If you can be spiritual without being religious, why people cling to religion?

Question

Religion has always aliented people, and it is established that it has not withstood the test of ratonality. If you are compassionate and in harmony with laws of humanity, do you need religion? I feel human brain has developed enough and really does not need the deterrent of religion- a pre-historic tool to control man from wrongdoing. I want to build a community that shares this view strongly. Pl give contact details.

Answer 1

People gather & congragate, it's human nature. When a community of spiritual people, who believe the same thing, gather in one place to talk about that common spiritual belief, then you have a church & a religion. It's unavoidable.

Answer 2

Your query, quite frankly, makes no sense.

If religion has "always alienated people", then why is it that it's so popular? Furthermore, religious scholars (which you obviously are not) would most definitely beg to differ with your allegation that religion, in and of itself, is "a pre-historic tool to control man from wrongdoing." If that were so, a pacifist would say there is no logical reason for Gods of War, since War is wrong -- and Gods of War have existed for millennia. Furthermore, there are Gods who have positions as being "protectors of thieves" -- though theft has pretty much always been illegal.

Frankly, even for an Atheist, your argument is poor and has no basis in reality, history and fact. You just found an idea you liked and rather than researching that idea, insisted it was fact because you like it.

Answer 3

True religion will enable a person to be more spiritual.

Articles of Faith 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

A person may feel the promptings of the Holy Ghost (The Spirit) without being a member of the Church.
But if a person is baptized and receives the gift of the Holy Ghost they have the right to the CONSTANT companionship of the Holy Ghost (The Spirit) as long as they live worthy.

Also there are certain ordinances which are required for salvation. (such as baptism). A person might ask themself why Jesus was baptized if He had no sins. Jesus Christ had to show us a perfect example of what we were supposed to do...and even though He did not need baptism for remission of sins...He did need to teach us...and He has shown us and taught us by His words AND by His deeds that baptism is essential for our salvation.
There are also deeper truths taught by the ordinances of salvation: for example the symbolsim of baptism - the total immersion of a person under the water and then coming forth is symbolic of the resurrection that will take place - where a person is died and buried but later comes forth in the resurrection.

I would need to further elaborate on many of the claims you have made in the "details" (email me if you would like)
...to me, some statements seem like sweeping generalities (which probably have some truth in them - but are not 100% correct) for example about the "test of rationality"... I have found that some things which have not at first made sense to me - later on - after I had increased in knowledge and understanding have become more clear to me and actually do make sense...and are very rational...but until I gained that knowledge it did not appear to be rational.

Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

so anyway, as I continue to learn and keep an open mind, many of the things that God has for me have become more clear ---and it is apparent to me that God's thoughts and ways are far far superior to anything that I (or mankind) can understand.

Answer 4

While certain people within a religion may use it as a form of control religion itself is about community about being able to get together with like-minded people to explore their spirituality together. True you do not NEED religion to be spiritual but when used properly religion can be a great help on one's spiritual journey.

Answer 5

Atheism isn't a faith...is what atheists will say. yet i've got seen some fairly "religious" atheists. As for if atheists are extensive-unfold into the Boy Scouts, i've got heard of it occurring, and that i don't be attentive to that the Boy Scouts could discriminate against human beings of alternative religions.

Answer 6

Religion is flawed, man made rules and regulations on how to worship God. Some people have a tendency to cling to these stipulations. I suppose it gives them a feeling of order.

Christianity - on the other hand - is not religion. It is freedom from religion. We adhere to jesus teachings and principles and commandments of love God with all of your being and love your neighbor as yourself.

I attend a non denominational church (some call it a New Testament Church) based on Jesus teachings. No membership, no "contracts" to give money, no judgement on attendance (in fact I didn't go all summer). I go because I like to have fellowship w/ other believers, I like the music and it gives me a chance to understand the bible better. My church is freedom in a nutshell. No condemnation or judgment. No controlling or manipulating. I wear jean cutoffs & a tank top to church - clothing is not an issue. I feel truly blessed to have found a church like this.

Answer 7

This video may shed some light on the problem. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYlMEOGMAFY
Another problem is that religion gives people something beyond their own powers to hold on to and give easy explanations for what they can't comprehend themselves. I also agree that it's about time we let ratio rule. Religion may have it's evolutionary advantages, these days are clearly over, and is only counterproductive if we want to survive as a species.

Answer 8

i agree with you. Religion was a tool created by man to control other people; to force them into submission, and to frighten them into unconditional obedience. Many people cling to it today because that is how they were raised. And most of those people never bother to question these beliefs. They follow blindly, and because these beliefs are so ingrained. they are impervious to logic. It really is sad and scary. All people need to do is love and accept one another. But clearly the human race isn't ready for that.

Answer 9

Most people need socializing and fellowship with like minded believers. Most people do not understand what my sisters and brother believe and what our mission is however and it's best for all that we keep to ourselves because we can get more accomplished that way without explaining. It is essential we perform our functions to ensure program completion.

Answer 10

Laws of humanity are relative.

A cannibal is a moral person in his own culture.

The law of God is absolute.

Luke 10:26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.