My whole life my parents never really had my siblings and I go to church and practice a religion. I just wonder sometimes if I'm missing out on something that's really important. Is it important to have a religion? I don't really understand the whole idea of it because, as I've said, I never experienced it. Any thoughts on this?
2007-06-20 08:23:18 · 55 answers · asked by Dani Marie 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Wow, this is opening so many things to me. Though now I'm a bit more confused...
2007-06-20 08:46:20 · update #1
it's not bad to not be religious...it's all about personal preference. Some people find religion because they feel like they are missing something. If you feel content in your life, then your life is fine.
2007-06-20 08:26:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I think "religion" as most of us know it is really bad and does much more harm than good. Religion and belief are two different things, however.
People go to church so they can be with other people, so they can feel like they're "good", because they feel like they ought to go, etc. Most of these people go thru all the rituals - the singing, the things they're supposed to say, the way they're supposed to look etc. and never REALLY take a critical look at what they believe and why.
I believe this is true of athiests as well (and yes, I think athiesm is a religion that requires faith). Most of them don't have a clue why they believe what they do and they are more than willing to call others "ignorant" if they don't believe the same way, but can't tell you the reasons they believe there's no god.
I think it's better to NOT be religious, but I believe it's a tragedy to go thru life believing what someone else told you to believe and to not think critically about the world around you.
The best advice I can give you is to do your own research, see what makes sense to you, and know why you believe what you believe.
2007-06-20 09:17:41 · answer #2 · answered by getaclueppl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To many people in society confuse religion with morality. If you feel that your a morally sound person but still feel something is missing, Sure, give church a try. It may just be that you need a connection with other people. Doesn't have to be religious in nature, just more human interaction. But No, your not bad for not being religious. If anything your better off to make the choice on your own than to have had religion force fed to you your entire life. Be yourself, be nice to others and respect others views, but most of all respect yourself and your sense of morality.
2007-06-20 08:38:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion can open minds. It can also close them.
You might have missed out on something, but you may also be more open to practice other religions. Whether parents intend this or not, the fact that they take their children to the same church all through their childhood is a form of brainwashing. Such children are never really given a chance to decide which religion to practice. Or if they are given the chance, it's at a young enough age that any child would do what his/her parents were doing.
2007-06-20 08:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by Buying is Voting 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
As I've said several times before- you do not need religion. You do not have to go to church, you do not have to be religious, you do not have to believe in anything. There are people who do need religion because they are not intellegent enough to find there own morals and values so they need a religion to tell them those things, but intellegent people can discover and choose morals and values for themselves without the help of religion. You are not missing out on anything except learning about fiction, which you can do by just reading. It is not important to have a religion because you really don't need one if you're smart enough.
2007-06-20 08:35:38 · answer #5 · answered by Karin-chan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't help that you weren't raised in church. Jesus is Lord and Savior of the world. Visit some churches (Baptist, Methodist, etc.) and find where you fit best. Pray about it to Jesus and he will lead you. My family and I have just joined a new Southern Baptist church and it is wonderful. Being a Christian is more than being religious. The first step is the hardest to make to belong to Christ and the Church. Find a Church filled with the Holy Spirit. You will feel it if God is part of the Church.
2007-06-20 08:31:15 · answer #6 · answered by DW 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a catholic and i haven't been in a catholic church since they baptized me so... :) cheers! i don't think it's something bad to remain outside the so called 'religions' they have today since they show very distorted ideas about the real nature of what reality is. I think none of the knowledge that man-made religion has can offer truth so i say just enjoy life and do whatever you feel that you should do.
2007-06-20 08:37:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes you are missing out on something important. It is great that you are asking questions. Do not be embarrassed or shy. Religion can be a glorious thing. Go ahead, join a church or a youth group. Or maybe find a local minister or priest and ask questions. That is why they are there. I wish you great joy in your new venture.
2007-06-20 08:29:04 · answer #8 · answered by NANCY J 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's kinda like going to a football game. No matter if you like sports or not, you find yourself cheering for "your" team. There is an undeniable uplifting experience in going along with the group and becomming elated by it. It can be dangerous, however, when that group turns into a riot. In a group, or a religion, you could find yourself doing things you never thought you would, both very good, and sometimes very evil.
2007-06-20 08:27:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think you are growing up and are questioning things. That's very cool.
Why don't you go to church sometime and see what you think?
You might also talk to some of your friends who HAVE been to church and see what they think and how they feel. There are lots of different churches and religions. Look at them all and see what you like. I wish you the best of luck.
I am a Christian and have always been, but I am interested in Wicca as well. Some of their beliefs are cool, IMO.
2007-06-20 08:41:40 · answer #10 · answered by batgirl2good 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Being "religious" is not necessarily a good thing. It brings to mind a set of rules and rituals. Rules and rituals are all around us and have absolutely nothing to do with God. It is a good thing, in my humble opinion, to be "spiritual." It brings to mind a connection with a higher spirit. There is something to be said about organized religion, especially when it comes to children or lazy people (like myself). Going to church on specific days and having organized prayer disciplines and teaches you. It also connects you with other people who may share your beliefs and we all like a sense of connection. I have several friends who have grown up like you did and they lament the same thing. It's tough. I admire your desire to know more (whether it is religion or tofu) and wish I could do more to help you. The most practical piece of advice I can offer is to go to a bookstore and look for a readable Bible. There are lots of different styles - they are all okay - the one you choose needs to be understandable to you. If you are thinking about different religions or would just like to learn about them you could buy their respective books. For Judaism (Jewish) it would be the Torah, for Islam (Muslim) is would be the Koran. I am not sure about others, but a clerk should be happy to assist. If you are not ready to commit (buy) then check them out at your local library.
A book that really enhanced my outlook on religion and spirituality is The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer.
Blessings to you.
2007-06-20 08:40:35 · answer #11 · answered by stitcherbitcher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