What is your religious view?

[ika]

Theological_positions.png

Above is one of the many views of religions and beliefs. What is yours?

Personally I think I am more of an agnostic theist because I do believe there is a higher power, however I do not think it is exactly God (christian view) or something I would say more obscure Ra (egyptian belief).

I am like that because of the many different religions that exist. There has been so many different types of god, higher powers, ect., that I think there is a higher power but it is unknown what or who is that higher power is. I am open to other peoples beliefs overall, but this is just my outlook on it.

What you think?

[Slaol]

inb4: ITT: Mass infractions

In general I am an Agnostic Atheist. I am not directly inclined to believe in a higher power, but have decided I don't feel right trying to prove or disprove one.

[ika]

inb4: ITT: Mass infractions

If it becomes out of hand I will ask for the thread to be locked. I am hoping people can be mature enough to not flame and hate on each other for their view. This can be one of the most controversial topics, but also one of the most interesting when it isn't full of hate and flame of the "I'm right, you're wrong" crap

[SuperJack]

HAIL IMHOTEP!

[Bruno]

Atheist.

Sorry, I don't believe in a magical sky man who hears every prayer ever cited to him.

Lol, it's like fucking Santa Claus.

[powerofdeath]

inb4: ITT: Mass infractions

In general I am an Agnostic Atheist. I am not directly inclined to believe in a higher power, but have decided I don't feel right trying to prove or disprove one.

Same here.

[Muso]

I'm not really sure what I am.

I don't think I believe in the existence of the divinities that any of the major religions profess to worship, but I do believe in the power of the religions themselves, and not just as organizations, but as forces to enact spiritual and personal development.

[deathworlds]

The way I see religion.

A bunch of people that need to believe In a higher power to bring faith into there souls when they already had it in the first place.

I'm a atheist.

[Orpz]

Agnostic Theist

[Citrus]

I'm not entirely sure what gnostic entails as I haven't heard the term before, but I guess I would be deist gnostic? Or just deist?

I wonder if there's many others here that share this position, though I doubt it.

[Citrus]

The way I see religion.

A bunch of people that need to believe In a higher power to bring faith into there souls when they already had it in the first place.

I'm a atheist.

Faith in their souls as in believing in themselves? I usually read faith as believing in a power you don't know/understand so I'm having a bit of trouble understanding what you mean by this, if you don't mind clarifying.

[Mugy]

Atheist, always have been. Probably because I'm in an atheist family.

[Helz]

I think there is a God but I don't really practice a set religion. I bet we are kind of his tv show. Some times I dont like him very much but I figure he would say the same for me. I feel like things happen if you make them happen and praying is kind of a waste of his time.

I figure it can't hurt to believe in something. If you are wrong and there is no god oh well. If you are right your better off for having done so.

I like this topic by the way. Its really nice to see what others think on the subject without a point of debate.

[louiswill]

I find myself in the middle.

I think the truth of whether god exist or not has answer that has a way to be proved without contradicted by something else(close to Atheist), therefore no way for a person to know god as a fact(close to Agnostic), which means the belief and experience of god's grace is more important than reasons on this matter(close to Theist) but this topic worth to be taught and discussed(close to Gnostic).

I guess I will burn in hell somehow after I die.

[powerofdeath]

People who died were brought back to life. Why havent they mentioned anything about the afterlife?

What if there is a god, but no afterlife?

Edit: My friend inspired me to post this. We were discussing this on the bus xD

[Mateo]

People who died were brought back to life. Why havent they mentioned anything about the afterlife?

What if there is a god, but no afterlife?

Edit: My friend inspired me to post this. We were discussing this on the bus xD

they have

[Cryptonic]

People who died were brought back to life. Why havent they mentioned anything about the afterlife?

What if there is a god, but no afterlife?

Edit: My friend inspired me to post this. We were discussing this on the bus xD

So, you think that there can be a creator that created everything we are, everything we know, and a place for our souls to be for eternity after we die, but you're stuck on the fact that he can't possibly revoke a single memory?

[deathworlds]

Afterlife for you: We decompose in the ground, turn into nutrients, get absorbed by plants, animals eat plant, humans eat animal/plant.

Our consciousness will never get revived imo.

