Think about it seriously- whatever religion you associate yourself with, why all the serious ceremonies, rituals and all the other rubbish that's involved with it. If religion really is about making the most out of the life that you lead, why spend a huge chunk of it praying for salvation?
Forgive me, but it all seems a little silly.
Can I please ask that no religious fundamentalists answer this question. No offence, but you're biased.
2006-08-29 20:39:30 · 17 answers · asked by ChrisJFraser 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To quote avidfilopino:
"We spend "a huge chunk of it praying" because that is the purpose we were created. People have fallen out of that and set forth for their personal purposes, which is not what we were created for."
This is the bit that I don't get - why would God create us just so that we could praise him? Why would he create 5 billion people just to worship him?
Is he a ridiculously insecure God who needs constant reassurance?
Surely if God really was the benevolent, gracious creator of the entire universe that many people think, he wouldn't need this. He would just let us make the most of our time on Earth without demanding that we attend church every Sunday. After all he did create the Earth for us - surely we should be enjoying it as much as we can while we're here.
I can see why the church wants people to praise God - if people attend every Sunday they can make more money from collection which means that they can expand their influence - but I really don't see why God would give a monkey's whether we worship him or not.
2006-08-29 20:47:26 · answer #1 · answered by Iain T 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Jesus approach to people was far from formal. Infact he offended the religious authorities of his day by side-stepping their formalities and relating directly to the people.
Religious formality is a pretence and a sham. We feel like we are pleasing God and earning his respect but much of it is indeed a waste of time.
It is much better to have a day-to-day spirituality worked out in every aspect of our lives. I believe that Jesus died to make a relationship with God possible. So we dont have to work for our 'salvation' - we claim it and then make the most of our new lives.
2006-08-30 07:47:01 · answer #2 · answered by Twinchickens 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion or religious ceremonies were made to be formal because it symbolizes solemnity and respect for God.
Now, if only the true essence of spirituality was incorporated into religious pomp and pagaentry of any religious order, then maybe more good would come out of it.
Peace.
2006-08-30 03:50:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, religion means a way of life too, not just a philosophy of life.
So you have to practise as well as hold to certain creeds, these rituals are aimed to get you closer to God. I wouldn't say that rituals are rubbish they are what makes us human and makes us capable for example to grieve (funeral) rituals are what makes up society. The only one's who lack rituals are perhaps fundamentalists and agnostics and other sceptics.
2006-08-30 03:47:43 · answer #4 · answered by carl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. If I was religious I would prefer a personal and private contact with my god. I despise all the rituals and ceremonies which, to my eyes, keep the faithful in ignorance. Who are these people who set themselves up as the voice of god? Who gave them authority to tell people how to behave and what to do? it's all nonsense. You should worship your god in the blue of the sky or the whisper of the wind, not in some church/mosque/synagogue.
2006-08-30 04:01:03 · answer #5 · answered by Roxy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most religions require a structured approach so that the members can feel a sense of belonging and confidence in the services they attend.
The structure isn't an essential part but does provide a cohesive structure in which to practice one's faith.
2006-08-30 03:48:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be forced to go to church. I was first put off religion by the fact that it's all so ritualistic, formal and Identical every week. If there was a god, wouldn't he be sick of the same worship every week? It would be like watching the same episode of a tv programme every single week. You'd soon be sick of it.
I'm now a proud athiest.
2006-08-30 04:07:52 · answer #7 · answered by genghis41f 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Routiene gives people comfort.
But I dont think its a good thing, people need to drop religion and deal with life on their own two feet. That would solve a million peoblems.
2006-08-30 03:46:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If i was created to pray, i would pray for a length of rope with a noose on the end. The answer to your question is that they are mad
2006-08-30 08:43:02 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
religion is made by people. god exists and is divine, but the way he is worshipped is totally human. and humans believe that if something is supernatural, you have to follow rituals to communicate with it.
bullshit, if you ask me.
2006-08-30 03:45:28 · answer #10 · answered by ilya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