Given that Religion has become more about hate and judgement as opposed to love?

Question

Should we simply abandon organized religion and just keep God in our own way. It seems sad to say this, but nothing I see today coming out of Churches, Mosques or Synagogues seems positive, just negative. Christians hating on Gays, Jews, and Muslims. Muslims hating on Americans, Canadians and Western nations. Jews Hating on Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims. It's all Hate all the time.

It must come to an end and sadly it appears it will be with violence not love......from any of them.

What are your thoughts and how would you deal with this sad state of affairs.

J.J. with respect, the media isn't doing this, The Religions are, the media only shows what's what. Like it or not, Christians (not all) spout this nonsense on TV and even here on YA!, so the distortion your speaking of is not a distortion at all but observed behaviour. Also note, I did not single out Christians, they are not alone in this perversion of Faith.

Respects Crazy Horse, I have had the honour of participating in Native Faith and you are correct, it does not have the same rigid anger that seems to be under the surface of some Religions.

Sorry Frankie, you are so wrong on so many levels. The good that you speak of cannot, in any way, wipe away the stain of hate that IS constantly coming from the pulpit these days. That is not bigotry, that's the truth. And for the record, I have a Masters in Theology, so I understand all too well about religion.

Respects to swordarkeereon, you have offered food for thought. It is unfortunate that some others who have answered missed the point or didn't read what I was asking.

Answer 1

I keep God in my own way.

Right on brother.

Answer 2

I agree, it is very sad. The bible says though that things are only going to get worse not better. I do think that you should focus on your relationship with God first and formost. My husband is military, and there are times that we are between homes and I have no church to go to. My personal relationship with God is what matters most until I find that place that I feel God is truely present at. It is sad these days that even some churches have sent God away, but it is the truth. God shouldn't be judge on how imperfect people act, but he is.
I would change it just by making sure your daily asking God into your life and then doing the best you can do. We can't make people change, and we can't bring about world peace. We can however go to bed at night knowing that we did what we were supposed to and try to find the good and love whenever possible. I have 2 small children and just a few moments watching them is all I need to know that Love and peace and joy still exist and are something worth finding and fighting for.

Answer 3

If Christians stuck with the following God's Word, that would make a big change. Since I am a Christian I can only speak from this perspective. What I see happening is a watering down of the gospel. A lot of the mega churches teach "Christianity Light".

Religion is one thing
true Christianity is a relationship with Jesus Christ.

For those who are church goers, we need to keep a sharp eye on what is being taught. You can do away with religion, but the only way of salvation is by receiving Jesus' payment for sin. The payment He made when He shed His blood on the cross.

This is what God thinks of religion:
"In anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world." James 1:26-27

You say "It must come to an end" It is!
Study end time prophecy in the bible. It is fascinating! I know the bible is true because of the prophecy that has been fulfilled so far.

Read the Word, ask questions, check answers against the Word.
If you are interested in bible study feel free to email me.

Answer 4

You say that "nothing" coming out of churches etc. seems positive, but is "all negative". You say it's "all hate all the time".

If that's how blind you are, then it's because you choose to be. Even those who don't follow or agree with religions will recognize that there is some good coming out of them, some have more good than others, but almost all have at least some good.

Whenever I see a person like you who says it's "all hate all the time", that shows me you're not a person who really bothers to look at religions at all, and you are just bigoted against them, to make such an incorrect statement.

Last I checked, it wasn't hateful to have a food bank, sponsor hospitals, run orphanages, give money to the poor, provide scholarships to students, feed and clothe and shelter the homeless, and many of the other things that churches and temples and mosques ARE doing.

I can appreciate your frustration with a lot of the bad that comes out of religion, including all the hypocrisy, but you're nothing more than a bigot who chooses to use the bad in religion as a reason to spread your own version of hate, which is hate for religion and religious people.

I saw your little "update" - interesting, now you seem to want to define "hate" to fit what you define it as. Sounds like you have your own morality with its own definitions of "hate" and "love" and "right and wrong".

As for your "master's in theology", well hey, this IS the internet, after all. Personally, I have a PhD in Theology, from Oxford.

