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How normal is it for Aspies to have issues with finding and following a religion?

I don't know. I mostly just read about them and pick the bits I like, which are the bits that are easiest to follow because I like them.

The fact is, to follow a religion, I mean really follow a religion, is a massive endeavor. The Jews alone have something like 600 laws that they have to strive to follow. A strong Buddhist doesn't eat meat, or anything at all after noon and spends a great deal of time in meditation, can't be employed or employ anyone, and is generally forced to join a monastery. Christianity is probably easiest, but that's because everyone makes up their own brand.

Seriously, though. What exactly is the problem? My biggest issue is belief. It's not so much that I don't believe in a God, I kind of do, kind of don't. I'm an atheist, but from time to time find myself looking up and saying "'Sup, big guy." I've looked through all of the major religions and some of the minor ones, but while I find things in every one of them that appeal to me, particularly in Judaism and Buddhism, I just don't have it in me to worship anything, not that Buddhism requires it. During my "religious phases", I tend to treated the god as more of an equal.

Is it following the laws? Structuring your life in a way that allows you to worship properly? Believing consistently?

I dunno about other Aspies, but for me, yeah.

Personally, finding a religion has never been a problem.

Finding a religion with adherents that are obviously and measurably healthier, wealthier, wiser and both ethically and morally superior than all the others is simply not possible.

i reject religion

I for one find it extremely hard to stick to a theological position because they are often built around 'fluffy' abstract ideas like man's 'immortal soul' and the existence of God and his position relative to the universe. I also struggle to deal with the concept of death.

However I wish I could believe because the thought of oblivion saddens me.

I do know however, some auties and aspies do not have this problem. If they are in the minority, I do not know.

It was never that hard for me because I'd always known that I wanted to be Catholic, so in 2000 I was received into the Church. I guess I'm one of the fortunate ones, though.

I worship coffee.

Can I ask the religious aspies among us, how do you manage to get your head around religions more abstract components? For example, the nature of the immortal soul, the location of heaven or the inconsistency between religious scripture and contradictory, archaeological evidence?

Healthier is easy. It's well established that, in developed countries, religious people live longer, particularly in America.

The most ethical and moral people I know are very religious, generally religions that emphasise love like Buddhism and liberal Christianity. I think this is a common situation. Of course, religion is no guarantee of anything, we see many religious people who are highly immoral, but in some situations it seems to be very good at drumming love into people.

I've never understood why people need a supernatural deity as a moral compass. It seems that fear of an omnipotent being is their driving force rather than love of their fellow man. Its rather sad.

that's great! I was received into the Church at the Easter Vigil 4 years ago

Why not worship Columbia's number one cash crop?

Evidence, please?


hyp·o·crite (n):

1. a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion
2. a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings
3. a person who sets a good example for others only while being observed

With a greater variety of competeing religions to choose from, and with religion itsself on the defensive in a secular age, thats probably pretty 'normal' for folks in general whether they are aspie or not.

Im not religious, but oddly enough, im all for church going- for aspies even more than for most folks.

Its good for aspies to be involved in a community and get out of our solitary comfort zones and to serve on commitees, and to network, and find dates, and so forth.

Trouble is that church is associated with religion for some reason. So to pick a church you have to pick a religion, and even within a religion- you have to be aware of the corporate culture of the particular congregations- that community's own take on their religion. So you do have to shop around for something compatible with your own beliefs.

When I lived in Missouri, I visited a few churches. One of them really overdid the collection plate aspect (lining everyone up, suggesting amounts), the others were friendly, had potlucks (free food), and didn't push politics or rigidly apply their views.

All things considered, I really don't believe what they believe, but I have no reason to think poorly of them.

It's fairly well established...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/19 ... 064323.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healt ... gests.html
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the ... ive-longer <- provides the best overview

I've read (primarily in Robin Dunbar's work) that the most likely reason is the endorphins released by religious activity. Singing, dancing, tolerating moderate pain, engaging in communal activities, feeling part of a community- all things which release endorphins and make people feel happy, and therefore healthy.

I don't think (1) applies. These people participate in religious activities regularly and do good deeds for people.
(2) definitely doesn't.
(3), perhaps, but I see no reason to believe so. Occam's razor applies, as does general rejection of solipsism. Additionally, how do these people get the opportunity to behave immorally when not being observed? I suppose the age of internet anonymity provides some opportunity to harm people without it reflecting on you in real life, and people "secretly" donate to charity, but generally if you do good whenever you are observed then you will always be doing good... unless you believe that suicide or gluttony or masturbation are sins.