How do you respond to the following: "Religion is solely an emotional response to life's brevity & mystery."?

Answer 1

I agree.

Answer 2

I don't think religion is solely an emotional response to life's brevity and mystery, but that's the base of it. The philosophical and literary aspects of religions are draped over this basic emotional response.

Answer 3

Emotional response - agree
Solely - not so much.

It seems to me to be primarily an emotional response (and a powerful one at that - we've all seen people who put their relationship with God above their relationship with family). I don't think thats the only thing that religion is, so I can't go with solely. Unfortunately I'm gonna penguin out, and not go into the other aspects. Maybe later in the day, after more coffee.

Answer 4

I would tend to agree, the basic use for ancient religions were to explain the unexplainable. The Chinese believed the sun was swallowed by a dragon every night, because it disappeared. The Egyptians believed their god Seth controlled wars and battles, thus explaining why some battles were lost for apparently random reasons. Christians believed men were in control because they were biologically more apt, they were the 'image of god' and the woman merely a part of them. Then religions moved on to moral codes. The commandments were things that were not illogical, they were what most people at the time would have considered normal actions of decent people. And the threat of displeasing god is simply a way to make the commandments obeyed.

As Marx said, "Religion is the opiate of the masses."

Answer 5

I would agree that life is brief and mysterious, but there are much more than emotions at work when it comes to faith and spirituality.
I believe that faith is ultimately a means of seeking a meaningful existence through the knowledge that we were, in fact, created by a force much bigger than we can comprehend. But even so, we can strive to understand.
Although some may conclude that life is simply an accident, I find this answer to be unfulfilling.

Answer 6

The one who says that is very empty and likely does not realize it.

Religion formed because Divinity (God) exists and we want a better relationship and unerstanding. Those who have had a direct personal experience have told others...that second hand knowledge becomes beliefs and are institutionalized and become religion.

Even Christianity was not originally a religion...it was some Jews with a different experience. What they taught were codified/institutionalized and became Christianity.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 7

I respond by saying truth and emotion are exclusive to one another. My perceived emotion to life's brevity and mystery dose not change truth. What we must search for is truth and leave our emotions and pride behind. The bible says:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
If one wants to find the truth it is available. The problem is our pride get in the way because we do not want to submit to truth because it forces us to change and leave our comfortable lives.

Answer 8

It's an emotional response, yes. But I think there's more to it than just brevity and mystery. Need to feel safe, need to be guided, etc...

Answer 9

I can see that but I'm more of a "Religion was created to control the masses." type myself. Go against the grain and someone is quickly trying to "fix" you, get you back in line, and telling you you're wrong.

Why is that? I doubt very much that they fear for your eternal soul but rather they themselves are afraid of considering bucking the system and being outcast. Being shut out is a fear I still have and with good reason. Of the 4 people from my "real life" that I have told some of my struggle with religion to, 1 hasn't spoke to me since, 1 doesn't ever wish to speak of it again, 1 is trying to "fix" me and only 1 accepts me as I am but only after serious communication (thankfully that one ended up being my husband).

Answer 10

It's typical of some people's approach to religion. I suggest they decrease the amount of emotion and start utilizing more common-sense and above all, develop critical thinking skills. I'm pretty sure the Eternal One doesn't want a bunch of over-emotionally charged zealots representing Him on the earth.

Answer 11

I think thats a sad misguided way of thinking. However Religion might just be that. A personnel relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ isn't however. I mean come on Christians are persecuted everyday for their beliefs and will in the end (if they are not taken in the Rapture) will be beheaded for them. I think that simplying it to make us all feel warm and fuzzy is way off base.