[Raptorblaze]

I'd say Agnostic Atheist if I had to pick one. I'm a firm believer that current religions are most likely complete bollocks, but I know I can't discount the entire possibility of a higher being of some nature existing. I also recognize that some religions have distinctly positive effects on their associated communities (looking at you buddhism) so it's rather pointless to argue for abolition of those belief systems. Let people believe what they want as long as it causes no harm. Abrahamic faiths tend to have high proportions of hypocritical members, so I can't include them in that statement sadly. An ideal (one who follows the teachings of Christ) christian would be a distinctly beneficial member of society, but their numbers are sadly diluted by idiots. I'm less well read on Islam and Judaism so I will refrain from commenting on those two.

[Orpz]

It's very very hard to hate on Buddhism

shit was the most peaceful thing i did, but then I got excommunicated

[Azuriae]

I'd say Agnostic Atheist if I had to pick one. I'm a firm believer that current religions are most likely complete bollocks, but I know I can't discount the entire possibility of a higher being of some nature existing. I also recognize that some religions have distinctly positive effects on their associated communities (looking at you buddhism) so it's rather pointless to argue for abolition of those belief systems. Let people believe what they want as long as it causes no harm. Abrahamic faiths tend to have high proportions of hypocritical members, so I can't include them in that statement sadly. An ideal (one who follows the teachings of Christ) christian would be a distinctly beneficial member of society, but their numbers are sadly diluted by idiots. I'm less well read on Islam and Judaism so I will refrain from commenting on those two.

I think that's a very good resume that's going to be true for a lot of people from our generation. What saddens me the most is that there's a lot of children/teens that are forced into religions because of their parents. My grandparents were extremely religious, and forced my parents into it (My mother spent most of her childhood in a covent and all that stuff...), but I was lucky and my parents decided not to force this on their kids. I'm not baptized, parents said I could do it if I wanted when I grew older.

There's a community of Hasidic Jews that live not too far from where I live, and really, my heart sinks whenever I see one of those kids with the silly suits and braided hair.

Either way, who has time for religion nowadays? Most people are just way too busy to even care about it.

[Dudemanguy12]

I've been more Deistic than anything. Used to be a Christian, but I am more deistic, because I do want to believe that there is something more than what meet's the eye. As for modern philosophy, I definitely like buddhism, though I can't consider myself buddhist completely.

I will, however, say that it doesn't matter what you do or don't believe in, I don't see anyone more enlightened than the other (including Atheists). I've always seen "Away from Religion is knowledge" as complete bullshit, because I've heard some pretty ridiculous comments from Atheists. If I really want to be underestimated by you, get to an innovator like Tesla's level, and I'll take you seriously.

I have faith, but I don't see it necessary. For me, it's Real Life > Faith.

[ypmagic]

This site is run by socialists!

[Ganondorf]

Christian. I grew up in a very conservative town with fairly liberal parents and gained exposure to Christianity without really being forced into it. Through high school and the beginning of college I really began to grapple with the issue, after which I truly became a Christian.

Although I firmly believe in my faith, I will agree with other comments in this thread about hypocrisy and "idiots" in any major world religion. I would contend that the main issues in the world to which people attribute "religion" as a cause are actually caused by people misunderstanding, warping, or blindly accepting religious doctrines that they don't really know or believe in.

[Kusco]

Christian. Grew up in a Christian household and taught to be an example of Christ-likeness. Unfortunately that's impossible for anyone (sin is inherent in everyone who isn't Jesus) so my faith is different from my parents and those in their church. I can't stand the hypocrisy of some people in the church, but I think those people are shitty human beings rather than religion turning good people into WBC protesters or their ilk. Just to clarify, I'm pretty sure that people do need to go to hell but I'm not the judge. People delude themselves into thinking they are gods. Sigh

That being said, there has to be some supernatural entity out there and I have faith that it's the Christian God.

[ypmagic]

Christian. Grew up in a Christian household and taught to be an example of Christ-likeness. Unfortunately that's impossible for anyone (sin is inherent in everyone who isn't Jesus) so my faith is different from my parents and those in their church. I can't stand the hypocrisy of some people in the church, but I think those people are shitty human beings rather than religion turning good people into WBC protesters or their ilk. Just to clarify, I'm pretty sure that people do need to go to hell but I'm not the judge. People delude themselves into thinking they are gods. Sigh

That being said, there has to be some supernatural entity out there and I have faith that it's the Christian God.

