why do we need religion?

Question

i find all religions to be based on superstition. do we need religion in order to be good human beings?
i am not religious but i consider myself to be a kind and honest person. what has religion got to do with a persons charactor?

Answer 1

Religion carries two functions. First it gives people an answer to where they came from, so as people will not feel left alone or without a purpose. Second, it guides morality in a society. How many rules are created from religion alone? It has definately guided the morals of this country. Its not necessarily about superstition.

Answer 2

I think religion serves many functions - for some, it may be a guidance as to how to live their lives, for some, it answers an emptiness in their hearts, for some, it provides answers to fundamental questions about life and living. These are good functions. The danger is when religion becomes a justification for every thing that you do, whether objectively good or bad. That's when religion stops being a guide.

Answer 3

You say something that may prove my point. You mention that you consider yourself a kind and honest person. Maybe you are not. Especially, since you seem to measure only against yourself. Religion provides a common set of values and morals with the mission to improve the quality of life.

You make up your own and declare yourself satisfactory by your own standards. Other people may choose to belong to a group that holds tried and tested values and morals which have brought joy to countless lives. They measure their kindness and honesty according to an incredible sum of human wisdom and revelation.

Religion builds character in a way that you cannot do for yourself. It adds perspective, especially to the things you have yet to see in yourself or have yet to understand about the world.

Some people say they are honest, yet they cheated once on a minor exam and 'it was only one question.' However, they judge themselves and find themselves innocent according to an alleviation of past transgression.

Are you kind? Some religions say that to be kind means to give your life and self to the benefit of others. Have you given everything you are to your neighbor? Some societies say that a rich CEO donates a bit of money to a charity, yet does not charish his wife or retain ethical business practices. But he is charitable and some would say that is kind. Kindness is relative and your prove the point by saying you consider yourself kind. Perhaps you need to expand your horizons.

Answer 4

Religion originally existed to explain the unknown. It has since expanded to give people rules to live by. People claim that it is the basis of morality, but this is false. Morality is ingrained in a culture and a culture can interpret religion in any way it wants. Look at slavery, the owners of the slaves were Christians (mostly).

Answer 5

No, we do not need religion to be good. Morality does not come from any religious dogma. It's a matter of knowing the difference between right and wrong -- and that's something which any ten-year-old can figure out in about five minutes.

Answer 6

Religion is a great way to bring control and sense of fear in the society. People would be more patient and submissive to corruption and hostilities. Now, people would do whatever pastors and priests say them to do and they themselves can be controlled by power and money.
As far as persons character is considered, yes it is largely shaped by your beliefs and doctrines of religion you follow. But you can certainly be a rational, strong and morally good person without following any religion.

Answer 7

Too many people have religion, and don"t know God. The important thing is being saved by the Grace of God. Salvation in the Lord takes you to Heaven. Not religion.

Answer 8

It depends on who you want to impress.

I don't have the need to impress anyone, therefore I am not a religious person...at least not the variety a Christian would approve of.

I'm not here to be 'approved'. I'm here to love.

I am an honest, caring person who tries her best to help others without judgement. I care for all groups of people, and I don't care for one group over another. All are Gods kids.

I challenge any religious person to tell me otherwise.

Answer 9

I think you hit the nail on the head-we don't need all these religions. The world would be much better off without them-good call girl.

Answer 10

We need it...good for you cause you are a moral person yet...you will never feel complete and you will have no idea of why you are here right now...unless you start believing in God, you are not gonna find inner happiness and you will always go the wrong path