Why does religon matter?

Question

my parents are strong christians, my brother is not. more to the satan side. and i just don't know if i want a religon. i don't get the point. I believe there is a God and a Satan. but i don't belive "in" either of them. what does that make me?

Answer 1

The closest you seem to be is agnostic.

Answer 2

It makes you an Agnostic, one who questions God and religion, as opposed to an Atheist, who doesn't believe in anything at all. Perhaps it is not so much about God or Satan, but how it was presented to you that is the problem. I think for most people, belief in a higher power of some sort, is a comforting thought. The idea that no matter how bad things get, there is someone watching over you, who can guide you if you ask, who will listen to you when no one else can, who can help the helpless.....the thought of not being alone in the universe, the thought that when the body dies, the soul has somewhere else to go, and doesn't die as well... I was raised Catholic, the whole heaven and hell thing was way beaten into me, and everything I thought about was a sin just about. I became an agnostic for a while as a teenager. Catholicism wasn't for me. I moved on. And explored alot of ideas along the way. I believe in God, because I can't look at this amazing thing we call a universe, and not perceive that there must be a guiding spirit that helps to design and define the whole thing. I believe in an afterlife, well, because I don't wish to think that my mind and spirit are only the result of so many chemical reactions, that will cease to exist when my body does.
One other thing I believe is this: That your religious beliefs and values should support you in times of trouble, bring you comfort in times of grief, bring you wisdom in times of confusion, joy at the sunrise, and a connection to something higher, finer, and beyond yourself, and if the ways you were taught are not doing that for you, well, there's nothing wrong with exploring other ideas. There is really only one universal truth, but that truth is presented in many different ways. We just don't all understand the universe in one way. We have different personalities, different ways of learning. Perhaps the way you were taught is not the one that helps you to comprehend the cosmos in the way that you need to, and you need to look further.

Answer 3

If you believe there IS a God and a Satan then you are still a theist. As an agnostic is simply don't rule out the possibility there is a God or a Satan no matter how improbable. Self honesty is what you seek and to find and keep it will be hard work.

To answer your question - Because it effects your environment.

Answer 4

Normal.

Religion matters mostly because it is a strong message, people back it up because they want to do good, and because thinking about God and spiritual matters is usually closely tied with purpose, which could be found through religious calling. Due to the intricate nature of the Christian religion and the correlating guilt that comes from not pursuing your purpose in life, the church thrives.

The book, "Rosslyn, Guardians of the secrets of the holy grail," puts it like this:

In its deliberate march towards absolute power and authority, it feared any access to the realms of either sacred or secular knowledge that it did not itself monopolize. Education was thus resticted to the clergy. In this way the Church revealed its real objectives-total power and control over all people and territories, over this life and entrance to the next. All because the Church assumed unto itself the sole right to decide who would be saved and who would be eternally damned."

(The unholy alliance, p 76).

Answer 5

I think that makes you an Agnostic. You didn't mention how old your brother is, but if he is in his 20's or so, he may be going through a "phase" in his beliefs. I am a Born Again Christian, but before I became one, I also was searching like you. My brother was killed in a car accident when he was only 16(a long time ago). That made me begin to think, "Where did he go?" I knew deep down, that something else happens to one after death. It haunted me for a long time. I saw 3 members of my family accept the Lord. I saw how their lives changed. They kept inviting me to church services. I wasn't interested. I was 20; I had a car, job. After eight months, I finally went with them. I accepted the Lord. I don't regret it one bit...Everyone has to make that decision
I suggest you say, "God, if you are real, show yourself to me." I believe God will show Himself to you. I will pray for your bro. Good luck to you....

Answer 6

Hello, What does that make you? That makes you lost...the devil wants you to live in this world -have fun -do whatever you want to- be your own boss, like it doesn't matter no consequences to worry about, live like there is no God....but there is! There is a hole in your heart that only God can fill...you can try to fill it with worldly things...like sex, drugs, relationships, shopping or anything but God...but notice that you always need something in your life to make you feel good, but after a while it fades & you need something new?Kinda like Christmas morning that feels so great for a day or two then that happiness fades away? But God is different he will love you & always be there for you & put a joy in your heart that will last & last... I really hope that your parents are praying for you to find God, because I will be...it's not about religion but a personal relationship with God...Have a blessed day...ok?...bye bye

Answer 7

You sound more like an Agnostic Theist/ Agnostic Deist type. Here's a link for you to check out. It's like a test take it and have fun. You will learn something about yourself. You might just be Agnostic.


http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

Answer 8

An agnostic

Answer 9

1 Corinthians 2:14
The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.
At this moment it makes you unsure.

Answer 10

I guess religion keeps some people in check, but then there are also the fundies....that scare the daylights out of me. I see myself more as being spiritual.....not religious. It works for me....because I'm a seeker of the truth.

Answer 11

It makes you indifferent.

God should only matter to you if you have faith and want to have eternal life. If eternal life and living in the truth doesnt interest you, then you can always be part of the world that is going to be cast into eternal punishment. It is completely and utterly up to you.