I'll occasionally get into a debate with a True Believer of some sort and the topic will turn to empirical proof of religion. I'll ask something like "how come you can't faith-heal an amputee under laboratory conditions" or something like that. Often, the person's defense is that it really does come down to faith and nothing else.
So, if it's ultimately faith, why not have faith in a religion of your own making? Why not start a fun religion where kinky, non-procreational sex is encouraged and where smoking maryjane is a sacrament? Why not a religion where the deity is a smiling guy named "Bob" and where every day is a holy day and a paid holiday? Why not just dump all that grim hellfire 'n' brimstone stuff and believe in a nice, fun religion instead?
2007-10-03 19:23:31 · 16 answers · asked by crypto_the_unknown 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I would believe in my own religion if I could get the tax break.
2007-10-03 19:35:48 · answer #1 · answered by Quincy S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion fulfills a spiritual need than many seem to find indispensable. It is not something trivial like going to a movie or a vacation. Nor is it something you only "see" when you are stoned -- that may hint at something transcendent, but it is only a hint. Tell you what. Go out to the countryside on a dark night with no city or street lights to mask the stars in the sky. Then look at that sky in silence -- don't talk to your friends, who should also watch in silence. No radio please. After half an hour, it will be a near miracle if you did not ask yourself some question about your own existence and that of the universe, a small part of which you saw up there. I don't know what that question will be, but it carries the meaning of "transcendence" better than the dry dictionary meaning you see. Then come back and ask us about religion before you mock it.
Most important. If you decide to join any religion, please remember there are many different but equally valid paths to the ultimate reality, so be tolerant and inclusive.
2007-10-03 19:42:49 · answer #2 · answered by Norm 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Faith and religion are 2 different things.
Faith>the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Faith is also trust that God is God and that He will always be there for you and He will keep His promises to us. Faith is believing with out always seeing.
religion> a group of people who believe the same way or have the same faith.
So you can make any religion you want to with a group of people, but that is just a religion (man made) not faith.
Yes a man made religion would be easier to follow but not as rewarding in the spirit and in life as a true faith in God.
You have the right to not believe in that "hell fire and brimstone stuff" that is your choice, but I choose to follow the one true God.
2007-10-03 19:57:20 · answer #3 · answered by jenx 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That’s where Baal worship and many other earlier pagan worship come in. Much of their worship had to do with having orgies and prostitution in the name of their gods (demons). It’s the reason for temple prostitutes.
The quality of the result of believing in something is contingent upon the object of one’s worship, not the worshipper or the faith of the worshipper. If one “believed in” marijuana or kinky sex as a god, or based his religion on them, then one will most definitely be enslaved by those things. If one believes in God, he would also be “enslaved” to God. The difference is, however, marijuana and kinky sex are fun for a moment, but very destructive. God, on the other hand, is only AWESOME and eternally so!!!
2007-10-03 19:39:35 · answer #4 · answered by Jedidiah 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Empirical data for an journey? The Divine (in spite of the fact which you prefer to call it) is an experiential component no longer a actual component. you may no longer get a analyzing of your reports. you may now get a readout of your brainwaves, yet that's no longer the journey in straightforward terms your reaction to the journey. I even have had what I call a communion with the Goddess. i became on a spiritual intense for 2 months. I enjoyed the finished international and all and sundry in it. you may in straightforward terms have faith in some thing you fairly have faith it. all and sundry's journey is valid and fully unique. you do no longer ought to have faith in something i do no longer care what you pick to do. If a theory device is stable it is going to "undergo stable fruit". all and sundry believes some thing even in spite of the fact that if it fairly is not something. Blessed be.
2016-10-10 06:47:48 · answer #5 · answered by giardina 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very nicely expressed idea. The thing is, people already do that. They tailor the broad canopy of their religion and augment it with their personal views. Taking one Christian and comparing them to another, you'll find many differences of opinion about major concepts. Ideas concerning reincarnation spring to mind.
And yeah, your kinky ideas probably fall under the guise of hedonism. And if the plebs weren't driven to fear the brimstone, how can you sell them salvation?
2007-10-03 19:33:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
heres the real question. are THEY a 'true believer'?
some of the people that are so caught up in their 'religion' are making their own gods and worshipping them. they just go through the motions and try to look good, but they arent getting anything from it. but does your god heal you? have you seen miracles? I know I have. People with broken hands, missing eyes, paralyzed, blind, deaf, and handicapped-ive seen it happen. I know it is real, because I have it too. My God supply's all my needs, and He wishes me to prosper and be in health. My life is a blessed one, and I am thankful for it.
2007-10-03 19:32:51 · answer #7 · answered by artgurl_1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could do that sir if you want to...however it wouldn't be the truth now would it...what it all boils down to is what is the truth, because in the end that is all that matters. The truth is the truth is the truth and it matters not who believes in it or who doesn't believe in it...it is still the truth. I believe that GOD the FATHER sent HIS only begotten SON, JESUS CHRIST to pay the sin debt for the world with the sacrifice of HIMSELF on the cross. I also believe that as the bible declares, who ever receives HIM has eternal life.
Know JESUS Know eternal life....no JESUS no eternal life.
Choose CHRIST AND LIVE...
2007-10-03 19:35:03 · answer #8 · answered by wordman 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You have missed the point. The reason for religion is because the alternative is doing what you suggest *your own thing)
2007-10-03 19:28:09 · answer #9 · answered by Darrel H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patrickism is the newest craze. Not only does it drop the hellfire and brimstone stuff, it also drops the whole god problem.
2007-10-03 19:27:45 · answer #10 · answered by Patrick 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