Do you think religion is necessary to have a better life?

Question

why? and why not?

Answer 1

Religions regulate life. They set a series of norms and put you on some kind of leash which keeps you from going astray.
But in any religion there are dogmatic issues. You have to see that they do not become a bane and do not chain you to an extend as to render you bigoted, short sighted, and selfish. The idea behind a religion is to give a kind of universalism and ennoble the spirit.

Answer 2

We all at one point or another need God, when we cannot confide to anyone when there is a major problem we cannot handle alone, Telling the Lord, our problems helps us to have confidence that whatever the problem is having God, at our side makes us feel secure that he is always there for us. I know that there are persons that do not believe that there is a God, or his Word which is the Bible, but I am living proof that he has always been there for me. I have been in a lot of accidents in my lifetime that if I did not believe that God, was with me, I would not have been here to tell it. I am a sixty five year old woman, who to this day has not seen a Doctor because I do not need to, the only reason I have seen Doctors was when I was unconscious, from the accidents I have been involved in, and could not make decisions on my own. So, I do think it is necessary, to have Faith.

Answer 3

Religions have been with us for as long as we can remember. The older ones tend to be more conservative and stringent. The newer ones are adaptations to the times and hence, tend to be more relevant and dynamic.

I do think religion has a role in providing guideposts to good living. But unfortunately, too many people are not able to choose the religion that is best suited to their own needs and makeup. Sometimes, they get stuck into believing what their parents and grandparents had long been believing, preventing them from naturally internalising or relating to a belief system that would best suit their style and hence become effective.

For religion to be an effective moral grounding and guidepost, it must be a product of one's choice, even if that choice is made only at the time when one reaches the age of reason and discernment.

Answer 4

I think it depends on the person. Some folk need the stability and certainty you get with following a religion, for others that is not the way they wish to live.

I've never had a religion my entire life, if there's a divine power then we have yet to be introduced, But I am happy, I live my life according to my deeply held moral beliefs and general love and optimism with which I great each day and new even in my life. I don't need a religion to be at peace with myself and my world.

But again, that is just me.

Answer 5

I agree with the other 2 answers. However, some people feel it is necessary. They need the convictions set upon them. They need to think there are severe punishments for there actions. Others find peace and love there. I believe in the bible. I can see both good and bad effects from peoples opinions and actions they say are based on various religions. Including people who say they believe in the bible. It's each persons choice. Any way the answer is people can live good, quality, healthy, happy, etc. lifestyles with or without religion. It's based on their own morals and characteristics.

Answer 6

If religion has to do with coping with life - and I think it does - it certainly needs to be addressed. I'd say religion can't be eliminated from any consideration of improving life. It concerns ultimate origins and ends, and our conduct in between. To throw this field of inquiry away is about as bright as a black hole.

The problem many people have with "religion" is that it can be wielded dogmatically. In yer face, buddy. Well, the same thing happens with "philosophy." In both cases, there's an answer held up uncritically and maintained as an intolerant standard. The original questions are forgotten. Reading Augustine's Confessions is seeing a truly fierce intellect set in motion. We could be more like him in that way.

Answer 7

No, it's all down to what you want from life, and what you do in order to get it - plus some luck along the way may help. Couple this with flexibility, so that you can change plans or your behavior to get what you feel is important from life, and to live with respect for yourself and others.

You can have morality and outstanding values without religion too. These are always a personal choice. A high moral code is likely to earn respect from others, leading to more peace along the way. Don't wait for a better afterlife, assume this maybe what you have and love it now.

Answer 8

Yes no matter what religion it is. All religion teach us good things. We must have a basic principles in our life start from how to take care / love each other in our life. Most of religion books are well described on the living ways. Just adopt the good one and ignore away those things that you think is not suitable to you.

Answer 9

No, it's about your relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not about religion. Surrender your life, let him lead the way he will never leave you nor forsake you. The bible is a great book for our life answers. And all the issues we have to deal with now, are in the bible and it tells you how to handle them. God knows the intentions of your heart. It's about direction not intention that gets you somewhere though. So make sure your intention lines up with your direction.

Answer 10

Religion is a part of my life, but not my entire life. If we use the accepted definition of what a "better life" in our western society is then yes just as food, water, companionship, love, hate, fear, joy and a sense of "oneness" all are part of our "better life." However, leave western society and very little of what I said above applies. Once again, the answer is yes, but my answer includes all the aspects of life outlined above.