Are Religions really about God????

[Bird123]

If one lives their religion as part of their life, it becomes not only part of man-kind (everything is influenced by man kind) but of what some religions call god.

If you live your religion rather than define it in a specific category (mankind vs of god) it becomes more personal. It becomes a spiritual path, a lifestyle, ones life. Religion becomes Life.

Nothing political (unless thats what one basis their life on), its not limited in the gold walls. Its not restricted.

Its free flowing and acceptence of life and life's terms; andx if that involves god, than there is nothing wrong with that.

Mankind isnt a nasty word. My writing and sketching, my art, is becoming my prayers. Yes, I have to erase. Somethings smudge. I mispell. That is a part of life, my faih, my religion. It is not perfect.

Thats the beautiful of spirituality is that it is Not perfect. As such, we learn from it. If you are talking about the abrahamic god, when you take out religion (relationship and lifestyle of practice), what else do you have? Your loved ones are a part of religion. Creation. Friends. What you enjoy. Your prayers. Your holy books. Etc.

We are not trying to be perfect but learn and find strength through our imperfections. We learn to take out the word "sin" because that is not who we are. I am a pantheist and I believe "god" (for lack of a better term) is everything. Is life. The good and the bad.

So, if I take myself from the heart of everything and everyone I know from creation to people (if I take away religion) I have no life.

In that sense, how is religion Not of good? (Edit) Where does this right/wrong concept come of defining religion as a stinch (my words) of mankind? The church? Christianity? Paganism?

What do they have in common? They "practice", they Live, they Believe, and they find their meanings of worship or reverence.

That is religion. How is that wrong? (Or as you say, part of mankind)?

I dont see mankind as negative.

Life is the education of God's children. Since there is learning through all our choices, people should make their own. Should people blindly follow? I think not, yet that too comes with lessons.

I have a painter friend who says his painting gets better when he makes a mistake. He has to figure out what to do next. Isn't more learned through mistakes than anything else? Isn't that also a part of the learning?

Through our choices, each creates their life. Question remains. Does one want truth or just something that feels good? I see religion's focus on the feeling side, however let's remember that God has an intellectual side as well. This is very different than save and take care of poor me.

As for mankind, I do not see people as evil. I see them all as children of God at different levels of knowledge. On the other hand, once one understands something from all sides, one can not go back to the bad choices of the past even though others have not learned yet. The bad choices in those areas are no longer a viable choice.

 

[Bird123]

That doesn't apply to all religions.

I admit I do not know every single religion in the world. As you point out with the diversity in this world, general statements are never 100% true. I stand corrected.

 

[Bird123]

Firstly one has to define God. Many cultures define God as undefined and beyond the material senses.
Some see God as male, others as female and while others as genderless. Some see him as the creator and others as one who is creation and dissolution as well.
While others see him as only God, others as evil and the rest as a mix of both.
Some give him physical forms. Sometimes as animals, sometimes as half man half beast and sometime as a human.

In my opinion, The supreme force is simply the Truth, the unchanging reality, the primordial energy that though shapes the cosmos still remains the same.

water though changes form ice to water to vapour, still remains two volumes of hydrogen and one volume of oxygen.
Similarly, all things in this cosmos are but fragments of the greater existence, including living and non living.

It is said that in the beginning there was Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (energy) that combined together to form the cosmos with heat, water, air, matter and empty space.
Later in conscious living beings it created the 5 senses.
(Religiously speaking)

Beyond this body there lies the Self, that is the soul, a fragment of the supersoul, that remains unchangeable and indestructible.
Which in a way would make all living beings God himself.
And the life forces, the sun, moon, stars, water, rivers, plants, animals, the rain, wind, etc... Are equally sacred and is the changing manifestations of Prakriti that molds the cosmos with time.
He takes personal forms like Narayana, Shiva, Kali... Narsimha, Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara, etc. But their self is realized and they see the Truth even though bound by material bodies.

That's my definition of God.

But some also define it as their ancestors, as extra terrestrial advanced life forces like the Devas of Hinduism, a single all powerful God that helps mankind like Allah, the embodiment of pure good, love and compassion, like Avalokiteshvara.

There are atheistic philosophies that at least reject belief in a personal God such as Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, etc.
For Buddhists meditation is the key to open the doors of consciousness. Their ultimate Goal is a state free from suffering and rebirth.

So, All paths may lead to God ot not, depending on who God is.

One thing I have discovered is that in all religions there exists at least a piece of the truth. On the other hand, mankind, in an attempt to create their world as they want, has a great hand in all of them as well.