I don't want to evangelize or anything... but I have met God through church. He does answers my prayers unlike yours Bruno ^^

[Apocist]

Pure Agnostic

In fact, if there were indeed a god(s), Apo may then be referred to as an anti-god. A god is something that should be overthrown, at least according to most bibles. He shall not worship another being just because it wants us to, and just only to receive punishment for not; that is called tyranny.

[Glip]

A god is something that should be overthrown.

Antichrist confirmed. Repent; the end is nigh.

Just kidding.

So far as my religious views go, well, I'm technically a confirmed Catholic, like Rap, but I've never been able to get into this "faith" thing. For me, it's more along the lines of just "I'll live my life doing what I believe is right, and if there's a just God somewhere that wants to give me eternal life for that, then great; if there isn't one, and we all just enter oblivion when we die, well, no harm done."

[Raptorblaze]

Antichrist confirmed. Repent; the end is nigh.

Just kidding.

So far as my religious views go, well, I'm technically a confirmed Catholic, like Rap, but I've never been able to get into this "faith" thing. For me, it's more along the lines of just "I'll live my life doing what I believe is right, and if there's a just God somewhere that wants to give me eternal life for that, then great; if there isn't one, and we all just enter oblivion when we die, well, no harm done."

That's one of the things that bothers me a lot about Catholicism actually. I was raised as part of the church, which forces children to go through various "sacraments" (baptism, confession, communion, confirmation are the big ones for children) before they're adults. Once they've completed these, you don't get to choose not to be catholic any more. As far as the church is concerned, you will always be catholic... just a bad one.

[Raptorblaze]

Christian. I grew up in a very conservative town with fairly liberal parents and gained exposure to Christianity without really being forced into it. Through high school and the beginning of college I really began to grapple with the issue, after which I truly became a Christian.

Although I firmly believe in my faith, I will agree with other comments in this thread about hypocrisy and "idiots" in any major world religion. I would contend that the main issues in the world to which people attribute "religion" as a cause are actually caused by people misunderstanding, warping, or blindly accepting religious doctrines that they don't really know or believe in.

Well... I'll make two examples here. One is where your assumptions are accurate and one where they are not. These are just the two most blatant to me.

Christianity's view on homosexuality: The only place in the bible where it was directly prohibited is Leviticus, which Christians as a whole ignore except for that portion for SOME reason. The rest of the like 7 total mentions were references to male prostitution that got mistranslated. Yet we see tons of christian groups demanding homosexuals be jailed/executed etc. So I'll count that one as people knowing nothing about their own religion.

Islam's view on... a lot of things: The Quran tells them to kill people. A lot. The bible does too but Christians tend to ignore these parts because they'd be crazy not to. This isn't people being "extremists" or "fundamentalists" this is A REAL PART OF THEIR RELIGION. So this one is just the religion itself having a flaw it needs to fix. A good number of Muslims do ignore these crazy parts, but it's not exactly "mainstream" to ignore them like it is in Christianity.

[Slaol]

That's one of the things that bothers me a lot about Catholicism actually. I was raised as part of the church, which forces children to go through various "sacraments" (baptism, confession, communion, confirmation are the big ones for children) before they're adults. Once they've completed these, you don't get to choose not to be catholic any more. As far as the church is concerned, you will always be catholic... just a bad one.

It really doesn't matter what a church that you no longer affiliate with considers you. Like how MySpace sends me "please come back" emails. It is still dead and I am not a part of it, regardless of what it thinks.

[Bunny]

That's one of the things that bothers me a lot about Catholicism actually. I was raised as part of the church, which forces children to go through various "sacraments" (baptism, confession, communion, confirmation are the big ones for children) before they're adults. Once they've completed these, you don't get to choose not to be catholic any more. As far as the church is concerned, you will always be catholic... just a bad one.

Thats not true, you can formally renounce Catholicism and remove it fully from your life. You can also change religions. Even switching to Atheism, is technically a religion change! So don't think that once you're you you can never get out!

[Raptorblaze]

Thats not true, you can formally renounce Catholicism and remove it fully from your life. You can also change religions. Even switching to Atheism, is technically a religion change! So don't think that once you're you you can never get out!

