Is there a reason to be religious in this life?

Question

It's clear that Theists don't make better people than Atheists (just look at any prison population), so what good does religion actually do in this life?
Charities have grown up around religious institutions, but atheists give to those same organizations out of necessity, so religious aren't any more charitable.
So, other than your complete unsupported belief that you'll get rewarded in some "afterlife", what does religion really do?
Honest question - I really want to hear the good points, as you see them?

Answer 1

Religion is a fixation; usually on a supernatural being, but not necessarily. The Funk and Wagnal dictionary gives as an example: To him, his work was his religion.

Fixations are easy ways of not being required to consider the other aspects of life. You can concentrate so hard on your particular interest that you can feel a sense importance without needing any otherwise justification for who you are. - so to say. -- smiles

Answer 2

People are just religious because they're afraid of the unknown and want to be comforted. They want there to be some kind of meaning in life, even if they make it up. And I agree, Theists don't make better people than Atheists. I think we should rid the world of religion and face the real facts of this world.

Answer 3

... now perhaps more than at any other time in the history of humankind many people are confused and disoriented and wonder about the reason and purpose of their lives .. over 95% of all the people in the world claim to belong to an organized religion .. almost all religions preach the value and dignity of human life and how to attain salvation but with the exception of judaism which is not obsessed in trying to convert others these religions have as a major goal to increase their adepts ... the lack of conscientiousness in most human beings despite being self-labeled as religious is evident ... the only way to eliminate corruption and violence is to become aware of the many things we hear and say but do not heed .. this so-called "christian" era should be called the era of cynicism.

Answer 4

The answer from my personal experience to your question: There is no reason, other than to conform to societal pressures and assumptions. The vast majority of "religious people I know are, based on their actions practicing religion only because it is the "thing to do" not that they really accept it. There are of course a few really fervent persons who lead their lives in accordance with their religious teachings. I think that is great. But so many more just say they are religious because it is what they assume the society expects from them. Those of us who don't care what society thinks are much happier overall, I think. Shucking the burdens of religious belief and practices gives you a much broader view of life with fewer blinders.

Answer 5

Well, for me i also see no reason to believe.

BUT.

i think for others, a religion, such as christianity, can offer some hope ( heaven after death), or maybe like a community where they feel like they belong.

I think another reason that there are more theists in prison is because this country's roots was christianity.

(Forgive me, but im blanking right now.)
like that people at that one place, that started thanksgiving.

they came here to escape religious persecution from the English.

Answer 6

I use my own personal religion and spiritual beliefs to get me through the hard times in life. It often helps to remember the basics of what you think you are doing here and your ultimate goals before committing to a risky course of action - and so I use my religious and spiritual tools to help me do the mental work to come to the decision that is right for me.

For me it is remembering the power of intention (or prayer some might call it), how best to do it and meditation to help me stay in control and therefore less likely to rashly react.

Those clues, those tools - that is why you choose and use religion in this existence, or why we should in any case. I wish people could be more logical about it, but they aren't. It's feelings, perception, interpretation and often run away emotions that get us into trouble, and our ancestors have tried to leave clues and hints to help us get through life happily and healithy. That's all. Many of us try to go it alone and do it for ourselves, only to come to similar conclusions of at least someone in the past.

Peace!

Answer 7

This is the only test you will ever get. If you fail this test you will never see the kingdom of heaven.

To some people, that is fine. They don't want to spend eternity with Jesus. For others they can't wait to be with Jesus.

What does it mean to me? It has changed my life, and it has changed who I am. I see everything from a different perspective than I saw it before I came to understand the Bible and accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.

Wish you would do the same, but I cannot make you do it.
I can tell you that I am happier than you will ever be if you do not accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You will not understand until you do it.

grace2u

Answer 8

when you are suffering becoz of religion then u should be thankful, christians should suffer too like Christ did,religion is important, christ is the one who established it, He made it for the followers of God, if it is not important, then He may have not created it. it only means that religion has a big part for the salvation of mankind.

We are all given the right to choose what we want to do in this earth as long as we live, God give us our own free will, it is then our decision if we would like to be in the light or in darkness, life or in death, curse or in grace, But God suggests us and even commanded us to search for the truth in order to obtain eternal happiness which even this world cant give. God commanded us not to believe in every spirit , but test every spirit in order to found out whos telling the truth and teaching the right doctrines and gospel of christ. If you were feeling this some kind of desires to seek God, maybe its a sign that God is calling you! feel free to E-mail me if you want to ask me some follow up questions regarding this matter.

Remember, God invites everyone to dwell in his church, the true church which was established by christ himself way back 2,000 yrs ago, its now up to you, if you will respond to this special invitation made by God himself.

Answer 9

If your religion makes you hate others it's not working for you. If your religion makes you feel happier, helps explain uncertainties, helps you feel more supported in your times of need and helps you help others then you have it right.
Religion is as good or as worthless as the person who's practicing it.

Answer 10

Religion has bad press these days:Horrible history[inquisition/forced conversions/pedophile priests/corruption/eating slaughterhouse products/drinking alcool/stealing public money etc...leading to hellish conditions.

Religion means pure exemplary life/morality/real wealth in natural goods/and members going back to spiritual world.Love to all entities:veg life/ no alcool /chaste life/simple economy...