I did notice in one of your statements one goal was to reach a state free from suffering. That seems to be a universal goal of mankind. Is it really the Goal???? Granted with greater knowledge comes less suffering anyway.

In my experience, I find God as actually Someone. God's intellect is off the scale. God works on multiple levels with multiple views. A true conversation with God takes weeks afterwards to figure out all that was really said. We are mere ants. Perhaps that is why there are few conversations with people as well.

As for your creation story of consciousness and energy, I have no clue. I do know God is a Spiritual Being as are all of us and that this physical world exists only for educational purposes. Yes, we are all still learning. I will continue to be a eager student.

 

[Bird123]

*
Personally, I believe all religious dogma is man made.

One does not need religion - to be Spiritual.

*

Yes, I agree. Since we are all Spiritual beings in our true natures. It is not something added on but is who we are. Things have to work so much better if we choose to be who we really are.

 

[Bird123]

Then why did you say that everyone has sex?

Are we being picky?? How about this: Everyone I know is having it? Further, there are probably very very few adults that never have sex in their entire life. Then there is the interaction between the sexes which if one wanted to be picky could be counted as sexual interaction even without physical contact.

 

[Bird123]

If you want to go into epsitmology.

There are two self-evident facts for me and a several highly probable things coming from those, everything else is judging the probability of it being true or not.

What about that which you discover for yourself? Do you search for truth or do you wait for others to serve it up, leaving you to judge the merits of the sales pitch? How about this: Lead, don't follow. Explore, don't wait for others to give you all the answers. One might just be surprised how much more one learns along the journey alone into undiscovered country.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Are we being picky?? How about this: Everyone I know is having it? Further, there are probably very very few adults that never have sex in their entire life. Then there is the interaction between the sexes which if one wanted to be picky could be counted as sexual interaction even without physical contact.

Why do you respond with anger when a flaw in your narrative is uncovered?

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

What about that which you discover for yourself? Do you search for truth or do you wait for others to serve it up, leaving you to judge the merits of the sales pitch? How about this: Lead, don't follow. Explore, don't wait for others to give you all the answers. One might just be surprised how much more one learns along the journey alone into undiscovered country.

Uhh...

Your preaching to the choir on that one.

I just like people to cross examine me in case I made a mistake.

 

[Bird123]

Religion is about tribal cohesion and solidarity. It's about a common world-view and mythology. It's about consensus on proper behavior and values. It gives us meaning and significance.
It can't justify itself logically or stand up to critical analysis, but it maintains the social status quo. That's its function.

You do have a good point. It is a social avenue. It can also be an economic avenue with the building of gigantic churches. Many churches also do humanitarian efforts which also can not be discounted. I guess I want all that along with the real truth. With religion's unwillingness to correct their errors or beliefs, i find they can never advance in the real truth department. The real truth will justify itself logically and stand up to critical analysis.

 

[Neo Deist]

"Are religions really about God?"

They disguise themselves under the umbrella of "worshipping God," but most religions that believe in a deity come about because of political factors. For example:

Judaism led into Catholicism.
Judaism and Catholicism led into Islam.
Catholicism led into Anglican Protestantism.
Anglican Protestantism led into Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc. (BMP for short)
BMP led into liberal and non-denominational Christianity, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.

Why? Because at some point, someone did not like the direction religion X was heading for whatever reason, so they broke away and started their own religious movement. The leader makes the claim that "God spoke to him" and the rest is history. In truth, they just wanted power, control and money, OR they did not want to be associated with their former. It is human nature to be competitive and to think that we (as individuals) can do it better than the last guy.

Want to know what led up to the Protestant Reformation and the founding of the Church of England (Anglicans)? King Henry VIII wanted the Pope to annul his marriage to Catherine so that he could legally bang/marry Anne. The Pope refused, so Henry said "England is splitting from the Roman Catholic Church." It had nothing to do with God. It was all about lust.

 

[Bird123]

Why do you respond with anger when a flaw in your narrative is uncovered?

You misunderstand. I have no anger toward anyone, least of all you. Using the term picky might step on your toes but I love and welcome all and any of your comments. Find a flaw in my narrative. Ok, how about this oooops!!

Don't be mad. I admit I do step on a few toes from time to time. Let's close our eyes together. It will be better by morning.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

I have no anger toward anyone,

I do not believe you.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Don't be mad.

Im just annoyed.

 

[Bird123]

"Are religions really about God?"

