I have no doubt that God is real. I have no doubt that Jesus is real. I do doubt that your religion is real. I can make a blanket statement like "your religion" because there is no religion on Earth that is right. I heard one of the ommitted gospels quotes Jesus as saying something along the lines of God can be found within. If this is true, it seems that God is more likely to be found in quiet contemplation than in a Church. Why does religion keep us from God?
2006-10-12 05:52:24 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
“Religious bondage shackles and debilitates the mind and unfits it for every noble enterprise. During almost fifteen centuries, the legal establishment of Christianity been on trial. What have been its fruits? More or less, in all places, pride and indolence in the clergy; ignorance and servility in laity; in both, superstition, bigotry, and persecution.” – James Madison, 4th President of the United States
I also have no doubt that God exists. Religion can be a great way to have fellowship with like minded people, and grow in your faith. That is not always the case. Also, if you are a man of action, you may not want to get involved with a religion strictly focused on holiness.
Good question and I think your insight is spot on.
2006-10-12 06:03:10 · answer #1 · answered by Cogito Sum 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think God is indeed within. Our bodies are his temples so there is no reason why anyone should have to be a member of an organized religion. I choose not to belong to any of them because they are all different and many teach things that are not even found in the scriptures. I accept everyone's right to believe as they choose and to join whatever religion they feel at home in but I am more comfortable with my church being in my house. Religion can keep us from God if the person or people who are controlling the religion are misguided or misleading their congregation.
2006-10-12 12:58:56 · answer #2 · answered by mortgagegirl101 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, very much so. Religion is what we do to our beliefs and categorize it. First off we should have a personal relationship with God. Not what one says or does. People are going to disappoint you and they can also give you false information. But, God does not, will not and do this. Just pick up the Bible and read for yourself.
The reason we go to church is to find others who believe and are looking for the same answers. Find a church that believes only what the bible says, not what man says. Fellowship can assist you with what you are looking for. There are alot of study books that will help you with reading and understanding. If you have the chance, download the Blue Letter Bible. It is awesome and so informative. It also has this link called: My Utmost for his Highest
It is a real eye opener. It helps me with my daily walk. Also, do you like music? There are some awesome christian artists out there and the message is in the music. Worship is a great experience and it helps in your personal time with God.
God Bless and remember your are not a child of religion, but a child of God!!!
2006-10-12 13:10:11 · answer #3 · answered by kymmy_kins 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is man made. We are counciled however to "not forsake the gathering together of those who believe." That brings religion into play as we try to gather and bring praise and worship to God and to further our understanding of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I agree that religion is devisive... and that was one of the protests that the catholic church made during the reformation. There is no doubt however that the church needed to be reformed to get back to the truth regarding justification through faith in Christ and not through ritualistic church traditions. I believe most people of faith acknowledge that this is a problem... unity is desirable but until the perfect man appears in the return of Christ Jesus, us imperfect men will continue to struggle with this issue.
2006-10-12 13:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by zero 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If God was within, we would all be God and would all be perfect.
This omitted Gospel you're speaking of--you got it from the movie "Stigmata," no?
The true religion doesn't keep us from God. Only false religion.
2006-10-12 12:57:14 · answer #5 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From Wikipedia, "Religion may be defined as the presence of a belief in the sacred or the holy." Your belief in God is your religion, even if you don't give it a name.
2006-10-12 12:55:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not always. It's a double edged sword-path to spiritual awakening or mass of meaningless dogma. For those who are discerning and have insight some religion might be a useful tool but most of it is tripe.
2006-10-12 12:56:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you think religion gets in the way of our relationship with God?
Absolutely.
p.s. I do agree with Andy tho because thats the way I view it also.
2006-10-12 12:57:26 · answer #8 · answered by NoLabel 11 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Damn skippy! Organized religion is the root of all evil. And religion and faith have absolutely nothing to do with each other. FAITH is what gets you closer to God.
2006-10-12 16:36:53 · answer #9 · answered by badkitty1969 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
religion isn't faith..it's mereley a way of life..it's suppose to be a way in which to bring yourself nearer to god..
2006-10-12 12:58:16 · answer #10 · answered by bandit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