I'm atheist but I still wonder how religion is perceived by God believers.
2006-10-06 06:49:56 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Definitely. I see religion as the unwelcome middle man because it actually keeps the individual and the God of their understanding seperated. For example - a lot of preachers will tell their parishoners "God spoke to me and told me to tell you..." . That gives off the assumption that there needs to be a person or church between the individual and the God of their understanding or there can be no personal "contact". I think if we got rid of the middle man maybe people would be more spiritually content and happy. Of course I'm also an idealist.
2006-10-06 06:58:15 · answer #1 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The church, being the religion bearer, is more than bureaucracy. It is a political organization of power, the aim of which is manipulation. In the past, the church was an organization of violence, e.g. the Inqusition, the crusades, etc. The church always stood between God and people, is responsible for the suffering of millions, as well as for the oppression of the Truth, most notably through the annihilation of the Cathars and their culture, in order to maintain own power, and for greed.
For more on the Cathars and the church click on "What is Spirituality" and "Rational Spirituality" on the Dhaxem website.
2006-10-06 07:09:15 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In many ways, Yes, however when many religions were created, they were well intended forms of social control, given that most monarchies at the time did little for the common health & welfare.
It is why my faith as a total believer in God, A 'Higher Power", or Consciouness, has come from my personal experience, in spite of the archaic dogmas and doctrines of organized religion.
I can understand an atheistic point of view if you think 'God' is a product of "organized" religion. Most of which are in denial.
2006-10-06 07:03:16 · answer #3 · answered by sunnyjay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely. Managing "group think" is pretty labor intensive. It is highly unlikely that Christianity would be so popular if there was not a built-in mechanism for people to be able to gather together with other like believers to reassure themselves that they aren't the only ones. (Humans are big suckers for mass affirmation--most of us get nervous if we aren't sure that others think like us).
Managing and staffing these get togethers takes alot of manpower. Plus, since so much is supposedly riding on whether or not you are doing it right (i.e. heaven and hell), you need to have "consultants" on hand 24/7 so people can double check that they're OK. The Catholics have even mandated a 10% management fee...
Anyway, my point is that spirituality can be personal, but I don't think a proscribed belief system can be--you have to have an enforcement/affirmation system in place to make that work.
2006-10-06 07:05:21 · answer #4 · answered by Mark M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that in many cases certain religious denominations have added unnecessary layers between ourselves and God. As a Christian I believe that God yearns for a personal relationship with me (and everyone else).
I think a lot of the added bureaucracy in certain denominations is what gives non-believers ammunition to attack Christianity. When we add unnecessary rules and conditions to God's unconditional love it can look rather hypocritical.
2006-10-06 06:55:51 · answer #5 · answered by ry_guy_621 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In general, no.
First, nothing can get between you and God unless you choose it to get in the way.
What belonging to a church does--if you are a Christian--is provide a place to gather with others who are faithful so that you may share in worship; listen to God's Word and listen to others explain it; encourage each other; rebuke each other when we stray; and gather our resources so that we may do things of use for others inside and outside the church.
This is only a brief overview.
2006-10-06 06:56:32 · answer #6 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think so...I'm not religious but believe there is some sort of other energy or being or something...I don't need to follow someones rules to do that. Especially rules based on fear.
2006-10-06 06:55:04 · answer #7 · answered by jumble j 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Bureaucracy is everywhere.
2006-10-06 06:53:31 · answer #8 · answered by SKG R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No doubt about it. It is actually no one else's business what anyone else believes
2006-10-06 07:20:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Methinks you hit the nail on the head.
If you are atheist, you are one damn smart one!
2006-10-06 06:52:32 · answer #10 · answered by DanZ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