Honestly, How big of a role does Religion play in your life?

Question

Going to mass or church one day a week isn't being relgious.
Do you read the Bible everyday, and actaully practice what you learn?
Do you smoke, get drunk, agree with abortion, go to wars, steal,etc. even though the Bible says not to?
I find alot of people claim they are religious, but don't even know the first or last book of the Bible.

So really, HOW BIG OF A ROLE DOES RELIGION PLAY IN YOUR LIFE?

Answer 1

When I'm not ill I have 5 hours of meetings and alot of studying so I put my whole heart and soul into being a JW

Answer 2

It plays a large role in my life. Literally, there isn't a day when I'm not affected by it. However, if you're suggesting that people who are pro-choice and so forth can't be religious, then I suppose you wouldn't consider me religious either. I take a somewhat leftist view of my Christianity, and always have. Oh, I know the first and last book of the Bible, but don't go to a church that demands that I take the Bible literally. I believe that Scripture is important, but there are also two other very important factors to consider: tradition and reason. Reason tells me that just because I'm a Christian, I don't necessarily have to subscribe to the right-wing, evangelical Christian party line. My stance as a pacifist grew directly out of my religious convictions. You're right about one thing: going to Mass once a week isn't enough. That's why the Church (and life in general) provides so many opportunities for practicing Christian charity, love, and kindness. Charitable treatment of our fellow humans is a core part of my religion.

Answer 3

Not at all, other then when it is infused into law and other facets of society. It serves me no purpose at this time, and I doubt it ever will. I can't see it enhancing my life in any way. From where I am sitting, religion seems to cause more conflict between people than any other aspect of humanity, so it would be very hard to convince myself it is a good thing. On the otherhand, those who do feel religion is important to them, that's fine to. I have no judgment against those who believe in some form of religion, as long as they don't force it onto me, and judge my character.

Answer 4

Actually more of a philosophy than a religion:

Practising Theravada Buddhist here.

Walking the Eightfold Path takes place in the present, here and now. It is a daily moment by moment experience in mindfulness.

Humans are the most marvelous beings who are capable of amazing activities. The Buddha says that man is his own master. He is His own Lord. Whatever a man is, he is so by virtue of his own deeds, good or bad or both. In other words, the actions performed by him follow him like a shadow. Man is what he does and he becomes what he thinks to be. Therefore, man is responsible for his pollution or purification. He is the cause of happiness as he is the cause of suffering.

The Buddha summarizes his teachings thus: abstaining from evil deeds, doing good and purifying the mind, is the teaching of all the Buddhas.

So the core of Buddhism is to purify the mind and to be alert lest any bad thought like greed, anger, hatred etc. come to our mind. As they appear, we must realize it and mindfully stop it and, that is what we call Right(skillful) Effort (samma vayama) in Buddhism.

Greed, Anger and Hatred are the enemies that everyone must subdue. Most of the ills of the world today have stemmed by giving free play to our emotions of greed, anger and hatred.

With the increase of these qualities people are engaged in crimes and unworthy activities; Even murdering and committing suicide. Such crimes are increasing day after day. So what could be the answer to these problems?

Well, one must understand that a mind with such qualities is in an impure and unhealthy state.

Meditation (bhavana) is the best way to purify our mind. A meditative mind is always calm and serene and with such a mind one develops positive emotions like loving-kindness, compassion, equanimity and enthusiastic joy.

The true nature of the world; impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and soullessness becomes very clear to him. He understands the reality as it is and thus leads a very content and a simple life.

Buddhism is the only religion that encourages not just the giving up of evils and accumulating good - it also teaches the purification of one's own mind, which is the root of all evil and good, the cause of both suffering and true happiness.

Mindfully Walking the Noble Eightfold Path is the most important role in a Buddhists Life. Doing so, enables the Buddhist to Do No Harm to any living being and to live Peaceably with all beings.


With Metta (loving-friendliness).

.

Answer 5

Religion is an annoyance to me. People could be spending their time on more contstructive things and accomplishing things, instead they choose to waste time in church or Sunday school when they don't even know the real reason they are there they just go there because their parents made them.

Answer 6

a huge role. i try to read the bible everyday, i try to follow Jesus example even though i fail at times. i attend meetings 3 times a week mostly ( less in summer because that is when i work) i would like to think it effects who i am.

Answer 7

I do NOT go to church every week.

I LIVE my religion. I do not smoke, I hate the taste of alcohol, I pray every day, I do not steal, kill, or hurt other people intentionally. I do my best to help others and to be kind. Although I do not read the Bible every day, I LIVE my faith.

SO yes, GOD plays a HUGE part in my life.

Thanks for your kind concern.


I do have a question for you: Do you treat others as you want to be treated? Do you judge others?
Genesis.....Revelation

Answer 8

I live my life according to the Bible. That's God's Word as to how we are to live anyway. He has the right to tell us how to live it because He made us.

Answer 9

I don't need religion to lead a satisfying, fulfilling life.

Liesel.

Answer 10

None. I realized that after years of going to church that it had no meaning.