what makes somthing a valid religeon?

Question

for instance bhuddism christianity and islam all considered religeons but neo-paganism (among others) is often laughed at and often quoted as "not being a real religion" surely its not just an age issue because germanic polytheism and idol worship take the prise in the that department

Answer 1

For a religion to be valid it should have accurate and authentic message from creator of heaven and earth.

Answer 2

I thought about this very question for a long time.

I decided that what validates a faith, religion, or philosophy is the outward manifestation of the inward experience.

Look at that person's life -- what decisions they make, how they live, how they affect others, whether or not they are successful in their endeavors and whether or not their motivations are pure for the things they do.

Sometimes it is subjective. One faith or ideology may affect on person in a certain way while it affects another in the opposite way.

For instance, I used to be a Satanist. Not a Pagan, a Satanist. Well -- as I delved deeper and deeper into that particular ideology and practice, I did more and more drugs, became more and more apathetic about responsibilities, got in a lot of trouble all the way around, shoplifted more than I should probably admit, and found myself overdosed on junk too many times to remember. Yet, I believed I had found the right answers, or at the very least, the right answers for me.

Yet, look at my lifestyle -- how did that belief affect and influence me? How did it motivate me, and what did it motivate me to do? What elements of my nature did it bring out? My experiences made that ideology completely invalid, and to this day, I consider it horrible philosophy and something that no one should live by.

And yet, that sounds biased, and it's not. But I tested that ideology and its manifestation in my life was something awful.

Make sense? I hope so.

Answer 3

I believe that everyone has the right to believe in what they are inspired about. I am taking some pagan oriented online courses and this is some of what I have found.

Orthodox religious traditions regard the written word as the highest achievement of human thought and the only suitable medium for the transmission of religious teaching. They prefer the written word because it is straightforward and unambiguous, allowing of literal interpretation. They prefer written because it is in part their rules.

Mystical religious traditions usually prefer visual, and sounds to written forms as means of transmitting religious ideas, such as artwork and soothing music. Relying on workds primarily as an auxiliary and even then the works are often used to convey visual images. Orthodox religions believe mystical religions as devil worshipers, but we do not believe in the devil so how can we worship it. We worship eht enviroment and everything natural. Mother nature!!!!

Answer 4

A religion is valid if the followers take it seriously. Even a religion which might have begun as a joke can become valid if the followers become serious about their beliefs.

Answer 5

There is only ONE REAL RELIGION - that is YOUR BREATH - which is your connection to God. How you use the power of the Word entrusted to you determines what shape your life shall take.

EVERYTHING ELSE - is merely a 'school of thought' - shaped through time and passed from generation to generation.

What makes any teaching 'valid' is understanding.

A recipe for apple pie is not valid if it is written in a language you cannot understand and therefore follow.

The 'validity' of any teaching lies in putting it to the test.

What generally happens is that people get emotionally involved in 'their religion' and feel the need to defend it.

The truth however is that God is Love, and needs no defence, no armies, no guns, no bombs, no 'protector'.

A valid religious education will teach you how to awaken from the deep egotistical sleep that ensnares the mind and bring you into communion with the Fire of God that burns deep within your heart.

Everything else is 'dust and ashes' and not worthy of your attention.

Answer 6

High ethics
developed philosophies
spiritualities that nourish and challenge
geared to the Ultimate,Infinite and Eternal Good
call to social and personal responsibility

Answer 7

Paganism is recognized by the US Federal government, military etc ... That's pretty valid.

Answer 8

If a faith brings you comfort in difficult times, joy and laughter in rejoicing with Creation, and faith to face life with positive attitude and light and love, and most important of all, acceptance and respect of all others, then if to no one but yourself, that faith tis valid!....sadly very few faiths will encourage acceptance and respect of others' faiths

Answer 9

Popularity. The only difference between a religion and a cult is popularity.

Answer 10

You just make it up and say it is a religion. Politically correct is a religion.