No no no, I know I can ACTUALLY change, that's not the point. The church itself (as well as my catholic family members) however continue to insist that I am a Catholic for life. It's irritating.

[Bunny]

No no no, I know I can ACTUALLY change, that's not the point. The church itself (as well as my catholic family members) however continue to insist that I am a Catholic for life. It's irritating.

Nope if you officialy leave the religion and the church, the church mus recognize you as separate. Nothing you can really do about your family. But the church does recognize it!

[Slaol]

Rap. Here is your solution.
1: Convert to Judaism.
- It is far enough from Catholicism that they can't ignore it.
2: Enjoy feasts and wine
- Those are like the 2 big selling points
3: Disregard odd eating restrictions, like kosher stuff
- I mean, come on.

gg

[Ganondorf]

On Catholicism: my main objection to Catholicism also lies with the sacraments, but not baptism/communion/etc but things like penance or anything which suggests that you can be "saved by works." I don't believe that going to mass, making donations to the church, and observing the sacraments is enough to be saved.

On Islam: the history of the Abrahamic religions has been bloody overall and I've learned to look beyond the "Islam is violent" argument: sure, Muslims have fought their battles, but Israel also slaughtered hundreds of thousands while conquering the Promised Land and Christianity doesn't exactly have a peaceful history either. As for the Bible talking about killing people, I really don't think that the Old Testament commands and procedures where death is a punishment are applicable due to the whole Old/New covenant thing. Although Jesus brought "not peace, but a sword", he was pretty opposed to actually killing people as demonstrated in the adulteress story.

On homosexuality: I'm not God so I can't know for sure, but the way I interpret the Bible is that homosexuality is not a sin, but homosexual acts are. If you want to look at it from a different perspective than just "sodomy and other homosexual acts are bad", then I would look to the Christian definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. If a Christian believes that marriage is between a man and a woman and sexual acts are reserved for marriage, then homosexual acts are just instantly off the table. Anyone who says persecuting and/or killing homosexuals just because they are is just wrong, but the Bible does mention eunuchs who are so from birth and should not marry...

[Bunny]

On Catholicism: my main objection to Catholicism also lies with the sacraments, but not baptism/communion/etc but things like penance or anything which suggests that you can be "saved by works." I don't believe that going to mass, making donations to the church, and observing the sacraments is enough to be saved.

On Islam: the history of the Abrahamic religions has been bloody overall and I've learned to look beyond the "Islam is violent" argument: sure, Muslims have fought their battles, but Israel also slaughtered hundreds of thousands while conquering the Promised Land and Christianity doesn't exactly have a peaceful history either. As for the Bible talking about killing people, I really don't think that the Old Testament commands and procedures where death is a punishment are applicable due to the whole Old/New covenant thing. Although Jesus brought "not peace, but a sword", he was pretty opposed to actually killing people as demonstrated in the adulteress story.

On homosexuality: I'm not God so I can't know for sure, but the way I interpret the Bible is that homosexuality is not a sin, but homosexual acts are. If you want to look at it from a different perspective than just "sodomy and other homosexual acts are bad", then I would look to the Christian definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. If a Christian believes that marriage is between a man and a woman and sexual acts are reserved for marriage, then homosexual acts are just instantly off the table. Anyone who says persecuting and/or killing homosexuals just because they are is just wrong, but the Bible does mention eunuchs who are so from birth and should not marry...

its strange that people think that going to mass and performing the sacraments grants you into heaven. There is SO much more invovled. Penance is truly being sorry for your sins, going to reconcoliation, performing the punishment and then trying your hardest to never make that mistake again. The church teaches you to always help out someone no matter what, be as charitable as possible. Give everything you can to someone in need. Practice the teachings and live by it. Its about basically making a very mroralistic human being. Its truly a whole lifes work. It dosnt just invovle donating and going to mass.

[Bruno]

On homosexuality: I'm not God so I can't know for sure, but the way I interpret the Bible is that homosexuality is not a sin, but homosexual acts are. If you want to look at it from a different perspective than just "sodomy and other homosexual acts are bad", then I would look to the Christian definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. If a Christian believes that marriage is between a man and a woman and sexual acts are reserved for marriage, then homosexual acts are just instantly off the table. Anyone who says persecuting and/or killing homosexuals just because they are is just wrong, but the Bible does mention eunuchs who are so from birth and should not marry...

