I'm not being "smart", I would like a practical answer. Go a head and sell it to me. This doesn't mean I don't believe in god, but what about all the rituals and the killings of each other in their religious beliefs?
2006-06-11 10:15:32 · 14 answers · asked by hiplaque 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That's exactly what is meant by: "Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it," as it is written.
As far as all those rituals and killings of organized religions... faggiddabaddit! Don't even go near them. Or if you're in one of them, then simply step outside and begin to smell the roses, take a walk and breath the fresh air. Do enjoy and appreciate all of God's Works.
Peace be with you!
2006-06-11 10:31:08 · answer #1 · answered by Arf Bee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If a 'religion' requires you to take the life of another just because they do not believe the same thing that you do, you should question the validity of that religion. It might be presented as a religion of peace, but that is a good example of the absence of rational thought or intelligence.
By the way it isn't for sell, it is free if you choose to accept it.
2006-06-11 10:24:18 · answer #2 · answered by itsjustme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe religion is both of those. Think of mass prayer. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people all saying the exact same thing again and again all at the same time. Everybody is supposed to simply believe without a doubt one thing, and not really think for themselves. Where can very much individuality thrive in this kind of environment?
Religion is literally the belief in something that is illogical. Now that doesn't mean it can't exist, it just probably doesn't, it goes against logic and science. Just because you believe in illogical things, however, doesn't mean you have no rational thought or are unintelligent, simply can believe in something that is unlikely to be true.
2006-06-11 10:23:12 · answer #3 · answered by Joe Shmoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is simply a set of customs. A christian takes communion, for example , but eating bread & drinking wine does not neccesarily grant him access to heaven. Your relationship with god is between you and god. We choose a religion based on the lifestyle and customs we choose to practice. Those customs are verry usefull in sustaining faith and giving an individual something to focus on.
What god requires of a person has nothing to do with bread or wine, being cercumcised or eating pork. All god wants is right and just action. Communicate with god and let him lead you in your life to make the world better. A relationship with god should lead to purity in thought and feeling. (If you feel naughty watching "sorority sluts 5" its quite possibly gods way of saying "hope your having fun cause your daughters going to be in porn @$$ hole") Spirituality unites man with god.
Religous practices are intended to excersize your spirit. Just like the rest of your body your soul requires excersize and that is where the customs and symbology comes in (thus drinking the blood of christ and eating of his flesh). Tragicly however wany throughout the world and throughout history have gotten so caught up in the details and the customs that they believe they alone have the right way the "one true" religion. Which of course leads to holy wars inquisitions, burnings and other sutch persicutions.
Choose your religion wisely. Something that helps you feel closer to god. After all humans tend to think in symbols. The rituals and customs can be verry healthy and good for you. (notice I'm not saying any specific religion you should be) Practice your faith with dedication and an open heart. Just never get so far into the details that you think your the only one with a handle on things. (ever notice aithiests act mutch the same way towards religious folk as many relgious folk act towards those not of their religion).
Remember Your religion is simply a tool; a means of focus. Your spirituality is your connection to god, and no one can show you that through Religion.
Thats my 2 cents
2006-06-11 11:50:04 · answer #4 · answered by FrankH 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's neither.
Rituals and killings of each other in religious beliefs? Christianity has neither. In fact, Jesus condemned teaching traditions over doctrine, or the things that are really important.
Religion is about a relationship with your creator, Jesus Christ, who loves you so much he gave his life for you. All he asks in return is your love and devotion. . .pretty similar to marriage. I owed a debt I couldn't pay (that of my guilt for my sins) and He paid a debt He didn't owe (by being the perfect sacrifice).
There is no absence of thought or intelligence, quite the opposite. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" Proverbs states. Living a holy life dedicated to God has been so good for me. God has done things in my life and heart that I never thought possible. He's blessed me beyond measure and I simply want to do what I can to please Him, to make Him smile, and to give Him glory.
We are told not to kill, steal or destroy, but to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, and love each other as Christ loves us.
I hope your question leads you to actually research. . .look things up for yourself - grab a Bible and read it (start with the New Testament) and learn for yourself. It's so worth it!
2006-06-11 10:26:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the belief in god isn't escapeism. it's clear that we only percieve what our senses indicate to us. our senses are part of the animal body we live in.
those senses are very limited, and so we are unable to percieve the whole reality. it is therefore certain that we are creatures that don't know everything.
we aren't capable of imagining the state of being dead. our senses give us no indication of what the state of being dead is. our brains were not programmed to process dead.
along with all this there is the fact that the human race had beliefs in the after-life even before permanent cities and agriculture. in the present day, primative peoples who were only dicovered in the 20th century had what can be termed primative (if that's really so) religious beliefs.
the purpose of the senses of the animal body is to allow that animal to survive. since the human race has always percieved life after death and god or god and goddess, it's safe to say that believing in them is pertainate to human survival.
2006-06-11 11:35:20 · answer #6 · answered by Stuie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is superstition carved into an organized form, used to keep the masses of people under the thumb of the elite wealthy class.
2006-06-11 10:19:30 · answer #7 · answered by Old Fat Bald Guy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
religion is the result of people not being able to explain things...
we like to have reasons for everything, and if there isnt a reason, we make one up.
2006-06-11 10:26:50 · answer #8 · answered by melanie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think atheism is an ascape from guilt.
2006-06-11 10:19:07 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its the love of our Lord who created us, and saved us
2006-06-11 10:18:13 · answer #10 · answered by isurus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