My family are strong Roman Catholics and they even attempted to get me to go to the seminary (priesthood)

The fact that my sister married a Muslim was a major scandal in the family.

Some of the research I’ve done considers the Zen teachings of Jesus and Buddhism in Christianity.

I am spiritual rather than religious and have tended to place myself as “Jedi” when answering religious questions.

Good for your well being and ensure you do not turn it into a crutch.

While religion ties into passionate zeal for some of a religion’s followers, I believe that many are able to live out their religious faith with cordial respect for those of differing faiths. We live in a pluralistic diverse world, and I believe that one can be a follower of Christ and yet be respectful and caring for those who have a different faith, with no strings attached or covert intent to convert. And in that pluralistic world, I think increasing numbers of people are choosing their own religion rather than inheriting a religion from familial or cultural traditions by default. (Though, granted, a majority of people still learn their religious habits from their family of origin, just as they learn money habits too.)

I once dated a guy who came from such a Baptist community that he was “one step away from churning his own butter” – Asian too – but had separated himself because he started to question his belief in God. Then, of course, when he met me, he got really confused because I told him that in my experience, you have to question your faith in order to find strength in it.

Generally when I come across someone like that, I can talk them into mind circles (which is kinda fun). But I like Claire’s answer – “I’m Catholic, we don’t do that sort of thing.” haha

Like what Ernie said, a good friend of mine is Filipino American and she has had to come to terms with the fact that while the Spanish conquered the PI’s in the name of Christianity and all but obliterated the matriarchal local culture and religion, she is Christian and loves God.

Another story: My anthro prof (a Chinese Diasporic) told us the story of his aunt who “converted” from Buddhism to Protestantism AND Catholicism. When her husband died, she had a Buddhist blessing, a Catholic blessing and a perplexed Protestant pastor who told she couldn’t have all three.

“Why not? How do I know which religion is the right one, this way, I’m covering all bases.” I love me some Chinese logic!

But the underlying argument, if one can be made, is your assumption that Christianity is a “white” religion. Sure that assessment can be made, but that would nullify the fact that it’s a faith and instead cast it as some sort of cultural artifact. I tend to make that assumption myself, but what has to be remembered is that most self-identified Christians do not see their faith as anything other than The Truth and will not accept that atheist point of view.

(Ernie, I never understood why there were Chinese Christian fellowships in COLLEGE either. I can understand our parents wanting to find people of the same culture and everything, but people our generation? Why? [Taiwanese inside joke] So they can repeat “Love Boat”? [/Taiwanese inside joke] Heh.)