Please help with my confusion in regards to religion?

Question

Please allow me to pick your brain!

1) Why practice? Especially when it imposes on others? Can't God be found in your heart and mind? One time I read that Jesus said "lift a stone and I am there." That is very profound I feel. It means you don't need lavish customs, dress, meeting places or rituals to be true in your heart. Most people respond by saying such practices help them reinforce their faith, but doesn't that mean they can't maintain their faith on their own accord? It seems all to often that religous people go through the actions bc it's easy to do but spend no real time exercising a deeper introspection.

2) Focusing on an afterlife takes the focus off of this life. Please state something more profound than just saying "no it doesn't".

3) Do you think religons creat an in-group/out-group nuance to society?

Thanks.

Answer 1

sorry I didn't read all that stuff. I just wanted to be the first one to answer.

Answer 2

1. I do not practice my "religion", I live it every day. I am an Eclectic Pagan. I never feel the need to impose my beliefs on others. My beliefs are personal and are true and right for me, but I recognize that they are not true or right for everyone.
Since I live my Spirituality everyday, I obviously don't get all dressed up in special costumes on a daily basis. But I will wear special clothing and use such props as candles, herbs and incense when celebrating a special holiday or doing a spell, though this is not essential, it does help my mind make the transition from my "mundane" life to what ever the occasion is.
I like the quote you attributed to Jesus, "lift a stone and I am there", that pretty much describes how I feel about the Deities within my Spirituality. They are all around, and within everthing and every living being all the time.
Part of my Spirituality is a type of daily reflection. I always try to make sure that I am being the best person I can be, that I am always pleasant when speaking to others either in person or on the phone, no matter what the situation may be. And I try to learn something new, not only about my own path, but also about other opinions and belief systems as well.
2. I believe in reincarnation, which is not quite the same thing as the Christian afterlife. I believe that in each lifetime there are certain goals that I have set for myself before I am born into each life. My purpose in each life is to remember what those goals are (which isn't easy) and do my best to accomplish them. So my focus is always on my present life time. What ever else I need to learn will be learned in future lives. The ultimate goal is to reach the point where I no longer need to reincarnate on the physical plane but begin learning different lessons on the Spiritual plane and perhaps, at some point, act as a guide for those still on the physical plane.
3. I do believe that the three major religions and all of their different sects create the feeling of an in group and an out group, which is constantly changing. Those who don't believe in a certain way are looked down upon by others and vice versa. Not only that, but this is the cause for most of the major wars over the centuries (not all, greed and oil come in a real close second).
My hope is that one day, humanity will have become enlightened enough to be able to rise above all of the petty differences that seem so important at this point in time. Then we can truly have peace on Earth.
I hope this answers your questions.

Answer 3

Why practice? Especially when it imposes on others? Can't God be found in your heart and mind?

-Yes, but if you are a TRUE Christian Jesus asks you to go and make disciples of all nations. This was his last request in the Bible. It is something we as Christians take very seriously because if you love Jesus and what he's done in your life being uncomfortable while talking to someone who doesn't believe is a small price to pay...especially if what you say to them might lead them to Jesus and help the obtain salvation. Evangelism, though often times uncomfortable is a wonderful thing and is honoring to Jesus.

2) Focusing on an afterlife takes the focus off of this life. Please state something more profound than just saying "no it doesn't".

-This life is temporary, Heaven is eternal. This is nothing more than a place to test our faith in Jesus. The Bible says this world is not our home. Why become attached to it when we will live here for a few short years and then go on to Heaven. Glorying in the pleasures of this world leads to sin which brings death.

Do you think religons creat an in-group/out-group nuance to society?

-Some religions do. But Christianity isn't about religion. It's about a relationship with Jesus. Religion and all the rituals that come with it was created by man, God was always there.

Answer 4

1. yes, God IS found in the heart and mind. With all of the distractions in this world, I think we DO need the rituals, practices and traditions to keep us rooted in God. The rituals, practices, and traditions also help us to worship God as a community. Remeber that God is to be found in others as well.

2. You are correct that focusing on an afterlife takes the focus off of this life. You should find a faith that focuses on this life. Check out Catholic Social Teaching at http://www.osjspm.org/major_themes.aspx

3. If a religion creates a clique, then the religion is straying from teh teachings of Jesus Christ. Do a google search on Catholic ecumenism. The Catholic Church has taken a lot of heat from other churches for reaching out in dialog to Jews, Muslims, and other religions.

Please contact me. You bring up some very good points and i would like to discuss them with you further.

Answer 5

1) I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that a group meeting on Sunday morning imposes on others. They are in a separate building from where you are. It's a building that you aren't in, aren't witnessing anything that is going on, and can't hear what is going on. So please enlighten me as to how it imposes on you.

Secondly, being with other people who share your belief is edifying. I'm sure that you hang out with people who you have stuff in contact with so that you can talk with them about certain things. Honestly, I don't get how this point is relevant.

2.) I do focus on the afterlife, but I focus on this life just as much. We can't just walk around waiting to die, because that is wasting precious time that God gives us. Once again, I'm failing to see your point.

