Religious conversation?
Tags: novel,religion,research,short story prompt

Hi,

I'm in the process of writing a book, and have hit that big roadblock called research... Basically, I don't know enough about some of the religions that I want included in the book, and was hoping someone would be able to give me an account of some traditions and modern-day experiences...

I'm specifically looking for personal experiences from American Jews and American-raised (white) Buddhists, Southern Baptists, and any offshoot of American Pegan religions. That is the demographic of three of my main characters.

Maybe you can use this as a prompt to a short story- sharing an experience that brings light to some of your families traditions.

As a warning, if you give me info on your religion, I'm not necessarily going to spin it in a beautiful light. I'm trying to show both the good and the bad in religion and religious doctrine... if you want a taste of my writing style check out my post- The Athiest's Prayer, Ch. 1. I personally was raised agnostic, but had plenty of experience in the Catholic Church with my grandmother.

My mentality towards religion in general, which I will convey throughout the book, can be summed up in this poem, which will serve to be the chapter index to my novel in progress...

The Atheist's Prayer

1. Fictitious Father

2. Tempt Us Not

3. With the Bliss of Ignorance

4. The Guidance of Doctrine

5. The Comfort of Faith

6. Curse Us Instead

7. With the Burden of Knowledge

8. The Pain of Humility

9. The Bitterness of Courage

10

I don't know why the post cut me off. Apparently I ramble too much. Here's the rest of the poem:

The Atheist's Prayer

1. Fictitious Father

2. Tempt Us Not

3. With the Bliss of Ignorance

4. The Guidance of Doctrine

5. The Comfort of Faith

6. Curse Us Instead

7. With the Burden of Knowledge

8. The Pain of Humility

9. The Bitterness of Courage

10. So We May Fear Our Conscience More Than Hell

11. And Love Our Neighbors More Than God

I would love to hear about religious experiences from all demographics; as an outsider I find religion fascinating. Thanks for reading and I hope to hear from you!

I feel that from my experience, whether Buddist or Jewish, you will have a variety of different opinions on how people are raised verses what they believe now. Not one of my Jewish friends believe exactly the same. Not one of my Christian friends feel the same. Loving your neighbor is loving God for me. After all, if God is in everyone then to deny our neighbor love would be denying God. But.. . I also feel that we should 'wipe our feet' from the doorsteps of those who are self-centered and only worship themsselves. I discover my own 'doctrine' every single day.

I totally agree. Still would love some stories and personal accounts.