As I understand it, religion/spirituality/belief is just part of human nature. Now I wasn't raised in a religious family so I wasn't indoctrinated into any religion. I have a very hard time understanding religion.
There are people in this world killing each other because they don't agree on the proper way to worship the invisible man in the sky. Religion tends to be exclusivist (only WE are going to Heaven, etc.) Religion divides and causes hate.
And what's really strange is that if someone asks me if I believe in God and I say no, they act like I'm crazy.
Am I really crazy because I don't believe in an invisible man that lives in the sky and wants to punish people who don't hate themselves?
2007-10-21 05:38:28 · 23 answers · asked by John J 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't think so. But then again, I'm a sane person.
2007-10-21 05:42:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's too bad your experience with "religious" folks has been less than desirable. Most religions are confusing because the don't have the truth and they then are not only teaching false dogma, they also try to make truth out of what is not. No matter how persistent you may be, 1 + 1 can never equal 3 or 4 of itself.
Take for example the Bible. It was translated by those with unrighteous intentions. Making it say what they want. Luckily this is not entirely the case and they translated some of it correctly. Still, the Bible cannot stand alone (II Corinthians 13:1), it has to have a companion or more in order to make a case.
Not all people have a prejudice towards folks who do not believe in God.
Whether you believe in "an invisible man that lives in the sky" or not you still may be "crazy".
In any case...
OUT
2007-10-21 05:59:40 · answer #2 · answered by Peter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For one, I think you have the wrong idea of what God is. He is not some "invisible man" who lives in the sky. It's a misconception a lot of people have and they always go on that snobby story of not being from a religious home. So does millions of other people, but that doesn't limit there understand of what the soul purpose of religion is.
Secondly, how can you expect to understand something when you don respect it by saying some man in the sky? I don't know any religious doctrine that states God being in the sky. If someone is truly out to understand a religion or the purpose of religion, they would seek ways to finding the answers by getting the solutions from a higher education. I also don't any any religion that states their God want to punish people. That is the whole point of believing in a God. To finding perfection though a supernature being that no man can live up to.
Lastly, Man, not religion has corrupted religion by using their own autonomy to speak for them. Its out of selfishness that the word is corrupted not God.
2007-10-21 05:59:30 · answer #3 · answered by Reese 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't think you're crazy. I'm a Christian and I wonder why religious people do the same things. I'm Catholic and most protestants find fault with the way I worship, to the point where they say if I don't change then I'll go to hell ... like I'm not Christian. Pentecostals claim that speaking in tongues is proof that your are a Christian and if you don't do this then you are lost. Fundamentalists shake their finger at everyone and chastise them if they don't believe as they do. You won't get to heaven if you don't believe as they do ... and so it goes on.
It's no wonder people on the outside looking at the Christian way of life are confused or discouraged from believing. If we, as Christians, won't accept the fact that other Christians who belong to a different denomination are indeed our brothers and sisters in Christ then how can we expect others to take us seriously? The Gospel message will not only suffer but it will be looked upon with disrespect and scorn.
Believe me people, the Christian message is one of hope and love for everyone. Don't get discouraged by those who preach and teach a very negative and condemning gospel message. They may be sincere in what they are saying but have little knowledge of the true Gospel message. You are hearing a message that is very restricted and mundane at the best.
Give yourself time to study the Christian message, no matter what label it has on it. There is no question in my mind you will be rewarded for it all the rest of your days. The Gospel message is one of love. Love is more precious than any riches this world can offer. Find love and develop it in your life and you will be happy all the rest of your days ... no matter what life sends your way. Believe it, trust it, test it. See for yourself.
2007-10-21 06:25:47 · answer #4 · answered by tbolt63 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was born and raised Christian. I always had an appreciation for freedom and individuality. Unlike most Christians I actually read the bible and did it without trying to interpret it. The Bible and most other religious books, if you actually read them, declares to be a historical document. In fact the most protected books in history. It was the only way to carry historical writings through thousands of years was to protect it by the declaration of spiritual divinity.
