good one.  Like the ten commandments.  A set of morals so that society can live in peace.  All religions seem to have this.  And I would say that this is one of the most important things about religions.  Because if perhaps religion didn't dictate a set of moral values, then society would be in total chaos and we would be going around killing one another.  Maybe?

Hinduism includes and is similar to other India religions, such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

Diwali, is the festival of lights, and the sacred holiday for Hindu's, Sikh's, and Jain's.  This holiday is a day of hope and renewed energy for goodwill.  Gifts are given and feasts are prepared for this celebration.   Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is revered on this day in hopes of a fantastic year.  Legends of Good conquering Evil are also associated with Diwali.  A demon Narakaasura kidnapped 16,000 daughters and Lord Krishna killed the demon and freed the daughters.  And another legend of another demon is believed.  Ravana (who had ten arms and ten heads), and was king of Sri Lanka. He kidnapped the wife of Rama.  Rama went to save his wife, Sita, and killed the demon Ravana and reunited with his wife.  On the way back, it was dark and they could not find their way so people put lamps out to light the way and that's why they call it the festival of lights.

Every religion seems to have that attitude of Good always wins over Evil.  Also, that you must live by a set of moral values and be on the 'Good' side of the universe.  That's why its easy to believe in them all and be an Omnist. 
 

Islamophobia and Free Speech

I've been reading a lot in the news lately about Islamophobia and the protests in Germany of citizens not wanting Islam to take over their country.  These protests stem from the fear of terrorism and the attacks that Islam extremists insist on doing, like the recent one in France.  People are afraid of what they don't understand and others are using this fear to create more fear.  Neither one is truly helping any cause but chaos. 

The many Muslims that I know actually spread peace and love and acceptance, therefore not all Muslims want to push their religion and beliefs on you nor are they extremists wanting to blow up the west.  Most are normal folk like you and me, just trying to do the right thing and get through each day the best way they can and know how.

I was shocked to find that Duke University actually reversed the decision that allowed a Muslim call to prayer, chanting the adhan that signals Jummah, or weekly prayer service on Friday.  Giving in to the fear of violence is in essence allowing hate to rule over acceptance.  So, should then the Sunday church bell also not be allowed?  If we all give in to fear when we try to stand up for equality of faiths and people, then we would not have Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and we would still have segregated schools and women would not be allowed to vote nor many other strides that we have had in the past century.

French laws banning the burqa, or full body and face covering, that some Muslim women wear in public places.  Or them banning head coverings in state schools, seems to me to also squash the freedom of expression and freedom of speech like Duke University.  I would say this falls in line with Islamophobia, and in truth, perhaps it does a little.  But looking at French history, their President doesn't swear in office, on a Bible, nor do their schools put on a Christmas nativity story.  So, at least it seems that the ban on religious expression in public places in France falls on all religions and not just Islam.  But seriously, why should there even be a law banning freedom of religious expression.  Shouldn't we just accept that one person believes differently than us.

It does go both ways too.  A recent scheduled Islam protest I heard about in Germany was cancelled due to fear of riots and extremists.  I will say I don't agree with cancelling due to fear of retaliation because of someone expressing their beliefs.  Though I don't agree with the message they are sending that Islam is bad and don't let it take over your country, I do think they have a right to say what they believe and the government should not have cancelled their protest, giving into fear.

I feel like if we say Islam is bad because one person carried out an attack in the name of Islam, then shouldn't we do it for every bad thing that happens.  So, the school shooting in America was done by someone with a mental illness problem, and many children were killed.  Therefore we should lock up anyone with a mental illness just in case they go and kill innocent people also.  Wouldn't that be convicting them before they were even found guilty.  It breaks my heart, anyone being a victim of violence, especially children, but just because one person in that "category" did a heinous act, it doesn't mean everyone in that "category" will commit a heinous act.

I am passionate talking about Islam and the hate that is sometimes associated with it.  I love my husband and his family and they are all Muslim and wonderful and completely the same as my Christian family.  They all go through the same struggles and the same problems and the same happy moments and the same love.  If you took away the religion, they would be equal in the eyes of so many.  It easy for me to accept Islam into my being an Omnist because all I see are the numerous similarities between Christianity and Islam and not so many differences.

Catholicism and Pope Francis

The message is clear that I get from the new Pope.  He is not pushing Catholicism onto people nor is he forcing rules of Catholicism onto the public.  Pope Francis is spreading humanity and kindness and joy and help to the poor.  Around the world, Catholics and non Catholics gather to see him and his radiant energy of love. 

I have always envisioned Catholics to be Christians and to believe in the same words, but with stricter rules and regulations regarding faith and God.  But that is not what I see these days with this Pope leading the way.

Looking at his daily mass, at http://www.news.va/en/sites/reflections, Pope Francis speaks of God and love over and over again.  His focus is on the homeless, the sick, the poor, no matter their religion.

