Is religion holding back spirituality? Why does religion even exist?

Question

weemaryanne,again: Among the many definitions of spirituality we find my favorite; preoccupation with what concerns human inner nature (especially ethical or ideological values), self.

Answer 1

I have found from personal experience that religion exists to make people "behave". Some people need someone to tell them what to do & when and how to do it. There are too many who are willing to blindly follow what others tell them, instead of seeking the truth for themselves. It is much easier to listen to others instead of looking within themselves to find the happiness they deserve. Some are not capable of a journey of self discovery. Honestly some people do not like what they find when they look that deep. It scares them. It is much easier to blame it on God or something.

Answer 2

Religions are man-made social structures that provide the individual with support . In traditional religions, doctrines, dogmas and rituals are tools to reach a relationship with the Creator. Religion: [Origin: (< OF religion) < L religiōn- (s. of religiō) conscientiousness, piety, equiv. to relig(āre) to tie, fasten (re- re- + ligāre to bind, tie; cf. ligament) + -iōn- -ion; cf. rely] .
All religions are important because each one talks to different kinds of individuals, different levels of understanding. Spirituality can be seen like the awakening to a reality beyond the physical enviroment of a church, outside dogmas and rituals. The individual reach a point where his/her relationship with the Creator is no longer in need of those tools provided by churches, temples, etc. The progress in inevitable, organize religion cannot hold the individual forever, they are just a pit-stop on the long path to perfection.

Answer 3

In a way, even though I'm atheist/Buddhist, I think religion is a necessary part of the human psyche-it explains things which we can't perceive or make logical sense of, and curiosity about the "bigger picture" has always been a trademark of humankind.

Answer 4

Yes, quite possibly.
Religion exists because man needs answers to that which he doesn't understand. If he can't figure it out, then making up an idea seems just a satisfying.... for some.

Answer 5

I'd opine that religion holds back a lot of things -- science, progress, genuine moral growth, to name just a few -- but I can't tell whether it holds back spirituality because I have no idea what spirituality is. I've asked for a definition many times and -- nada.

Answer 6

Absolutely and that comes from a spiritualist point of view.

Answer 7

yes for sure. people equate religon WITH spirituality. and those are seperate

Answer 8

Never mind religion -- Why do YOU exist?