3.) No. There are a few exceptions to this rule as there are some groups (such as the Westboro Baptist church) who become a NUISANCE (I am assuming that is what you are hinting at) simply by creating active protests and being unruly. But, it's simple to say that goes both ways as I remember last weekend there were active protests with some atheists and non-creationists who were opposing the Creation Museum. Some of them were a bit out of hand too.

Answer 6

hmmm... good questions! I'll have a go at giving some of my thoughts.
I notice you say religion in general and don't specify any particular so i would like to qualify my comments by saying I'm a Christian so I can only answer from my personal Christian perspective. I'm sure people of other faiths may have other ideas, but looking at your questions I would not be surprised to see a degree of consensus . These questions seem to apply pretty well generally.

1. I guess by practice you mean going through the organised rituals of church/religious life/organisation as opposed to just living simply and purely according to your faith. If so I would say you need balance. From a Christian POV i believe that the church and church life adds a vital dimension to faith, involvement in the bigger bicture of God's plans and work is fundemental to our calling as followers of Christ. On the other hand, going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than sitting in the garage makes you a car. If Church and ritual is the extent of your faith then you're missing the point. The Christian life is a 24/7 journey with God. Christianity is not something you do, it should be who you are.

2. Agreed. Is the afterlife important? sure. but I really feel too many Christians spend too much time worrying about heaven and hell and too little time following Christ and living as he showed us to live. Heaven, Hell, Judgement, Salvation, eterninty are all God's business. Jesus showed us how to live a life of radical sacrifice, compassion, love and action. The assurance of salvation is the foundation upon which we can build a life of service, love and sacrifice.

3. Yes. Jesus was clear that the door to him was open to any who wanted to enter. He also didn't refuse to help or heal based on whether or not the person in need followed him. He healed and served regardless of belief. Compassion and love are not limited in Christ. Jesus does not want us to worry about who's 'in' or 'out' that's really His business, not ours. We're told to follow him and live as he did. Not easy, and yes, we'll mess up, miss the point and stumble often, but he's looking for hearts that are genuinely, truly seeking after him and seeking to live in a way that is pleasing to him, a way modelled by Jesus.

As i said, I'm answering from my Christian perspective, I'm really interested to see some answers from other faiths too. Thanks for a Great question

Answer 7

We Catholics believe that we need the Church to help us translate God's word. If we personally cannot learn all of the languages, study in depth all of the history of the Bible, taking in consideration the lifestyle and economy of the time, then we have to rely on something to help us do those things.

For that I trust the Church that Jesus left us and hold to the Sacraments that we have to keep us within the grace of God.

We are not supposed to impose our beliefs on others, there is no compulsion if Religion.

2. We are not to be focused on the next life, we are supposed to enjoy this life and follow God's Law. One big misconception of Religion is that we are bored and sad. Many of have found that we never found true happiness is sin, and have in faith. We should be concentrating on helping others on this earth, and follow the example of Jesus.

3. Religions should not be exclusive, I associate with all people I meet, if they are in need, I help them no matter what faith (If any) that they have.

Hope this helps!

Peace and God Bless!

Answer 8

You are correct ....to a degree.
Romans 1:20 says:
"His qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward."
So, yes, creation can instruct us about God.
At the same time, the same God had it written:
"Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, as some have the custom." Hebrews 10:24,25.
God, Himself, suggests meeting together.
Focusing on an after-life should help one endure the trials of this life, but one can go to the extreme.
Religion does create an in/out society.
So do clubs, companies, even political parties.
God acts in this manner as well.
Have you ever read 2 Corinthians 6:17?
" . . .get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says the Lord, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take YOU in."
It should not be looked upon as a negative thing.
God opens the door to everyone, but not everybody enters.
Thus we have the 'ins' and 'outs'.

Answer 9

I practice solitary but I still go to a UU church. I enjoy the company and community of people who think like I do.
I don't think you need elaborate rituals, but for some they help. They help me focus on what I am doing because I have to stop and think.
I don't focus on the afterlife. I just try to be true to myself and those around me. I want to be a nice and good person. Not because of the afterlife, because of this one.

Answer 10

A man (or woman) cannot give you your answers. Only their opinion. So my first comment is "trust no man," (look it up in the bible). That becomes a catch 22 for most people who rely on men for their spiritual understanding.

It sounds like you are easily swayed by catch phrases and clever arguments. My advice - throw out ALL your predispositions and religion based on the 'norm' and start with a 'broken spirit'.

Mainstream religion today is like politics - it panders to the people to be self-sustaining. True religion will rub up others the wrong way and go against society standards and morals. Who is prepared to go thru that?

Answer 11

tool i like your name it's like the bible "a tool" you can use

to find truth and error. jesus is everywhere that's why i don't

have the muslim faith cuz they have to pray to the east.

we gather cuz heb 25-27 says don't forsake the assembling

you're right many can't maintain their faith such as those

those who have to have INSTRAMENTAL MUSIC in their

service because that helps them praise. true worship needs

nothing but you and god hmmmmm peope that

need more don't really know him they need a show to feeeel

he's real. my church can practice under a treee or the middle

of the desert cuz we just need to praise him and not ourselves

therefore nothing gets in our way and nothing is needed to

show our faith to him

if we it were true chrsitians you could walk outside your

door start singing and FALL IN!!!! (thats a military term to

come together.)

worship praise and commune then give

now thats the church of christ