1) "God" didn't write the bible.

2)There is nothing wrong with being gay and no living deity would sentence you to a fiery pit for loving someone that is of the same gender while millions die in his name

3)Why do you care if people have butt sex?

[Ganondorf]

1) "God" didn't write the bible.

2)There is nothing wrong with being gay and no living deity would sentence you to a fiery pit for loving someone that is of the same gender while millions die in his name

3)Why do you care if people have butt sex?

1) God may not have physically taken a pen and paper and wrote down the words of the Bible, but I believe the words of the Bible are inspired by, written for, and true of God.
2a) I do not condemn homosexuals nor do I condone loving someone of the same gender. The issue of homosexuality and Christianity arises from homosexual acts themselves.
2b) Are you God?
3) If my God cares about something, I therefore care about something.

[ypmagic]

1) "God" didn't write the bible.

2)There is nothing wrong with being gay and no living deity would sentence you to a fiery pit for loving someone that is of the same gender while millions die in his name

3)Why do you care if people have butt sex?

1) OF COURSE God didn't write the fucking Bible. THEY ALL STATE that they're fucking witnesses. If you can't trust them, look at the written records of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece.
2) Here's a fact. All gay people are miserable for the rest of their lives, and all their protests to pass gay marriage in Congress is keeping their hopes alive. You have a CHOICE of abandoning this evil, and yet you don't. He does NOT send anybody to hell. Infact, if this deity wanted to, he would be striking us all down with a zombie apocalypse or something. But no, why? Because he promised. I don't care if he's not real or not, he's giving hope to the millions in Africa, millions on the street, and millions dying of starvation. Oh right, you don't fucking care cause all you need is an x-box.
3) It's called sexual immorality. Why not pray and ask him yourself? Maybe just suicide and go ask him in hell. I think believing in something that's probably true is much better than shouting to the world that you don't care and it's not real.

[ypmagic]

Atheist always have been

science is all

religion is false

no bearded god dude in the sky

only science and evolution

VIVA LA EVOLOUTION

Isn't it possible that God used evolution in order to create us? Why not the possibility the human being that we are today, the most intelligent being we can find in the universe as of today, was evolved from something dumber? Isn't it possible that God used simple mathematics and principles of science to create us? Who are you to say that God is bearded? Looking at a painting? That's an artist's depiction. Why is religion false? Isn't it true you learned over a billion religions in high school, when you were learning literature around the world? Or did your parents pull you off from that class as well cause they thought a cat faced high being is going to persuade you to believe that religion is real.

[Raptorblaze]

1) OF COURSE God didn't write the fucking Bible. THEY ALL STATE that they're fucking witnesses. If you can't trust them, look at the written records of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece.
2) Here's a fact. All gay people are miserable for the rest of their lives, and all their protests to pass gay marriage in Congress is keeping their hopes alive. You have a CHOICE of abandoning this evil, and yet you don't. He does NOT send anybody to hell. Infact, if this deity wanted to, he would be striking us all down with a zombie apocalypse or something. But no, why? Because he promised. I don't care if he's not real or not, he's giving hope to the millions in Africa, millions on the street, and millions dying of starvation. Oh right, you don't fucking care cause all you need is an x-box.
3) It's called sexual immorality. Why not pray and ask him yourself? Maybe just suicide and go ask him in hell. I think believing in something that's probably true is much better than shouting to the world that you don't care and it's not real.

Isn't it possible that God used evolution in order to create us? Why not the possibility the human being that we are today, the most intelligent being we can find in the universe as of today, was evolved from something dumber? Isn't it possible that God used simple mathematics and principles of science to create us? Who are you to say that God is bearded? Looking at a painting? That's an artist's depiction. Why is religion false? Isn't it true you learned over a billion religions in high school, when you were learning literature around the world? Or did your parents pull you off from that class as well cause they thought a cat faced high being is going to persuade you to believe that religion is real.

Chill bro, don't feed the trolls.