Answer 5

You make a valid point, IMO. I think abandoning organized religion is a great idea, in theory. But I'm not so sure it would work for the simple fact that we're social animals and like to congregate with those who share similar beliefs, ideals, and interests. Some people need constant spiritual guidance, which is another area where the church steps in. It would greatly help if our religious leaders weren't such pulpit pounding, intolerant jerks. They're the ones leading their congregations in hate. I wonder if the solution lyes in the clergy rather than the religion itself.

Answer 6

As a former Catholic, I can see why they don't want you to become one. Catholicism is not as holy as it seems. They also tend to sugar coat and water down God's Word so that it pleases EVERYONE (and keep in mind Jesus "offended" people when he preached, as you have seen in the Bible hopefully). I was literally able to make a list of Bible verses that CLEARLY go against the teachings of the Catholic Church, yet the only response a Catholic would have is "your taking the verse too literal!" or "you don't understand!" (the another Catholic would come out of no where and start saying the same thing and it would be like parrots trying to have a conversation with you). For example, I quoted the 2nd commandment of the 10 commandments to a group of them ("You shall not make for YOURSELF an IDOL IN THE FORM OF ANYTHING IN HEAVEN ABOVE OR ON THE EARTH BENEATH OR IN THE WATERS BELOW. You shall not BOW DOWN to them or worship them... [Exodus 21:4-5]) and knowing that the Catholic church I used to go to had a Mary statue everyone would go to and kiss her feet and/or pray to her, I asked them why they have that statue in the church and why they condone this stuff even the Bible CLEARLY says to NOT DO THAT. All they told me was that it's the person's culture and that I was taking the commandment "too literal" -.- (LAST TIME I CHECKED IT WAS CALLED THE 10 COMMANDMENTS NOT THE 10 PARABLES! If God is commanding you to do something/not do something, take it for what it is!). I can go on ALL DAY about them if I wanted to, but for the sake of time I'm not gonna do that. So, if you're trying to become a Christian and have a relationship with God, Catholicism is not the way... Trust me! If you still don't believe me, you can do research on the history of the Catholic Church and their doctrines and compare it to TRUE scripture. (Oh, did I mention that Catholics don't even use bibles during church?) All the years I've been a Catholic, I never really learned who God really was, what he expects from us, and how much he does or us. I got more information from reading one book of the Bible than going to 2-3 Catholic masses. And I'm telling you, once you sincerely find Christ and are baptized in the Holy Spirit, even entering a Catholic Church will make you feel some type of way (coming from myself when I found Christ and others as well). So, I'm warning you again: If you REALLY want a relationship with Jesus Christ, Catholicism is NOT THE WAY! Your in my prayers... and I hope your family as well can receive the truth in Jesus' Name.

Answer 7

Religion hasnt become more about Hate than love, people have, I am a christian and I am compleatly ashamed of everything still being done in the name of the church and i wish i could say it was just morons muscling in and using the concept of God to get there own views across but its spread right though at every level. Gods still there He made every effort to show us how to love one another the trouble is we are all just so selfish.

Answer 8

I think that the media has warped your view on Christians. This isn't your fault- it's what the media wants. What's better news- Christians helping the homeless or a couple of people (who claim to be Christians) saying that "God hates Fags". The very Bible they profess to follow preaches love- and many churches-most-follow that and help their communities. The few extremist will always hurt the rep. of the many true followers.

Answer 9

I have my own personal belief of God and I think it probably is better (not better than other people's belief, but it's a better way of doing things.)

If you have a religion, then you gain more respect for your beliefs, because it is a recognised, and widely followed thing. You can have a 'group identity' (aren't you always less scared of doing a presentation, for example, when not on your own?) Whereas if you are alone in your unique beliefs (which can still revolve around Jesus, Mohammed, Moses etc) then you are less likely to pick on people and anything you do will be your own personal sin, rather than religious 'right.'

Answer 10

I guess that's the difference between "religion" in the modern sense of the word, and faith. It's not the organized part of it. It's the misplaced loyalties. When people are more loyal to their "religion" than to the one their religion encourages them to worship, then they really haven't understood much.
Being organized can be very helpful. 3 people can do more than 3 times what 1 person does, if the 3 people are organized.

Answer 11

O'siyo My Brother!
Native American Religion Here's what we believe!!!

Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, give thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all; the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget you’re most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being, and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends.

Come Our Way!!!