These books were meant to be a tool, historical data as it was seen at the time to be understood by others so they would not repeat the mistakes. Reference to slavery and defiance, genocide and peace, unity and individuality. Eventually these faiths became something controlled by man and it became religion. You were forced to go to church to enter a good place after death. You were forced to do and say things because the church demanded it.
I was never one to follow religion, I followed my own faith which was based on what I perceived to be true based on what I knew of history and humanity. I believe in God, but not in the same form 80% of the world does. I rely in one solid statement in almost every religious document, we were created in the image and mind of God. God is invisible and does not control our daily lives directly. Shouldn't we be the same? If God doesn't control religion, why should we? Remember the tower of Babel? These humans were separated because they tried to create a unified race under a controlled religion trying to seek right to enter heaven under their own rules.
So no, you're not crazy. Religion is controlled by humanity and its sick and twisted desire for power. Faith is something that lay dormant in our heart. I believe there is a God that loves all of us because it's a common want in every person. We all want something more than just this life and we all believe it's there. It's just through the misconception of a broken humanity that we find ourselves killing for what we believe is the right answer. People are so scared of going to hell they will kill each other so their belief is right.
A human would destroy a nation for their God. Even if that command doesn't come from God, but from a man who claims to represent God. I tell you this, since when did God need someone to speak for him? He tried that once, I believe that guy was called Jesus... didn't work out so well.
2007-10-21 06:01:09 · answer #5 · answered by computerqfl 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You're not alone, but you are vastly outnumbered. I'm no atheist, but I am agnostic and can't figure out the point of religion whether or not there is a god.
I think a lot of people need religious structure to find a place in the world, and I'm not going to judge them for it just because I don't understand it.
2007-10-21 05:50:42 · answer #6 · answered by reignofcheese 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the sad thing is, you do understand religion.
I dont have a religion and yet I am spiritual. There is a big difference. I believe in God but not their religious God. The God I believe in doesnt live up in the sky, he/she/it isnt there to judge or send people to hell and everyone has him/her/it although most dont know they do.
I think that God is within. Not some far away God that is ready to judge you but a deep, personal God that is there for you to help guide you, etc.
Hate is done in the name of religion and unfortunetly they put Gods name on it, but I refuse to believe that a God would kill people, punish people for eternity etc.etc.
I think God is for everyone, whether religious or not.
I could go on and on, but anyways. I am not preaching to you...believe me, that is the last thing I am doing. I am just saying, their God isnt a god, it is a human doing horrible things in the name of a higher power....which is ridiculous...
2007-10-21 05:48:11 · answer #7 · answered by Mo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Quran states many stuff and maximum of them are ridiculous and hateful. Hatred and intollerance are islams substantial subject. anybody changing to this' fascist ideology is lacking in serious concept technique. subsequently better than 5 billion people who're no longer Muslims.
2016-10-07 08:17:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear,
Religion is to lead mankind to the right path. The praise the Al-Mighty God as Lord of creation that has created and govern the universe. God make mankind a agent on earth. He is Allah. He created our forefather Adam. He, Allah; there is no god but him. He, who creates everything from nothing and creates all things with the knowledge of what will happen to them. He, who gives life and health. He, who creates death. He, who creates the wonders in the universe without referring to any model or design. He, who is the absolute king of the entire universe. Say what ever you like. The day of Judgment will be there. He, the Master of the Day of Judgment. The ticket to Heaven is Islam. Islam will lead to the eternity. Islam lead to the right path.
2007-10-21 06:08:03 · answer #9 · answered by AHMAD FUAD Harun 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most theists would argue that God is not a "man," does not live in the sky, and does not punish people for not hating themselves. You are not crazy for rejecting those ideas - but you might be crazy if you think those ideas reflect actual theism.
2007-10-21 05:43:53 · answer #10 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
u need to look up the major relegions of the world read and understand their scripturesand clarify with the help of their respective scholars and reason to why such a thing is written and then compare them and see which is the best way for a person to live his life. This way you will surely find the answer.
2007-10-21 06:32:18 · answer #11 · answered by nocturnal_monk 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