They disguise themselves under the umbrella of "worshipping God," but most religions that believe in a deity come about because of political factors. For example:

Judaism led into Catholicism.
Judaism and Catholicism led into Islam.
Catholicism led into Anglican Protestantism.
Anglican Protestantism led into Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, etc. (BMP for short)
BMP led into liberal and non-denominational Christianity, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.

Why? Because at some point, someone did not like the direction religion X was heading for whatever, so they broke away and started their own religious movement. The leader makes the claim that "God spoke to him" and the rest is history. In truth, they just wanted power, control and money, OR they did not want to be associated with their former.

Want to know what led up to the Protestant Reformation and the founding of the Church of England (Anglicans)? King Henry VIII wanted the Pope to annul his marriage to Catherine so that he could legally bang/marry Anne. The Pope refused, so Henry said "England is splitting from the Roman Catholic Church." It had nothing to do with God. It was all about lust.

Yes, that is a new piece of the puzzle I have not considered. I have seen religion unchanging, claiming to have all the truth without ever having a chance of discovering the real truth. Now, you have supplied us with a new possibility.Religion evolving toward the truth over time due to political pressures. It might take eons to get there but at least there is a chance. Once again, I guess it must take adversity before any real progress is made. Maybe, one day in the future mankind will become wiser than that.

 

[Taylor Seraphim]

Also Zoroastrianism and Jewish Polytheism lead to Judaism.

 

[Bird123]

I do not believe you.

Now don't get mad. People tend to see what they want to see, not necessarily what actually is. Ok, I'm going to go hide under my rock so when you start throwing things I'll be OK.

 

[Ingledsva]

Yes, that is a new piece of the puzzle I have not considered. I have seen religion unchanging, claiming to have all the truth without ever having a chance of discovering the real truth. Now, you have supplied us with a new possibility.Religion evolving toward the truth over time due to political pressures. It might take eons to get there but at least there is a chance. Once again, I guess it must take adversity before any real progress is made. Maybe, one day in the future mankind will become wiser than that.

One could also look at it as NONE of them having the truth, thus a constant shifting, - trying to discover TRUTH.

*

 

[Subhankar Zac]

One thing I have discovered is that in all religions there exists at least a piece of the truth. On the other hand, mankind, in an attempt to create their world as they want, has a great hand in all of them as well.

I did notice in one of your statements one goal was to reach a state free from suffering. That seems to be a universal goal of mankind. Is it really the Goal???? Granted with greater knowledge comes less suffering anyway.

In my experience, I find God as actually Someone. God's intellect is off the scale. God works on multiple levels with multiple views. A true conversation with God takes weeks afterwards to figure out all that was really said. We are mere ants. Perhaps that is why there are few conversations with people as well.

As for your creation story of consciousness and energy, I have no clue. I do know God is a Spiritual Being as are all of us and that this physical world exists only for educational purposes. Yes, we are all still learning. I will continue to be a eager student.

I m skeptical that all religions present the truth, cuz I've no idea about the Abrahamic ones in detail.
It is said that Moksha or nirvana might be different in what they actually are, but still... There exists no suffering.
I believe when with knowledge the person or the being becomes enlightened, he sees the Self as the original remnant of the body. By this knowledge he approaches the supreme realization and by intense meditation, he gets access to more knowledge. Hence after death, the soul simply goes back to supersoul.

I do not believe that God is a being but simply the Cosmic consciousness that drives energy to shape the universe. But then again, we have our definitions

 

[Bird123]

One could also look at it as NONE of them having the truth, thus a constant shifting, - trying to discover TRUTH.

*

Since so much of the religious stories do not add up, it is clear they lack the truth. Yes, that was the thought that the constant shifting is sort of an evolution process toward the truth. Since this world is a multilevel classroom, perhaps God has built into the system a way to push people to discovering the truth when they do not have it but think they do. Further, people do exist who can not be happy with something they know is not the truth.

Many religious people just accept beliefs to be true. Perhaps atheists are part of God's system reminding religious people they should question everything. The only way to real truth is to question. Perhaps religious people in turn remind atheists that there is a Spiritual nature to us all.

I just love the way the complexities of the interactions of so many people come together. It's truly a Masterpiece. If all people were exactly the same, nothing would ever get fixed.

 

[URAVIP2ME]

Seeing as the belief in and worship of a superhuman being is one of the most accepted definitions for religion I would say yes. Because if you believe in a god you are following a religion even if it is just one you made.

Seems as if some people look in the mirror and see their ' god '