Both are constructs made by humans.
2007-01-23 03:57:25 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No wait: God is a washed up symbol while some religions (mostly Neo-Pagan) encourage self improvement.
2007-01-23 03:59:17 · update #1
I do believe our concepts of "god" are constructs of man.
Religion is most definitely a construct. If there is a higher power, greater being that actually began this whole creative process (the universe, the earth, living beings, et al), there is no way we could possibly understand it with our finite minds, self-interests, etc...
While I happen to be a neo-pagan, there are constructed rituals to connect with that concept of "god" or "goddess", spells, etc... all designed by human beings. Wiccan traditions follow very set standards and constructs. Solitary Wiccans follow their own. Druids are much the same in that respect. As well as Asatrus and other neo-pagan belief systems.
Yes, neo-paganism, satanism, et al.. these particular beliefs are about responsibility for one's life and self-improvement. But again, they ARE constructs of mankind.
Our concerns are with our own human experience. No matter how we choose to look at things, it's all about us.. we're extremely self-centered, as are all living creatures. We are also social/tribal, so you can see how we would follow what others construct in order to "fit in"... this is how the majority religions attract followers today (in the past, some have had a convert or die mandate). In ancient times, it would've been tribal/ancestral constructs that were followed. Our need to belong to a group mandates quite a bit of our behavior.
It's early- I must go make my rites to the Goddess Caffeina ;)
2007-01-24 00:51:47 · answer #1 · answered by Kallan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have faith without having a god. If I did have a god it would be multiple gods and not just any one of them.
You don't need an immortal diety's butt to kiss, what else are religions with gods doing, exactly? to have a religion or have faith in something or somehow. People worship nature, which I wouldn't count as a god. Not really. Actually, that would be goddess if anything and heaven forbid you worship a woman! My goodness, women don't know anything about running a planet. *sarcasim*
Obviously lots of people will say no, you have to have God. Not just any god, their god. With a capital 'G' or... 'C' or 'A' ... other letters too. But the truth is that we all believe in different stuff so if you want to believe in things but without a god then it is completely up to you and these people shouldn't say that you have to believe in what they believe.
No, I'm not saying you should believe what I believe, I was using my own faith as an example XP
2007-01-23 12:06:44 · answer #2 · answered by spirenteh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think some people have made them the same. Too many in mainstream religions give the front that if you don't believe in their Religion, then you obviously don't believe in any kind of God or your belief is misplaced. When it comes to mainstream, you have to first believe in their Religion before you can believe in God.
You're right, Paganism promotes improvement of self. We don't run around trying to improve everyone else.
2007-01-23 12:17:36 · answer #3 · answered by Kithy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is a man-made attempt at adoring Him and, in abiding by what mankind thinks pleases, renders Him homage etc. Hence the number of different religions derived from the Prophets sent at different times, in different parts of the world. Inevitably, religions have become distorted beyond recognition from what these Prophets originally taught. They have with time become, more or less, power-driven with, influence, wealth and materialism as interfering ingredients, notwithstanding that their pristine principles can remain sound, and beneficial if untainted. God, is the Supreme Being, the Creator of all matter and of the different spheres in Creation. The tragedy is that every religion claims God as their own, whereas we all belong to Him, and religion is often a fruitless attempt at getting into His favours with mendacity and begging.
I hope that I have somewhat answered you question !
2007-01-23 12:20:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No; religion is a bunch of things you do to try to feel better about yourself. God is one who is concerned with loving you. God is 'not made by hands'. Religion is something the Pharisees and Sadducees clung to, and why Christ himself often railed against them. Religion tried to kill God 2,000 years ago, but the men you say invented Him couldn't even do that right. He is alive today. If you're truly interested in learning, study what He says in His word. If not, have a nice day.
2007-01-23 12:05:55 · answer #5 · answered by hopem 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, religion is the belief in a higher being (or in nothing as an Atheist). Where as God is what that religion believes in.
2007-01-23 12:03:07 · answer #6 · answered by Challen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God has existed from eternity. Religion is a man-made construct. If you dont believe in God, that explains why you're so grim.
2007-01-23 12:01:59 · answer #7 · answered by Paulie D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
religion is the mass of people worshipping God.
The difference is that God is the thing to be worshipped, religion is the act or organization itself.
The similarity is that religion leads to God.
2007-01-23 12:01:58 · answer #8 · answered by Julian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion is seeking God. God is Love.
2007-01-23 12:01:33 · answer #9 · answered by godsfamilychurchoflove 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God is real. Religion has distorted God to control people and get power and money. God good. Religion bad.
2007-01-23 12:02:59 · answer #10 · answered by biggbilly03 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