Rather than condemn Catholics when their marriage has failed, he prayed that they be accompanied in their time of need.  He met with a transgender man.  He comes across open and honest, even on touchy subjects like the abuse of children in the Catholic church, which tried to be covered up in previous years.

Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury describes the Pope as "humanity on fire."

Pope Francis said "resist competing for souls and make concrete gestures of acceptance and dialogue." He urges us to have Christian unity.

He also says "the most effective antidote to violence among Christians and Muslims is learning about each other and then accepting differences."

Check out more illuminating articles and quotes at http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/pope-ridding-stereotypes-key-christian-muslim-relations-28449597

I never considered myself Catholic, I always thought that I, myself, could ask God for forgiveness without confessing to a Priest.  And it is relieving and inspiring letting go of words in my heart and mind to God, but I can imagine it being just as uplifting speaking my sins to a Priest.  Also, I think birth control is a blessing and that children should come into a world of love and not regret and if birth control helps ease the pain and burden of some then it can't be all bad.  Furthermore, it is God that provides us the knowledge to create medicine and technology and it is up to us to use it responsibly.

However, the message coming from Pope Francis and Catholics is a message I believe in.  I can say that part of me is Catholic and my hope is to spread love and humanity just as much as Pope Francis.

Kleicha-Food that Reaches Across Religions- Jews, Christians,and Muslims

Food always seems to bring people together and inspires laughter and smiles with a full belly.  That's why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Its only about the food, no presents, no expectations (except eating), just a general appreciation of life and people and family and grateful for the food we have.  I started thinking that perhaps food could also bring religions together like it seems to do for families.   In my search, I came across United Noshes.  They are attempting to prepare food from all of the countries in the world!  Its a great feat and I'm excited to try some of their recipes. 

One in particular showed my interest.  Kleicha.  This date filled pastry is from Iraq and from a time when Iraq was filled with many religions.  Jews, Christians, and Muslims would all make this pastry to celebrate the holidays of each of the religions.  It is said to even have origins as far back as Babylonian times!



For the recipe, http://maryamsculinarywonders.blogspot.com/2013/01/285-iraqi-date-kleicha.html.

For United Noshes and other world cuisine, check out http://www.unitednoshes.com/.

Yazidis

Yazidis have been in the news a lot lately, due to their persecution by ISIS.  Who are they?  It is another religion I have never heard of until recently.  It makes me wonder how many more religions there are out there...And I can't wait to explore them all!

Yazidis primarily reside in Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.  Many of Yazidi beliefs come from Christianity and Islam together.  And Yazidis adhere to much of the Bible and the Koran.

It is rumored to have been founded by an 11th century Ummayyad sheikh, and comes from Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian faith, believed to be the world's first monotheistic religion.

Children are baptized, and circumcised, like Christianity.  Yasdan, the Creator of the world, or God, is the almighty for the Yazidis and can't be worshipped directly.  Yasdan has seven great spirits or angels and the greatest is the Peacock Angel, called Malak Taus.  The peacock is a symbol of immortality in early Christianity because the skin doesn't seem to decay.  Yazidis pray to Malak Taus five times a day, like Muslims pray five times a day and refrain from eating pork, like Muslims.  They sacrifice animals and believe in rebirth of the soul or reincarnation like Hinduism.  So, this ancient religion is even more than Christianity and Islam.

Malak Taus has yet another name, Shaytan, which is Arabic for devil.  And this is why Yazidis are believed to be" devil worshippers".  But Yazidi is derived from the Persian "ized" and means angel.  Izidis actually means "worshippers of God".

It is a strong religion that has lasted centuries of persecution and yet the Yazidis march on, never abandoning their faith.  And also never converting others to their religion. One cannot convert to Yazidi, you have to be born into it to be a part of this unique religion.

Therefore, their faith I can say is solid and true and a part of Omnism.  Though I can't convert to Yazidi, I can accept and believe in what they do.

Check out BBC for a great article about the Yazidis.  http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-magazine-monitor-28686607

 

Worshipping Rats

When I told my husband that I believe I'm an Omnist, he asked me if I will start worshiping rats then?  I laughed at his joke, thinking that there was no such religion that worshiped rats. 

Well there is actually, worshipers of the  Hindu goddess Karni Mata.  She was born in 1444 and lived 151 years and it is believed that she could perform miracles.  In the village of Deshnoke in India, there is a temple, Karni Mata Temple, where worshipers go and give gifts to the rats at the temple, believing they are the incarnation of the goddess and the tribes people of the clan, until they are reborn again as human anyway.  So, people travel great distances to feed the rats or the goddess and their tribes people in the temple.

Hinduism is a complicated religion and one I haven't touched on.  I don't know for certain the exact number, but it has many gods or goddesses that different regions and people worship and believe in.  Some of the Hindu's I have spoken with tell me that it could be impossible for them to know all of the gods and goddesses personally but each Hindu holds one or a few sacred to them. I do hope that in my Omnism journey, I will learn more about the amazing Hindu religion.

