English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

How to believe in something in which you dont even know what it is? Why every religion is manipulative or used manipulatively? Why God cant be debated and questioned? Why religions dont evole to reflect science, culture and society?

2007-08-29 11:37:48 · 10 answers · asked by ohmshri 1 in Arts & Humanities Philosophy

10 answers

1. God is that which nothing greater can be thought.

2. Read St. Anselm for the primary reason God cannot be identified with the universe.

3. Read John Henry Newman's "Grammar of Assent" in regards to how judgements are made in regards to how to understand our apprehension of realities that are beyond our immediate experience.

4. In a finite world, any construct or system of conviction can be manipulative or used to manipulate-- this is the "mysterium iniquitatis" and poses far more reaching questions about the human condition, rather than the vercity of religious claims.

5. The existence and essential nature of God has been a source of debate for countless millenia-- consider Aquina's "Summa Theologica."

6. Religion does in face engage and reflect science, culture and society. Read Johyn Polkinghorne (science) Rene Girard (culture) and Alaisdair McIntyre (society.)

2007-08-29 12:14:10 · answer #1 · answered by Timaeus 6 · 0 0

The existence or non-existence of God is immaterial. "God" is a metaphor. One can argue that the metaphor may be expressed poorly in certain religious traditions (and I do), but metaphors are not things that "exist" per se or should be denied.

"How to believe in something in which you dont even know what it is?"

Belief in God doesn't matter. What matters is the belief that God is good.

"Why God cant be debated and questioned?"

Because there is nothing else but God. You don't debate or question what is--you simply have to accept it.

"Why religions don't evolve to reflect science, culture and society?"

They do, but we seem to have hit about a 2,000 year hiccup. It's time we start addressing that question.

It seems to me that oral traditions evolved as individuals influenced the telling of the tale over time. With the invention of written language, and later the printing press, the stories became inflexible and--over time--increasingly irrelevant. Distributed global culture (the Internet) may reverse that trend. Or culture may collapse into postmodern absurdity.

2007-08-29 19:06:32 · answer #2 · answered by Sabrina H 4 · 0 0

To believe in something when you don't even know what it is is called faith. All religion is, is man made rules. The reason people use religion to manipulate is because they crave power. LOL... This is why I don't believe in religion. I do however believe in a loving God. I also believe that God should not be a God of change. If he changed his mind with the times, how could you possibly put your faith or your trust in him? I personally wouldn't. If he was like that, then he'd be no greater than human.

2007-08-29 18:54:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

That is a great question. I believe it is based on the Judeao-Christian beliefs and traditions of religions. It is important to remember religion was born as a way to explain the mysteries of life. It can be said that because of the lack of technology certain things could not be explained in the early days of humanity, therefore religion was necessary to appease peoples fear of the unknown. It can also be said that religion exists as a way to control peoples beliefs, which reigns in anarchy and promotes a civilized society. We have now, in much of the world at least, an educated, civilized society which begs the questions how does god, religion and the universe fit together. Unfortunately most Judeao-Christian religions still remain in the dark ages of fear and oppression to try to force people to act against their nature (free will of choice) instead of enlightening them to their own nature. The Quaker faith and Buddhism lend themselves to a more enlightened view of self. However it is important to remember that you have created the entire world around you. You are free to debate god and religion. Whatever idea of god you conceive will be your reality.

2007-08-29 18:57:39 · answer #4 · answered by Christopher H 2 · 0 1

(I presume you meant "universAL" in your question)

Regardless of what deity (or deities) one believes in (or not!), I assure you that people will believe without having the need for physical evidence, just as I can assure you that there will be debate and questions concerning religion until the end of time (or whenever the Big Guy gets tired of people using His name in vain!). ;)

And, finally, the non-orthodox of any religion most certainly believe in science along with their religion (as for modern "culture" and "society", it is getting harder for me to believe what I see and hear on a daily basis, so maybe it's better not to include those in religion; and, yes, I know what you meant!).

If G-d believes in us, I'm sure there's room in his heart for everyone! I'd also question any religion that says G-d is only for "them" (that's gonna stir up a hornet's nest 'round here, wouldn't you say?) ;)

2007-08-29 19:02:33 · answer #5 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0 0

Religions are only interpretations of God expressed in people's lives. They are maps are that are all pointing to the same thing. Unfortuantely people get so hung up on their own "map" that they begin to lose the bigger picture. We are all playing a part in the same grand scheme. God is defined by people as male or female, and indentified as outside of ourselfs, rather than and expression of all that is, simply because its easier to logically understand that way. People like God to be logical and orderly, and thats where religions come into play. :)

2007-08-29 18:45:37 · answer #6 · answered by gardedms 1 · 1 2

when you get on a plane, you have faith it is going to land, that is faith you cant see it , but you know that is for real, well god is in your heart, spirt, soul, and you need to find him he is right there, walking with you. talk to god, read about god, god is real believe me , just look at the beautiful , sky, ocean, at some flowers, nature, a beautiful animal, he is everywhere, and when you look up at the universe, pray to god and he will hear you.

2007-08-29 18:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by Warm_Hearted 2 · 2 1

It's not the religion itself, it's the people behind it that are corrupt.

2007-08-29 18:44:38 · answer #8 · answered by James Bond 6 · 2 1

there is Bible that tells why u live on earth and i bealive it

i think the 1st answer above should be delited

2007-08-29 18:42:57 · answer #9 · answered by Lilka 3 · 0 3

You start with a false premise - there is no god.

2007-08-29 18:49:31 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3 4

fedest.com, questions and answers