What is the point of religion?????

Question

God is obviously not real. Why have people spent years and years killing eachother and having wars over it? Santa Claus is more belivable!

And why on earth do people still belive it after all this evidence is disproving it?

I dont mean to insult anyone who is religious i just want to know why thoes people are religious.

Answer 1

This is an anthropological argument for the existence of God called “The General Argument” or “Universal Belief Argument.” The argument is this: Every nation and culture has held a belief in a god or gods; where did this universal belief in deity come from?

The examples of this are found in all ancient civilizations. How could so many diverse people, so widely distributed geographically and historically, all hold to a belief in deity. Billions of people, who represent diverse sociological, intellectual, emotional, and educational makeups, have believed that there is a Creator and have engaged in acts of worship and devotion. The atheist has been an exception in every society!

That so many societies have independently come to religious belief requires an explanation. Where did this deep need for God within the human heart come from?

The interesting thing is, for every longing, there seems to be something that satisfies it. C. S. Lewis said, “Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for these desires exists. A baby feels hunger; well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim; well, there is such a thing as water. Men feel sexual desire; well, there is such a thing as sex. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

We know why we get hungry for food, but why do people get hungry for God; where did that come from? I think I have an answer. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has put eternity in our hearts, and Acts 17:27 says that God created us to seek Him.

Answer 2

There's religion.... and then, there's faith. Yes, religion has a spotty history. There is also great good going on, too (if you want specifics, I can provide links).

In the religion that I practice (United Methodism), I have a community through which to question and gain insight. It is not a means to end!

I believe because I have experienced things in subtlety. The voice of God requires sensitivity. The voice can be heard, but one must practice listening.

I know, sounds all new agey. But this subtle sensitivity is supported by my church and supported by the Bible. Neither the Bible or the church is the goal!! They are the support... they are NOT God.

But indeed, it does all come down to my personal perceptions. None of it is provable. I freely admit that. And I don't understand everything presented in the Bible. In fact, very little. And I have huge problems with things like what happens in the book of Joshua.

I see the scientific side. I see that there might be some evidence that is completely contradictory.

And yet, I CHOSE to believe.... ME.... I chose. No one has chosen for me.

I hear what you're saying... and I appreciate what your saying. But my experiences lead me into a different place than yours. And you know what, that is perfectly cool.

peace regards respects

Answer 3

Organized religion is a huge money-making machine. It's point is to convert people and fleece the flock. However, I am a religious person and the point to me is to accept that their is something greater than myself working in the universe. Unless you are ready to embrace a spiritual view of everything, there is no point trying to convince you that some religions work for those who believe. I am not a church goer. I practice privately (saves me a ton of money), and I see the divine everywhere. There is no rock-solid proof of God's existence. That is what faith is for. Try it some time. I'm not trying to convert you, but just try looking at things from my point of view for a day. It may change the way you see the world.

Answer 4

God is obviously REAL, how did you ever arrive at the adverse?

Santa Claus? If he is in every mall, shopping center, department store and television station, how can he be MORE real than God when Santas are all different people dressed in rented costumes?

As for insulting anyone, no...I am not insulted. The reason for that is that I HAVE religion which builds strength toward character and heart. That strength gives me the passion to witness, serve and save others each day...lost people who do not believe in anything.

I am not insulted because I know what I have in my life and it is wonderful! It is peace, it is love and it is God. If I didn't have all this, I might have been insulted and lashed back at you to defend my choice in religion. But instead, I have this faith and I know that I have chosen the right side because of it.

I will pray for you to reflect and understand better, peace to you always.

Answer 5

The point of religion is the manipulation and control of the masses by those who believe they were chosen by their imaginary God to know what is best for all the rest of humanity. Note that Christians care nothing for democratic liberties and civil/human rights -- totalitarian dictatorial monarchies are much more in line with traditional Biblical thinking.

Answer 6

Many people are incapable of thinking deeply. Many people see only what they want to see. Many fear to question stuff with which they were brainwashed when they were kids. Many want to believe some of the stuff religions offer, e.g living forever, even if it is boring and depressing. Mom once said she wanted to see some dead relatives again some day. I retorted, "Oh yeah, and I want a Patek Philippe watch too!" Well, I own several Pateks by now, because they do exist, if one can afford $15,000 or so watches...but Mom will never, never, never see any dead people alive again.

Answer 7

God is so obviously real to me. I don't want to insult you. But I'm praying right now for you. I want your eyes to open to Jrsus. People believe because he is real! The Bible tells it all. There is no dispute. People SHOULD stop fighting. God doesn't want that. If he did he would say so! But God is real!!!!Where is the evidence anyway showing me God isn't real? No one has ever been able to show me any. If you can I'll stop believing-NOT!!!!

Answer 8

If I look around at nature's glory, I see the hand of a higher power (some call this God). All the wonder and creativity in our world can not be created by man alone. Man never creates the energy, merely uses and changes it. Religions are intended as a place for everyone to be welcome to examine their own spirituality. They have evolved, over time, into rules and control issues in some places. The more open enjoy the fellowship of learning.

Answer 9

There is no point in educationg someone who does not have the ears to hear. If I don't believe in God and the spiritual, why should I waste my time here? (No offense meant.) First, please develop the ears to hear. Then, you can absorb the message.

Answer 10

People want to feel there's something more to life than the crap you see around you, especially when they need help.