As an Omnist, I can't say that I will be walking along the temple in Dashnoke, nor will I be feeding or dining with rats anytime soon.  But I do not begrudge anyone that believes in the goddess Karni Mata, nor her incarnation.  And I do believe that the faith in the goddess and the reincarnation of the tribe is real.  It reminds me that we should respect all living things, because you never know if you shall be reincarnated as a rat in the next life.


Here's a great article of the Temple with National Geographic,
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/06/0628_040628_tvrats.html
 

Sikhism



Sikhism seems to be a more and more popular religion.  It has been in the news quite often these days and I wonder why?  I never even  heard of it until just recently, even though it is now the world's fifth largest religion.

After researching Sikhism.  I can understand the fascination.  It is a giving religion, focusing on living a good life and doing good deeds and avoiding sins and showing compassion and kindness, believing all are equal and not doing empty religious rituals.  Like so many religions, these are the core beliefs.

Sikhs are monotheists, the belief in one God, it's important to them to do good works and not false rituals, have God in your heart, give to the poor, and serve others. 

Sikhism began in the India, Pakistan region in the 1500's with Guru Nanak.    They did not believe in the caste system and idol worship as was and is still popular in the region.  I'm sure it was difficult for them in an area ruled by Hinduism and Islam, but the religion stayed strong with nine more Guru's leading the way the years to come.

When accepted into the religion, you become a member of Khalsa and are baptized and must follow the Sikh code, or the five K's.   Kesh (uncut hair), Kara (a steel bracelet), Kanga (a wooden comb), Kaccha (cotton underwear) and Kirpan (steel sword). 


Sikhs believe in birth, life, and rebirth.  And Karma, what you do in this life, will determine the quality of your next life. To achieve a good life, Sikhs must follow Nam Japna, keeping God in mind at all times; Kirt Karna, earn an honest living and avoid crime; and Vand Chhanka, giving to charity.  These are the three duties.  There are five vices that Sikhs must overcome, lust, greed, attachment to worldly items, anger, and pride.  If the vices are overcome, a Sikh may have a better life in the next life.
The Sikh place of worship is the Gurdwara. 
The Sikh book of worship is Guru Granth Sahib.

For more facts on Sikhism, check out the description here http://www.sikhs.org/

Overall, I would say that this is a great religion to add to my list and I do believe as the Sikhs do.  We are all equal, and we should take care of those less fortunate than us, and life isn't about religious rituals but just in keeping God and goodness in our hearts.  I also believe in Karma and making this life count and the possibility of being born again or rebirth.

What Omnism Means to Me

Wikipedia states that Omnism is the recognition and respect of all religions.  Merriam-Webster says that an Omnist is one that believes in all religions.  For me Omnism and being an Omnist is exactly those things and more.  It is certain that religions are true.  The belief and power people put behind religious teachings makes them true.  The inspiring essence of God and wonders of the world brings faith and a smile to our hearts.  The history and proofs of religions that have held steady through thousands of years makes them true.  I cannot within my conscience say that one is wrong over the other. 

Omnism is more than even all of that.  It is a peace of mind and a united people.  It is letting go of hate to those that are different and letting go of arguments that try to prove who is right and who is wrong in their belief.  It is acceptance in what is and could be.  Omnism is a feeling of not only faith but of extraordinary rather than explanation.


Here is a good article that talks about Omnism that I enjoyed reading.
http://www.psychicsuniverse.com/articles/spirituality/living-spiritual-life/omnism-new-spiritual-belief
 

About Me

I was raised Christian and still very much believe in God and Jesus.  My family, though not extremely religious has always instilled God in my life and the teachings of the Bible.  They have taught me what is right and wrong, moral values, and the ten commandments.  Christianity has been in my heart and will never leave me.

I met my husband while in the Peace Corps and living in Muslim country, Mauritania.  My husband is Muslim and there are so many things that are right in his religion also.  We have many similarities in our religions.  The belief in one God, or Allah, is just one of many.  I do believe Mohammad came to the world and brought change with him.  My thoughts are that Mohammad and God saw sin and Mohammad was a way to bring morals to society once again. 

Judaism was the beginning of both of those religions and was what Jesus himself was raised.  Therefore, if you believe in Christianity and Islam, then you must believe in Judaism also.

Then there are the many Christian sects.  Catholicism, Protestant, Baptist, and so many more.  They are the same and use the same Bible.  Just different interpretations and opinions on one word.  But ultimately, all encompass Christianity.

Finally, Buddhism, which has been a recent fascination.  I am drawn to the serenity and beauty of this calm religion.  And I believe in the truths of Buddhism and meditating, though difficult, does bring a peace of mind. 

There are many more religions that I haven't mentioned and know little about.  But as my discovery of Omnism continues, I hope to find them to be as true as I do the ones I am already familiar with.