On Finding a Religion to Call One's Own: One Seeker's Investigation

What a remarkable youth Emaun Mohammadzadeh is. Just read his profile. Then read current posts.

I am a very open minded person, but I'm also well grounded. Tolerant and flexible, I appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints. But I also know where I stand firm, and I can draw that line. I'm open to considering every possibility - but in the end, I stand true to myself.

My full name is Emaun Mohammadzadeh. I usually just write Emaun Mohammad, Emaun M-Z, or Emaun Mo. You can call me Emaun, Elmo, Emu, Neon, E, whatever (JUST NOT EMO). My name is Arabian. Emaun means "Faith", and Mohammadzadeh means "decendent of Mohammad". I am half Iranian, half American. I have dark brown eyes. My dad has BLACK hair and my mom is a redhead, and I have dark brown hair with a little red mixed in, probably most noticable in my facial hair, which grows too fast now. I weigh 170 pounds. I was born in Kansas. I live with my dad and stepmom who are both Muslim. I don't consider myself Muslim, but I do take many ideas from it. My mom lives in Phoenix, and my stepdad died in Feb. 2005. I have two sisters, one 14 and one almost 2 years old.

I consider myself a nice person. I am quiet, calm, and I am mostly a listener, but when I need to say something important I say it. I never intentionally hurt people, and I love helping others. I am very social, but I guess that depends on what you consider being social is... I am an extremely trustworthy person and can be very responsible if I am committed. I get many of my ideas from Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism, and also from both sides of my family, who have always had good morals. Life to me is a place where I can gain experience for my own self and grow stronger.

I think a lot. About everything. I'm always thinking, so you might find my head in the clouds often. My critical thinking is one of my greatest strengths, yet also a terrible weakness.

Growing up in a Iranian/Muslim family, I was rarely involved in american society. I sometimes wish I was more involved in things Americans do, but I am sometimes happy to know that I was raised differently. American society, in my view, is ruining moral goods. I know few Americans I can truly call my friends, let alone anyone.

I'm not like other guys, I thought that was obvious, but maybe not. I can control my body unlike others, push away any physical desires my body gets, and see people for who they really are inside.

If you don't think guys cry, they do, or at least the one's who care. To cry, to feel, is to be strong. To have sympathy, and empathy, is to be strong. Crying is a sign of great care, of great awareness, and it should not be seen as a weakness. My name is Emaun. I am one strong soul.

Family: Reza (father) Jodi (mother) Jim (stepfather) Behnaz Javidmelani (stepmother) Fatemeh [aka Fatima] (sister) Darya (half sister, daughter of Behnaz)

This is what I am now focused on:
-I am now heavily committed to improving myself, mentally and physically. I have changed my lifestyle by eating differently, and thinking differently. I am currently dieting and exercising a lot to help my body grow stronger, and I have been improving myself mentally by learning how to focus on things better. I have also made a pledge to stop cursing. I hadn't realized it but I do it a lot apparently...

-Bringing my grades up
-Preparing for the ACT
-Preparing for final high school year and college
-Keeping my car in good condition
-Finding a religion I can call my own
-Being with her.
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Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Finding Faith and Fighting Faith
Current mood: thoughtful

Rule number one to myself while posting this blog:
ALL religions are to be respected and honored. Except any that worship devils and dishonor the Almighty God.

You don't have to follow this rule, but I will do so.

Recap.
I was born into a Muslim family. My dad's side is Muslim, and my mom's side is Christian. My Islamic side of the family claims that their religion is the ONE TRUTH, unchanged. My Christian side of the family claims that their religion is the ONE TRUTH, unchanged.

I have chosen not to acquaint myself with any religion. I am searching for the Truth, as everyone else is. I do research, I read, I think. Today I went to the library for two hours just to do research on religion. Finding truth is my quest.

Why? Not for salvation. Not because I'm afraid of being damned to Hell for all Eternity. Why? For my connection with God. I want to be closer to him, and him to be closer to me. And I want to know more about him.

Most faiths claim that their faith is the One Truth. Religions clash together, and this is what happens:
-People strengthen their faith when telling the other faith their beliefs.
-Sometimes one faith wins over the others arguments and a person is converted.

Religion is upsetting me. It just seems that people aren't getting the real deal of religion. Do you know what religion does? It separates people, divides people, saves the followers and damns the disbelievers. Religion is not supposed to be for that! Religion is supposed to unite Mankind! And help Mankind get closer to God! Not damn others and save others!

I think people concentrate too much on the other side of religion, which is the do's and don't's. And it is important not to sin and what not, but what about the primary goal? To get closer to God and to get closer to each other, our brethren, our brothers and sisters? To know He's there, and He's taking care you of, and you should just talk to Him, He knows all about you, why fear Him, He created you!

However, I love, respect, and honor all religions, and the people who stand firm in their faith. They are trying to get closer to God, to Him. What I cannot accept is a faith that makes itself superior to other faiths and I cannot especially accept this part:

A faith that punishes those who are not a part of it's religion, even though those people are also searching for the Truth, also searching for the Higher Power, people who want to be a part of the Greater Good, and do good things for mankind and be strong with God, our Creator.

I thank those of you who took your time in reading this report, and read it with an open mind and good heart. God bless you, your friends, and your family.

The Baha'i Faith (EDITED AGAIN)
Beliefs from the Baha'i FaithFirst, the Baha'i Faith is a religion formed in Persia in the 1800's by Baha'u'llah.Baha means "glory" in Arabic, so the whole religion means "the glorious faith"These are his teachings:...

He Who Is Faith, "Finding Faith and Fighting Back," and "The Baha'i Faith (Edited Again)," MySpace