[Mateo]

REASON HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN IN CHRISTIANITY:

homosexuality is sodomy. all forms of sodomy are frowned upon because they dont lead to procreation. christianity started as and still is a cult, a virus that needs carriers to spread it and die for it

[Ganondorf]

REASON HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN IN CHRISTIANITY:

homosexuality is sodomy. all forms of sodomy are frowned upon because they dont lead to procreation. christianity started as and still is a cult, a virus that needs carriers to spread it and die for it

Matthew 19:12
"For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

Reproduction is not the concern of the religion, and to supplement the verse above (which favors remaining unmarried which, in Christianity, means no procreation), here are a couple of things to consider:
A) If reproduction was a major concern of the religion, then why are there nuns and celibate priests (which is referring to Catholic tradition which, although I attacked Catholicism in an earlier post, is still relevant for discussing the general goals of Christianity and how they are reached)?
B) Why is polygamy condemned in the early church?

[Helz]

This was such a great topic until it became a debate.. For what its worth I really enjoyed reading peoples views for a second there.


I think we all have our own path in life. We will all learn as we go and find love and friendship along the way. There is no need to push your beliefs on someone else even if they are ignorant enough to disrespect something you hold as a foundation for who you are..

[Dudemanguy12]

This was such a great topic until it became a debate.. For what its worth I really enjoyed reading peoples views for a second there.


I think we all have our own path in life. We will all learn as we go and find love and friendship along the way. There is no need to push your beliefs on someone else even if they are ignorant enough to disrespect something you hold as a foundation for who you are..

Any time religion is mentioned you should always expect a controversial topic.

[Bruno]

1) OF COURSE God didn't write the fucking Bible. THEY ALL STATE that they're fucking witnesses. If you can't trust them, look at the written records of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece.
2) Here's a fact. All gay people are miserable for the rest of their lives, and all their protests to pass gay marriage in Congress is keeping their hopes alive. You have a CHOICE of abandoning this evil, and yet you don't. He does NOT send anybody to hell. Infact, if this deity wanted to, he would be striking us all down with a zombie apocalypse or something. But no, why? Because he promised. I don't care if he's not real or not, he's giving hope to the millions in Africa, millions on the street, and millions dying of starvation. Oh right, you don't fucking care cause all you need is an x-box.
3) It's called sexual immorality. Why not pray and ask him yourself? Maybe just suicide and go ask him in hell. I think believing in something that's probably true is much better than shouting to the world that you don't care and it's not real.

Look at you, raging over God. A being that 9/10 doesn't exist. What makes God real and the 200-something Indian gods false?

Gay people aren't miserable. If you think they're miserable just come out already and you won't be miserable.

You don't need to act straight for anyone.
Pray to who? Myself?

Fun fact: if you hear voices in your head and think it's God, check yourself into an asylum big dad.

Oh yeah, I have a job and don't want an x-box, I don't know where that comment came from unless you're admitting praying to God is like asking Santa for presents.

[Bunny]

Matthew 19:12
"For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

Reproduction is not the concern of the religion, and to supplement the verse above (which favors remaining unmarried which, in Christianity, means no procreation), here are a couple of things to consider:
A) If reproduction was a major concern of the religion, then why are there nuns and celibate priests (which is referring to Catholic tradition which, although I attacked Catholicism in an earlier post, is still relevant for discussing the general goals of Christianity and how they are reached)?
B) Why is polygamy condemned in the early church?

reproduction is one of the main points of marriage in the church! Which is a reason why homosexual marriage isnt recognized in the church. Nuns and priests can't marry and thus is a reason they do not procreate.

[Ganondorf]

reproduction is one of the main points of marriage in the church! Which is a reason why homosexual marriage isnt recognized in the church. Nuns and priests can't marry and thus is a reason they do not procreate.

Reproduction is a byproduct of marriage in the church and marriage is supported, but there is by no means a "have kids if you're a good Christian" mentality in the church.

[Bunny]

Reproduction is a byproduct of marriage in the church and marriage is supported, but there is by no means a "have kids if you're a good Christian" mentality in the church.

No its not have kids if you're a good christian, its try your hardest to have kids because that's a big purpose. I was married in a catholic church and had to attend a marriage preparation class that described the key points of marriage to the catholic church and procreation was definitely a big one. When you got married in the church and learned about this, did they describe otherwise?