Anybody Religious?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2004
Anybody Religious?
45
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 11:19pm
Religion was one particular reason that stopped me from taking my emotional affair to any other level. I mean I could micro-analyze my marriage and come up with reasons to justify cheating to my own self but could not justify it to God. I am supposed to “guard my modesty” in relation to my husband and I couldn’t bring myself to break that decree. I and MM belong to different faiths but for him it was the religious reason too that held him back. I and MM could generate heat in excess of couple of hundred degrees ..lol.. but it’s the religion besides our idiosyncratic personalities that wouldn’t let us do it.

I am curious to know how other board members (who consider themselves actively religious) handle the religious aspect that considers adultery a serious sin. Do you feel like a sinner and think that other areas of your life might be getting affected by the adultery act (they say people get punished in this world too besides in the other world)? Do you feel that your prayers work?

PG

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2004
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 12:56pm
It was very interesting to read your beliefs. I am fascinated by how much different religions differ (obviously) but also have in common. Thanks for sharing them.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2004
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 1:07pm
Islam is everything that Christianity has (same prophets, same beliefs...ONLY difference is that Jesus is not considered a son of God but another one of the highly revered prophets of God...we love Jesus as much as you do) but many people don't know that...but anyways that’s another debate. I was trying to see how religious people here regarded adultery.

MM and I are: different race (he white, me Asian Mid-Eastern), different religion (he Christian, me Muslim) born oceans apart but still managed to fall in love (or maybe its not love, time will tell).

PG

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2004
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 2:24pm
PG, it's great to learn more about you. And it's amazing what love can do, isn't it? Create a bond between two people who are completely different. Love does work in mysterious ways.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2004
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 2:39pm
We haven't always agreed in the past, but I want to commend you for bringing up such a sensitive topic and opening yourself up in this way. Religion is often a very divisive and difficult issue to talk about. I personally try to respect and appreciate all religions for what they have to offer. Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism. They all have positive and negative points. But they were all created to offer comfort and a sense of well-being to their members.

I personally consider myself a spiritual person, but I am not religious. I belong to no organized religion primarily because I can't fit all my beliefs within any particular system.

As far as how my morality and beliefs fit with having an affair, I believe it to be wrong. My primary belief is that we should all try to be good to others. Having affairs doesn't fit that for me. But I am human after all and I have made mistakes. I don't plan on continuing down that path. I pride myself in learning from my mistakes and I will no longer allow myself to be the person I have been in the past. I'm also my own harshest critic (except for maybe you PG ;) ) and that will help me to learn and move forward as a better person.

Again, thanks for starting this thread. It was very interesting.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 2:44pm
this is a great thread everyone!!

CL-Gurlfriend50

Co-CL of My Affair Support Board

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-19-2004
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 6:21am
awwww...thanks...NRY, Omaha and Gurl....although Omaha I still think you are one messed up person (besides me and dozens others on this board) :-P. Lets see whats the newest theory I can apply on you...hmmm...

PG

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2004
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 9:32am
Ha ha, phillygirl! I'm messed up, too....I'd be lying if I denied it! ;) I'm just trying to have fun and cope while being messed up...it's hard to do!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-14-2004
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 9:38am
LOL. I understand completely why you would say I am messed up. I certainly have been in the past. But for the first time in my life maybe, I don't believe I am. I'm finally at peace with myself and the kind of person I am. I don't fit any particular stereotype or mold I guess. But that's okay. I don't want to be normal. I want to be better than that. I don't know what theory you'll have in store for me next. I do have a suggestion though: none. Theories are nice for science. But in personalities and life situations, I have yet to see one that fits perfectly. :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-16-2004
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 9:41am
How about this for a theory? Everyone is different, everyone has problems, everyone has hangups and fears, everyone has challenges, everyone loves, everyone has been hurt. But one thing is for sure....we can't judge another person because we aren't that person.

:) Hope you are doing well today, omahamm!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-21-2004
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 10:07am
oh nry, honey, you took all the words right outta my mouth!!

CL-Gurlfriend50

Co-CL of My Affair Support Board