is it a way off making money for the leaders of the various religions(a sort of mafia)
or is it to stop us from worrying about dying a sort of control mechanism
2006-11-19 23:29:28 · 12 answers · asked by bruce c 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
wow got bored reading that guy servant of>what boredom
2006-11-20 00:11:00 · update #1
It is a form of worship. It includes a system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices; they may be personal or they may be advocated by an organization. The Bible speaks of true worship and false worship. Those serving God worship him with "spirit and truth." John 4:24
2006-11-19 23:31:27 · answer #1 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Religion is the twisted, obsessive cousin of spirituality.
It seems that humans (certainly Westerners) have always like to create instituations with rules, dress codes and hierarchies.
So people started out with a natural state of wonder about the world and their experiences.
And then along came people who didn't have much wonder, but sure did like lists and rules. Trains hadn't been invented so they couldn't be trainspotters. So instead they invented religion.
Very soon they beat all the life out of the unruly spiritual types, and made sure they were left with a dead caricature of the wonder of nature.
But dead things are less threatening than the live and unpredictable. And so we have, as you suspected, something that is both controlling and comforting.
Somebody who enjoys the sensual pleasure of food is spiritual. Religious people are given to fasting.
2006-11-23 13:54:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is 'modus operandi', Latin for 'mode of operating/functioning'.
It is a bit like computer operating systems such as Linux, Windows or Mac OS.
It is the way that we are meant to act, conduct ourselves, communicate with each other, respond to what life has to throw us.
It is 'the way of being/living', and this applies to all of one's life, each and every moment of it.
Your first assumption that it is a money making opportunity is when religion is manipulated through abuse of power - it is not about religion itself. Just about anything can be manipulated for gain, not just religion.
Your second assumption that religion is invented so that we do not go mental over death and dying has a bit more validity; just as religion is a way of living, it can also be a guidance for dying.
Hope this helps
2006-11-20 00:21:46 · answer #3 · answered by belamy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a form of population control, a crutch to deal with impending death and to explain the unexlplainable, it is also an excuse to feel superior, wage war, kill and maim. It is a great comfort to some and a force or righteous anger. It can be used for great good but more often than not is used for violence, persecution, segregation and control.
2006-11-20 03:33:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not just about making money......It's about getting the word out there and spreading the holy spirit. I can tell you right now, most of those people who go around teaching, are volunteering there time. When the lord rose on the 3rd day, after the tomb was rolled away, Mary Magdeline came and saw the stone rolled away and when she turned around there was the lord jesus.He told her to go back and tell everyone that he is alive! He will be with his father in the high heaven's, but to go tell everyone that he is alive, and to tell his story of the gospel to everyone. There i just preached to you a little bit, NOW DID THAT REQUIRE MONEY?
2006-11-19 23:39:47 · answer #5 · answered by Christine 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a way of thinking that explains to you the way that you are connected to this life and after life for that you are not lost in this universe and you will be always sure of where are you going and what are you doing because you will have a purpose to achieve and that is to reach perfectness.
2006-11-19 23:42:47 · answer #6 · answered by M.Ali 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your insensitive meaning paints a picture of your ignorance and bending of truth (evilness).
If you know what it means.............I`ll better tell you first.
Religion=a pursuit or interest that is very important to someone (YOU), and a reverence to God whom we think can help our lives (for Christians, can save us from condemnation for eternal happiness).
Where can your modified definitions be applied here?
Religion is a help For YOU, that you will be ushered to good, right path towards your everlasting happiness with God.
If you know this meaning (of religion)...please affiliate yourself in any religion which you think will lead you to God. It`s For YOU.
Relationship is between YOU and GOD...never religious mafia, nor enriching with your money nor controlling/hypnotizing your lives.
Don`t give money if you don`t want.
Don`t let other people control your actions...i.e...if you have direct connections with God. Just listen to God yourself.
But if you`re not able to talk to God directly (by any means)...then I think, you have to swallow your pride...because I think you really need to ask help from somebody (best friend, good Christians witnesses, or any religious authority) ways & means in knowing God and how to establish good relationship with Him to become God`s best friend.
2006-11-20 00:04:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is something personal that belongs to each one of us. A faith that is different from each other. That's what I say. Your religion is your personal thing. And no opne has the right to tell you what it should be.
2006-11-19 23:59:33 · answer #8 · answered by ad_guy_127 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a group of spiritually enlightened persons who want to be united together to grow in their faith.
2006-11-20 00:02:18 · answer #9 · answered by Makemeaspark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean, wherever there is money to be made you can bet that there are self seeking people at work, and religion is an easy target for them.
2006-11-19 23:34:56 · answer #10 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