I Don't Understand Why People Follow A Religion?

Question

I never understood religion or why people follow it. Some people believe in the bible, but wasn't the bible written by men? What makes you so sure that they were telling the truth? On top of it, the stories never make sense and are physically impossible. Do people believe in it because they need hope in their lives? I'm not trying to be rude, I truely do not understand it.

Answer 1

I think religion today is a matter of comfort. Being seen, being in a community, comfort for the after-life.

Religion was very useful 1000 years ago to keep people down, to control and earn power.

This was very brief tho.

Answer 2

There is no way to know for sure what is true. How do you know for sure that Abraham Lincoln existed? Most of us choose to believe it because his life was well documented. Jesus also had his life documented by people who were close to him. The interesting thing is that the gospels were written by four different men and are remarkably similar to one another. What you may not know is that his life was also documented by other people who lived in that time and place. There is no historian alive who will tell you that Jesus did not exist. As for the stories in the Bible, not everything is meant to be taken literally. Many of the teachings and stories that are in the bible are parables. If you look at the message that Jesus taught there is no harm in it. In fact, if you were to apply his teachings to your life you would probably be much happier. Be charitable, be kind, be patient, be forgiving, be loving, is that such a terrible thing?

Answer 3

It is human nature. The desire to connect with the divine is part of what makes us human. We are born with a desperate need to fill an empty “spiritual hole” that answers all questions about the supernatural. Most humans have a need for ritual of some sort in their lives. Perhaps something simple: like drinking wine and pretending it is the blood of a god, taking a pilgrimage to a holy place or visiting a special place to worship their god.

All holy books written were by man. To believe it is the word of a god takes faith. Faith requires believing in something you know is probably not true. It is the concept of suspending reality for fear of negative consequence, in order to perpetuate Dogma.

When a society is formed without a religious book of some kind, they make stuff up in order to feel connected to the divine. All religions are man made and are controlling mechanisms by design. Without this guidance, some people would not know how to interact with others.

I am convinced that our creator gave us a desire to seek them out. For some, the desire is greater than others. It is not absolutely necessary to follow man made ritual or religious text in order to connect with the divine. Still, religion is a cookie cutter solution to the problem.

Answer 4

People believe that there has to be something greater in life. The stories in the bible if you analize them, most of them, especially in the new testament are parabols, cause that was the way people talked back then and many things that happen probably werent physically impossible but thats why they were called miracles. Believeing in things like that, for me, give joy, happiness, hope, faith, many things people need nowadays.

Answer 5

I view it as a social club, more than anything else. Many people who are involved with it don't see it that way, if you were to ask them. But I think that most "moderate" Christians, if they were to be honest with themselves, see it exactly that way.

They are afraid to lose the "community" that religion provides. It's not easy to be an atheist in this country. To say it out loud will get you quickly shunned by quite a few folks. That's why I value atheists more than most people. I think it takes some real balls to actually stand up against the majority, and state your mind, as opposed to simply being a sheep and pretending, just so you'll fit in.

Answer 6

I don't understand people who don't follow a religion...but what kills me the most are the Proclaimed Atheist like "Bloody_gothblob" ( Who just posted) who says he's also a satanist. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA . You can't believe in Satan and not believe in God. An Atheist doesn't believe in any power greater than themselves...That's an oxymoron, but what do you expect from a loner who sits in his room all day answering religion & spirituality questions while beating off and dreaming of sex with the devil.

Answer 7

My faith is very important to me. I am a devout Christian and to me my religion is like a guiding star. It helps me in my life and answers my questions and ruminations. If something happens in my life then this was God willing and if it does not then this was also God willing. As for the truth, I do not know the truth. Only God knows the truth and with this in mind I follow God and let him guide me through my life.. Therefore I can not and should not tell people what is right and wrong since only God knows what is truly right and wrong. I also think along the lines of many muslims when they say insahalah which means "God willing". When I pray I always remind myself that I say "thine will be done" not mine so whatever happens in life I always know that it was Gods will and that is so nice to know. My faith is like a solid rock.

Answer 8

The Bible is not a Religion. Jesus Christ is Christianity and He is the one true God. The bible was written by god but though men. He told the men who wrote it what to write—and it is physically possible. What makes me so sure that they were telling the truth is because all 12 apposils died saying that Jesus Christ is the saivior. They died horible murderis deaths.When they could of just said I dont belive. One of them got boild in oil but he didn't yell he didnt get hurt so they let him die on a island. Thats where he rote revalashon. God talked to him on what to write jesus died on the cross for your sins and he loves you and i will pray that you will understand.

Answer 9

Religion, the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost, prayer, etc are all things that God has given us to help us learn about Him, And His Son. Religion (a good one) gives structure to belief...a place to learn and grow...but more importantly PRACTICE that belief.

Yes, the Bible, and all scripture, were WRITTEN down by men...but inspired by God. They are, Like I said, a tool. They are a reference book of how God has dealt with others in the past which helps us to understand how He is dealing with us in the here and now. And the Holy Ghost is given us to help us understand what God wants us to know to help us live more joy filled lives in the here and now.

Through the use of all these tools that we can develop a relationship with God...that we may return to Him. That we may know and understand Where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Three answers that bring peace into untold numbers of lives.

Hope that helps.

Answer 10

There are a lot of mysteries in our world, even more before science. Religion helped to solve some of the mysteries and put an ease to our worried minds. Religion is also meant to elevate us as a people. It's hard to see that on a grand scale, but there are some individuals who are better for their religions.

Answer 11

I agree with the first four answers, and with you. As well as several others.

I am an atheist, and a Satanist, and religion has never made much sense to me, either. I could rant on for hours about this, but Hell, I don't think I ought to, for the sake of not being reported again.