is religion necessary to have a balanced life?

Question

I am a Christian but there are some things that I don't agree with. I believe you don't have to have religion to be a well-balanced person so I did a study and stopped going to church. I'm still the same me. So why is religion such a big deal to some...And I also believe that as long as one is respectful and modest, the sky is the limit.

Answer 1

That would depend largely on your goals.

Answer 2

No, I don't think religion is necessary for a "balanced life."

For what it's worth, I was raised Lutheran by two good, loving parents. Now, neither of them were strict "Bible-thumpers;" they just taught us to respect people, to have a sense of sympathy and benevolence and compromise.

There were three of us kids; me, the oldest son and two younger sisters, and we all grew up to be decent citizens, committed spouses and good parents.

We were never "dragged" to church.

I went through a period of "service" to the church. I made my contributions, both in time and $$.

As I matured, I sort of "internalized" a lot of what I was taught as a child. I found that "organized religion" really didn't do much for me. I didn't have an overwhelming need for Bible study or prayer groups, etc.

I found that I could feel "spiritually fulfilled" by following the Golden Rule and just treating others with love and respect.

I've seen many people who just get into religion way too deeply. They basically lose contact with reality and some of them think that the Lord gives them license to conduct a very aggressive, abusive "ministry." That's NOT what Christianity is all about, but they just get totally whacked-out about things and basically harass people.

Some of them end up in court for it and have to have it explained to them where the line exists between "witnessing" and harassment.

Answer 3

When I was religious, I thought it impossible to live a satisfying life without religion, but now that I've stepped into the light of reason, I do not think it is at all necessary to be religious. I feel freer not having that millstone to carry about. I would rather say that it is necessary to have a strong sense of one's values and set goals for giving one's life meaning. Many religions provide adherents with set goals and meaning, while the non-religious, like myself, believe we have the power to assign meaning to our own lives. Either way, it's the quest that gives our lives structure and balance.

Answer 4

I'm really impressed with your study.

No, I haven't found religion necessary to have a balanced life. In fact, my experience was just the opposite. I wasn't able to have a balanced life until I gave up on religion.

Answer 5

In my opinion, the formation of a well-balanced life has less to do with formalized religion as created by men and women than having Faith in something larger than yourself. This can be manifest in many different denominations, cultures and widely divergent social structures.
Not attending church does not make you any less reverential for those things in nature or in this immense universe or as Bill once penned "There are more things in Heaven and Earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy, Horatio" Meaning- we don't have all the answers, but the exploration of the mystery is what makes life worth living and should make us a little more childlike in our appreciation of His grace.

Answer 6

Religion matters so much to some people that they can't imagine someone being balanced and happy without it. These are the same people who will believe that nobody truly has a different religious belief; that is, that nobody's really agnostic or atheist or Wiccan or Celtic Reformationist Pagan, because their beliefs are so intuitive to them.

Some people are also questioning their faith or their religion, and because they feel ashamed they try and be the paragon of piety, and don't shut up about it to anyone else.

Answer 7

I personally believe that its not important to be religious, but i do think its important to be spiritual. Which can be done alone or at a religious gathering. Some might find it nice to have people to share traditions, celebrations, mournings, one day a week with. But bottom line, its about being aware of our earth and the other creatures and things on it and how we are a part of it all. Becoming aware of our body and what we put into it and how we treat it. Taking time out of our life to be grateful for everything.

Answer 8

you will possibly desire to'nt examine into issues plenty it purely complicates your innovations and keeps you from taking area in life. purely different than the actual incontrovertible fact that evil exist in our international... it constantly has and unfortionily alwys will. as long as human beings are dealt with unjustly and have motives to be jeolous of others there'll be evil. Is evil needed? i'm uncertain... yet i'm confident it exist. I additionally think of that there could be good with out evil. i've got faith Sarte stated that "If there is not any God it could have been necessery for guy to create one". i've got faith that evil is a manufactured from our enviroment and upbringing. i do no longer have faith babys are born evil. yet human beings like canines could be raised to be propose. If some one comes from an abusive kinfolk they're plenty extra possibly to be abusove while they're older. maximum bullys are from abusive homes. the ideal element to do is verify your self and attempt to be a good straightforward, honest and purely guy or woman. you do no longer might desire to flow out of your thank you to assist others yet once you notice others in % help. And try this because of fact that's the stunning element to do, no longer for individuals to declare so and so is so valuable. do no longer boast of your acomplishments, be humble. and you would be rewarded interior the top- God or no God.

Answer 9

For me, religion is very important in my life, and I can't even imagine my life without it. But I recognize that this is not true for all people. I think that more important than religion, is commitment to good values, and to helping people, and to spreading loving-kindness. You can do that without religion.

Answer 10

religon is not necessary to have balance in life,religion was created to control the masses, people have to have something to believe in that is greater than them selves.A crutch to lean on, when times are difficult.

Answer 11

???

Not going to church doesn't mean you aren't still religious, so I don't see what your study of one proves -- well, yes I am, it proves nothing.

What proves the case is all non-believers (such as myself) who do not need religion.