Should Religion be about what happens now or what will happen when you die?

Answer 1

Definitely now.

The only thing that is certain after you die is decomposition. Unless of course you're going to be cryogenically frozen or your loved ones take you to a taxidermist.

Now that's a fun thought. Having your Aunt Edna mounted in the corner with her hands raised like claws and baring her teeth. She could still be wearing her fleece nightgown and fuzzy pink slippers.

Answer 2

From Karen Armstrong interview:

"I think the old scenarios of heaven and hell can be unreligious. People can perform their good deeds in the spirit of putting their installments in their retirement annuities. And there's nothing religious about that. Religion is supposed to be about the loss of the ego, not about its eternal survival. The religions say you can experience eternity in this life, here and now, by getting those moments of ecstasy where time ceases to be a constraint. And you do it by the exercise of the Golden Rule and by compassion. And just endless speculation about the next world is depriving you of a great experience in this one."

Answer 3

Both. Supposedly your actions in this world determine your fate
in the next. Your religion gives you the rules to obey so you can
be a good follower and go to the Good Place when your time here
is done.

Answer 4

Jesus told a religious man that he could only "see" or "enter" the kingdom of God if he became "born again". That is still true. To be with Him in Heaven, I must come to know Him now.

If you wish to know more go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/seeking_reality

Answer 5

well, yes to both. What happens now affects what will happen later in each individual life.

Answer 6

It's a personal preference. Not eveyone has religion in their life.

Answer 7

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