Is religion so important?

Question

It places restrictions on your lives, forces inequality upon you and your friends and family, uses ficticious books to fool you into thinking of a fruity happy-life, wastes money on gold and churches when schools and hospitals could be built. There are so many cons to religion!

Places like Lincoln Cathedral rely on £50,000 a week donations to keep operational. £50,000 a week!

Answer 1

No, religion is not important to most people, only to those who cannot think or reason for themselves because they were brainwashed from the age of three years and it is difficult to erase knowledge when it is instilled in one so young.
Some people have to have something to believe in, they cannot stand for themselves they must be able to know that there is a higher being or whatever they call it, to rely on.
They are the original wimps of this world and will believe anything that will take responsibility from themselves onto the shoulders of stronger-minded people such as priests etc who are, because of what they are, control freaks with a ready and willing audience of weak-minded people to dictate to.

Answer 2

I'm pagan, I have no restrictions on my life, I find everyone equal and do not follow any book or anyones rules. I find out the information, and use that. We don't waste money building churches. I personally don't contribute to charities because I'm a student so don't have that much money. I do put old clothes etc into charity shops though.

Answer 3

I really don't think that you are being fair about what churches do for people. Do you know that there are mass exercises in feeding the homless by churches, or as you call them : Religions?

Did you know that there are many hospitals named after Saints? They are attempts to help people?

Did you know that there are outreaches that go to foriegn countries like Mexico, where they go to the most impoverished parts thereof and make it so that the families do not have to sleep on dirt?

Did you know that there are many Christian churches that turn off the computer, the TV, and the CD players and go out to children's hospitals and old folks homes just to visit them and keep them company?

Did you know that there are many Christian people who go to prisons and attempt to give those who have nothing, and had nothing but violence all their life a chance to hope for something good?

I could go on. What you see as waste is not waste at all. They are constantly trying to make the world a little better for those who are needy. And by stating your question the way you did, I find that you are not out there doing the same. Otherwise you would have met. So what are you doing for people that makes you seem so helpful?

Answer 4

Your so right recognized religion especially these TV evangelists are nothing more than con artists trying to get rich. Which they seem to be doing very successfully.

Expecting you to belive in pagan doctrines that was handed down to us from people who God condemed in ancient times.
It actually has nothing to do with the truth, is definitely not what the bible teaches and the worst thing it has done is turned people like yourself against God.

If Jesus was walking the earth today he would condem the religious leaders like he did 2000 years ago.
As being rich money lovers who keep the truth back from the honest hearted people who wanted to do God's will.
I look forward to a time when those persons will be done away with like they deserve.
When the simple truth of the bible will be allowed to be known.
Not lies told to us by people who are only interested in their own agenda.

Answer 5

Your sense of dissatisfaction with the ways of religion is justified. Actually hardly 10% of people on earth out of the believers, practise true and pure religion. They practice and follow some sort of rules etc made by different groups of people under the name of religion.

There are so many bad doctors, teachers, engineers financial institutions in the world. But we do not totally turn ourselves away from the people pracitising these professions. We try to find out a good doctor, teacher, engineer etc and get our work done. Similarly we have to apply the mind given to us by God to see which religion and religious group is serving God through following the principles of selfless service to mankind, animalkind and all others like plants on this earth. Who are following the principles of truth, sincerety honesty. And then join the group which is best in your eyes.

Religion so far as it means following principles of truth, honesty, and service to all is absolutely necessary for smooth functioning of this Universe. Otherwise we would soon kill each other, elope with others wives, daughters, torture innocents, cheat others and do what not. The world would hardly exist as a sane place to live in. But existing followers of various religions are not following the true religion of God. That is why there is so much pain, agony and suffering in this world.

It is upto to you to follow the true religion of God, follow the normal religions, become an atheist or keep aloof.

Answer 6

Even Peter drew his sword and cut of a soldiers ear, thinking he was protecting Christ. Jesus told Peter to put down his sword and Jesus restored the man's ear. It's true man has done some horrible things in the name of religion but I'm sure Christ would not approve of many of these things. Living a life with Christ is a very rewarding life that teaches us to weigh consequences and how our actions effect others. We enjoy healing sound counseling and a peace that passes all understanding. Religion is one thing but a personal relationship with Christ is AWESOME!!
YES SOPHIE!

Answer 7

Your question would hold more validity if your claims were valid.
The Christian Gospel says that all peope are equal (you say ineqality)
Christians established most of our early schools and hospitals.
Very few churches have much (if any) gold...mine certainly does not.
If you have to degenerate to unsubstatiated slander to back you point of view you must feel that ypu arew on shaky ground.

PS That 'fictitious book' was the inspiration for William Wilbeforce, Dr. Barnardo, 0laudah Equinao, etc. Not a bad track record!

Answer 8

If you want to get seed to grow something the you have to sow seed to get it. your question appears to be compassionate, but is actually very selfish. I don't believe that is what your intention is but don't you realize that these people are providing not just a cure for what ails the world but also a prevention. We often never know what the word of God does in someones life. We only hear about what it isn't doing. And that is because people don't listen to it.

Answer 9

That's just certain religions. I'm a Pagan and have no restrictions on my life. I don't go by any books or anyone's little rules. We don't waste money on building churches. Personally speaking, my husband and I contribute to local charities on a regular basis, with food, clothing items, and our own direct work with them.

Answer 10

That depends on your persepctive. You have a different opinion than I do. My belief in God and my faith is important to me because it gives me peace. It doesn't make me inequal. It makes me equal, for I believe that we are all the same.

DO you also believe that you ought not go to bars, clubs, buy yourself nice things, etc., so that schools and hospitals could be built? You could do without any luxuries or fun things and give that money to the poor and needy.
Many churches do use money to help out the poor and needy.

Sophie, I think, put it very well.

Live and let live! Allow those of us who are religious to have our opinions. Blessings to you in yours.