2007-07-28 08:51:11 · 16 answers · asked by NHBaritone 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Define "successful." I'll try to answer anyway.
Some responded with "Buddhism" and received two thumbs down. He was, however, quite correct. Buddhism does not concern itself with getting people to fight, nor with getting to Heaven, nor with worshiping God, nor with... etc. Buddhism merely shows a path to escape the suffering of the world for the INDIVIDUAL. There is such a thing as "cultural Buddhism," wherein people believe in such notions as reincarnation. This is not a NECESSITY of Buddhism, as, once again, it does not concern itself with such matters. Furthermore, it does not demand of you that you seek enlightenment; that is your own choice and your own (potential) problem if you do not. Now, you could say that Buddhism is more philosophy than religion, but that's begging the point here.
I believe Hinduism COULD match the criteria, but I have to admit ignorance on this. Certainly, Hinduism has caused many problems in itself, but it, too, seeks a oneness with a greater force, which is not accomplished through violence. This is more of a religion than Buddhism, but there is still a heavy emphasis for people on the culture of the areas in which it is popular.
This leaves religions such as Wicca, Paganism, and the like. I know the least of these, but they truly seem peaceful, focusing on the individual's harmony with nature and often with other people.
Humans are imperfect creatures; thus, even with "perfect" ideas, they will make mistakes. This does not release from responsibility such religions as Christianity and Islam, however, which, despite advocating love in various scriptures, yet propose violence and suggest that their way is the ONLY way.
The religions guilty of the "us vs. them" mentality are almost always monotheistic, while those which concern themselves with greater principles tend to be either polytheistic or, as some people like to call it, "apatheistic" (not concerned with the existence of God or gods). Polytheistic religions often propose that their various gods are merely a part of something greater, some grand concept of unity and/or love, as in Hinduism. Please note that I am not asserting the evils of ALL monotheistic religions, nor the goodness of ALL polytheistic/"apatheistic" religions.
I tend to think that the world is growing more and more divided between those who think they alone are right and those who think that it doesn't matter or that everyone is right in some way, with the latter group growing in size but still paling in comparison to the former. While it is inevitable, I fear what may happen as the "us vs. them" religions become more and more extreme in reaction to the changing world...
2007-07-28 15:50:26 · answer #1 · answered by Skye 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Gnostic and we do not judge others or their beliefs. We are not a "successful religion" because we are the thems who were destroyed by the uses. Like the south we are rising again. Also the Buddhists do not judge others.
2007-07-28 16:50:19 · answer #2 · answered by Ray T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try the Society of Friends, aka The Quakers.
One of their main teachings is that there is something "of God" in everybody.
I went to their meetings for years and I never heard a devisive word spoken against another religion or person.
They're Christian, don't get me wrong. But they're not narrow and DEFinitely not fundamenatlist. They're really cool
2007-07-28 15:57:25 · answer #3 · answered by Acorn 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No, there isn't. Religions are institutions influenced by men too much, even if they are intended to honor their respective deities. Check out www.notreligion.com for some answers if you're looking for something without that "US vs. THEM" framework.
2007-07-28 15:56:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are no truly successful religions, especially if your marker is the percentage of the world's population. Then again, if you read religion with the full definition I would easily state that the Crafts are that religion you ask of.
2007-07-28 16:05:36 · answer #5 · answered by Terry 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Luci is correct (and apparently very cute, too...)
Hindus consider all viewpoints to be perfectly acceptable.
Soto Zen Buddhism also "accepts" everything and everybody, since the basic precept of Soto is that "things are exactly as they are".
2007-07-28 16:03:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes... Vile Temtationalism!
2007-07-28 15:54:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'll answer you with another question: Is there a successful religion that DOES?
2007-07-28 15:54:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes- Roman Catholic
2007-07-28 16:36:53 · answer #9 · answered by johnnydominic 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you have to rely on individuals for that, too many people have corrupted the different religions
2007-07-28 15:54:19 · answer #10 · answered by mianjo413 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