what is the importance of religion?

Question

I've never really been into religion. I want to be though, I am a buddhist but I don't know much about the religion. My grandma is really into it, but I don't live anywhere close to her. Tell me some reasons why religion is important.

I just want to know.

Answer 1

It gives people an excuse to do horrible things to each other. You won't find atheists flying planes into buildings or persecuting gay people.

Answer 2

All religions (whether you believe in god or not) for the most part teach good moral values and give people hope. I too am a Buddhist after being Catholic for over 25 years. Unfortunately sometimes religious leaders preach religious intolerance, as a Buddhist I have experienced it. If you want to learn to learn more about Buddhism check out www.lioncity.net/buddhism.
KA3UDR: You should research Buddhism before you give information on a subject you apparently know little about. Buddhists do not try to be "godlike", we don't try to be anything. Our goal (If you can call it that) is to always be mindful and living in the present moment, not regretting the past or worrying about the future. We strive to be aware that life is precious and compassion for all living beings is important. We don't question whether god exists or not, it is irrelevant, as we create our own karma by our actions. I am good for the sake of being good and not to please a omnipotent being.

Answer 3

For me i have never been interested in religion until a couple of weeks ago. I have a friend who is coptic orthodox which is a stream of christian. She was explaining to me all the different religions and how there a alot of similarities and alot of differences between them all. Her life is the church and most of her friends go to the same church etc.

It got me thinking about the fact that she was so happy, mainly becuase she had something to believe in. I have always been monotheistic spiritulistic however never really thought about it on a bigger scale before. Now that i have met others with similar beliefs it has been good and also i feel i can give my opinion on things like these and be confident in what i believe - even if it isn't really an organised religion.

In short, religion gives help and direction. It gives a meaning to life and something to look forward to once you have passed over - whatever you believe then happens.

It gives you faith to believe in yourslef and god (etc) when things are not going right. I love just being able to talk about religion now without thinking that i am going to be preached to because i dont have a religion - because i have named my beliefs now.

Good luck with buddism and if it doesnt work out do the quiz at www.beliefnet.com, i did, it helps identify which religions have the most in common with your on beliefs. So you may find the one most suited for you - if it is an organised religion you wish to follow.

Answer 4

Coming from a person who believes spirituality and religion are two different things, but who is very religious:

For some of us, religion is a vehicle-- it is a way of expressing and exploring our spirituality.

For some of us, religious rites and rituals and myths and practices help us connect with the Higher Power, as well as the inner self, as we perceive it.

I also appreciate the rites and passages of our religion, in how it helps to transition to new phases in life.

There is also the benefits of the religious community-- of going to church every week, of having discourse with other people interested in spiritual topics and hearing sermons to contemplate, the kids going to Sunday School and learning about different religions and beliefs, being exposed to people of different faiths, of being part of a community, working to do good with others, exploring concepts of faith, etc.

While we have few concerns about what religion our children end up practicing, we did want to make spirituality and religion something of a cornerstone in their upbringing, something they could take or leave as they get older.


We're Pagan and attend a UU church, btw.

Answer 5

Religion is simply the practical application of spiritual concepts into our daily lives. Routine. Associating with positive people. Reading and Listening to Inspirational and Motivational material. And Prayer, which keeps the lines of Telepathic and Empathic Communication open to the Source of Life.

Answer 6

The importance of religion is to control the minds of huge portions of the worlds population.

Answer 7

As a Buddhist, you should believe that you can bring your level up to be god like. Most religions just give people an excuse to live their lives as they wish. Please look into being a follower of JESUS CHRIST, i looked into religions and found that there is only one true GOD and JESUS is the only way to get to him and to Heaven. You do want to go to heaven, don't you.

Answer 8

Buddism isnt really a religion, its more of a way of life and how you should live. Religion gives hope and "controls" society (intended in a good way)


EDIT TO MOLLY: Benito Mussolini was Atheist.

NICE JOB DUMB@SS

Answer 9

Religion is an important part of my life and it is important because it depends on ur life and salvation

Answer 10

The human mind must believe that there is a greater force out there that is taking care of us. If we can't believe that we lose hope, purpose, and we become depressed and full of fear.