OK, I am going to try for Native American myths and religion. May be a while till I post anything, have to research this.....

I pick Buddhism.

What I have so far, all the tribes I have researched believe in the afterlife, but believe that you will come back as an animal, which is why most tribes protect animals, some think they are even sacred.

The Coyote is the most popular among the native americans. The Coyote is an ubiquitous being, and can appear as the Creator himself, or he may be a messenger, hero, trickster, depending on the tribe, and can transform into a young man or animal.
Coyote as The Creator, is the result of a taboo, a substitute to the religious notion of The great Spirit whose name is to dangerous/sacred to use apart from a special ceremony.

Ok, I know that is not exactly about creation and the afterlife, but I promise, I will get there. May be a week or two, because I am going to Corpus Christi next week.
BJ

Zoroastrianism
:)

Thank you, Dennis. Wasn't trying you hurry you, BJ, just nudge others in the hope they will participate. Still working on my own research into Buddhism too.

Hugs.

there are 2 types of buddhism --- Theravada & Mahayana
which one do you want to do Caitsmom?
i'd love to look into the Theravada style as my soon daughter-in-law to be is from thialand and that is the style there, just don't want to step on any toes :) --- can more than 1 person take the same religion?

Where there are differences, I am studying Mahyna, because Tibetans have some interesting death beliefs & the Tibetan Book of the Dead is a good study source. There are certainly differences in the branches & even within different cultures of each branch. But it's kinda like comparing Catholics to Protestants. If you were studying Christianity, the two would seem much more alike than different.

Would you mind terribly if I just include basic info on the ways Theravada & Mahyna are different & the same?

Or if is important to you, go ahead & do Buddhism & I will chose something else. I've written a good bit already & would be happy to send it to you.

Just let me know. I really appreciate your participation. It's good for us to exercise our brains.

I will be interested to read what Dennis has to say, I can't even pronounce what he is studying !!! The Native Americans have a spiritual aspect on just about everything, trees, water, frogs, rocks, ect. I am just now finding stuff on creation beliefs, just have to decide what to study and report on. Jarca, I think Buddisum is interesting also. I did not know there were two !! See, I have learned something already !!OK, More later, I am heading to Corpus to get some cuddles from my little pint size main squeeze. Ya'll stay well and safe, ...Hugs to all
BJ

you're smarter than me, so maybe i can learn from you caitsmom :)
as my future daughter in law arrives the 28th you can catch me up to speed :)
i'll have to check out the list again tomorrow as i'm sure there is something i can find---not being into organized religion i have a hard time with christianity or i would take that. (although i disagree that, example, baptist is different than LDS.
hmmmmmmm thinking
are you going to start a weekly discussion like last time with a seperate thread for each week?
is the 12 step AA program considered a "culture"? ;)

I would like to do Celtic mythology. Thanks for the kick start. Been all wrapped up in the new insurance rules.

R-

I very much doubt I am smarter than you. Parrots & pigs are equally intelligent, just in different ways. Suggest that you read up on dietary rules your future daughter in law likely follows, as I won't be researching that. Vegetarian does not always mean the same thing & I have no idea if they have extra rules kinda like keeping kosher for orthodox Jews or halal for Muslims.

Was not planning on new topic until we are really done with this one. I suggest we each start a new discussion topic about our own study choice when one is ready. That way it will be clear which culture/religion we are talking about, as I am sure there will be comments & questions on each of them.

Hugs.

PS Many conservative Baptists think LDS is a cult. You are spot on that they are not similar as other Christian religions.

I was raised in a very Mormon home. Dad was bishop uncles and cousins mission presidents and stake presidents. So yep I am very familiar with the bullshit llying they feed you from day one. No offense intended. It ruined my life. But also gave my children life as they were born into this I will call it a cult. I could talk about Mormons for a very long time. And kinda want to but do not want to hurt feelings.

I'm afraid that it may be a mite longer before I'll be able to participate. Last December I had my very first migraine. Since then it's gotten to the point where useful concentration is virtually impossible. I've got all the files on Zoroastrianism (Brenda - the man that started it was named Zarathustra), but every time I try to read them and put it together, it just doesn't play.
I truly hate to do this...

Hugs,
Dennis

DennyGene, So very sorry you are in pain. I will google that, just because it is interesting sounding. deegran, here in Texas we were introduced to the lds because of Warren jeffs and what happened on that land of his, . I understand your feelings even tho I am not a morman, but a baptist, or really just a Christian. I know there are so many branches of that religion, and some believe in poligamy some do not. I do not want to hurt any one either, and mean no dis respect, but the morman church in my opinion is not a true christian religion, even tho they call themselves that. But again, that is my personal opinion, and not God's opinion. I researched that religion once and do believe it is a cult also. And I pray for the followers that are brainwashed into that system.

"Unitarian Universalists"---i'll give this one a try.
dennis i am so sorry to hear you are having such a rough time---i assume that we will keep that one open for you in case you want to join in later (of course it's up to caitsmom)
ahhhhh, mormon/LDS; that definatly is a controversial one & could be fun, but i assume it's under "christianity" with the rest of the bible beleivers.