The Purpose of Religion

[ChristineM]

Personally ChIristneM, I see it is very common, most Baha'i were of another or no Faith, each will tell how the Faith visited them, most were not looking, some special souls were and are looking.

Strange how. It unfolds over time. RegardsTony

Even if every single baba'i has changed their faith rather than been indoctrinated into it by parents then I would consider 0.1% of the world population to be a particularly common occurrence

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

That's a very sad interpretation, IMO. Depending on what you mean by it, that is. I take it as religion is only out to control as opposed to other things, such as helping people during times of crisis.

But what do people really do during times of crisis? I mean that most sincerely -- when the worst happens, when calamity is upon the community, how does the community in general react in the moment? Does it turn to God -- everybody off to church to pray? Or does it amost miraculously come together to deal with whatever the crisis is?

No, I meant what I said. Religion is there to get people to behave according to patterns actually desired by very few when there is no crisis, when there is no need for our natural instincts at cooperation for the good of all.

 

[Vinayaka]

I would agree that happens but i think very rarely

Thank you. I don't get out much., but I also think it's fairly rare. Certainly the other 2 options, of by birth, or deciding by analysis are common. Most people who have something by birth drop out of that and go seeking, and then decide on something.

 

[Vinayaka]

Even if every single baba'i has changed their faith rather than been indoctrinated into it by parents then I would consider 0.1% of the world population to be a particularly common occurrence

Most Baha'is are born into it. Probably higher percentage today than in early times.

 

[Vinayaka]

A non-answser to my question.

True.

 

[The Hammer]

But what do people really do during times of crisis? I mean that most sincerely -- when the worst happens, when calamity is upon the community, how does the community in general react in the moment? Does it turn to God -- everybody off to church to pray? Or does it amost miraculously come together to deal with whatever the crisis is?

No, I meant what I said. Religion is there to get people to behave according to patterns actually desired by very few when there is no crisis, when there is no need for our natural instincts at cooperation for the good of all.

Many religions encourage and foster that sense of community, and also assist people, crisis or not. And going to Church is not the only way people are religious. In fact, people that are religious also tend to be more charitable, giving and willing to help others. New report finds religious people are more likely to donate - Philanthropy Daily

So yes, Religion fosters and creates community, and those people willing to work at and help others.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

Many religions encourage and foster that sense of community, and also assist people, crisis or not. And going to Church is not the only way people are religious. In fact, people that are religious also tend to be more charitable, giving and willing to help others. New report finds religious people are more likely to donate - Philanthropy Daily

So yes, Religion fosters and creates community, and those people willing to work at and help others.

Let's look at that a different way. I am what's called a "Liberal" in Canada. I am a person willing to vote my tax dollars to the general welfare. Not to a "socialist paradise," mind you. I'm just willing to pay my fair share of taxes to ensure that nobody -- whoever they may be -- should be in want of basic necessities, along with basic dignity.

Charities, you know, are very often dedicated to one cause or another. All too often, for example, soup kitchens will dole out meals for which all they ask is that you listen to their religious pitch. I prefer it when everyone has access to what's needed as a matter of course, and do not have to capitulate or abase themselves in order to get it. And that is how I vote my tax dollars.

Mind you, though an atheist and a person who believes that government can be an effective part of the community, I also donate to charities. One of my favourites, as it happens, is the Salvation Army. They were there, you see, when my mother was pregnant and unmarried at 15 nearly 3/4 of a century ago (in a very moralistic time and place), and gave her help, not moral condemnation. I was named after a Major in the Sally Ann, actually.

So what I am trying to show to you is that it isn't "religion" that fosters and creates community -- it's people. We all just have our own ways of doing it. And in my view, we do it much, much better when left to do it in our own way.

 

[The Hammer]

Let's look at that a different way. I am what's called a "Liberal" in Canada. I am a person willing to vote my tax dollars to the general welfare. Not to a "socialist paradise," mind you. I'm just willing to pay my fair share of taxes to ensure that nobody -- whoever they may be -- should be in want of basic necessities, along with basic dignity.

Charities, you know, are very often dedicated to one cause or another. All too often, for example, soup kitchens will dole out meals for which all they ask is that you listen to their religious pitch. I prefer it when everyone has access to what's needed as a matter of course, and do not have to capitulate or abase themselves in order to get it. And that is how I vote my tax dollars.

Mind you, though an atheist and a person who believes that government can be an effective part of the community, I also donate to charities. One of my favourites, as it happens, is the Salvation Army. They were there, you see, when my mother was pregnant and unmarried at 15 nearly 3/4 of a century ago (in a very moralistic time and place), and gave her help, not moral condemnation. I was named after a Major in the Sally Ann, actually.

So what I am trying to show to you is that it isn't "religion" that fosters and creates community -- it's people. We all just have our own ways of doing it. And in my view, we do it much, much better when left to do it in our own way.

Off topic, but I could never donate to an organization that openly refuses to help the LGBT community. Salvation Army is one of the worst orgs you can donate too. I never denied that we don't come together as a community when needed. I only stated that religion also helps with this (and in non-crisis times). I won't demonize or deny the usefulness of Religion, just like I would never say Atheists are immoral, or won't help others.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

Off topic, but I could never donate to an organization that openly refuses to help the LGBT community. Salvation Army is one of the worst orgs you can donate too. I never denied that we don't come together as a community when needed. I only stated that religion also helps with this (and in non-crisis times). I won't demonize or deny the usefulness of Religion, just like I would never say Atheists are immoral, or won't help others.

I recognize that the Sally Ann is essentially a religion-based organization. I understand that presents a dilemma for many, and the dilemma is likely worse for many members of the Army who really do want to help people. And the fact of the matter is this: the Salvation Army also helps an awful lot of LGBT folks -- among which group I count myself.

You know, there's an old saying -- if you want to boil the ocean, you're better off doing it one kettle at a time. You can't fix everything at once. So what do I value about the Sally Ann, and what would I want changed -- and which is the more important? I value the work they actually do -- and it is very, very real. I'm saddened that my sexuality is a problem for many of them -- but I also know that it would not stop many of them from offering me help when I needed it.

Therefore, I shall continue to contribute.

 

[Secret Chief]

Quickie question for you...what percentage of real people, all over the world and throughout history, do you think actually "chose" their own "theological beliefs," as opposed to the percentage that were essentially "imprinted" with them in childhood?

I'm sure I don't have a percentage but I should think a majority of people are born "into" their religion culturally through their parents. Whether they remain in it is another matter of course.

 

[Dawnofhope]

What, in your view, is the purpose of religion?

This is a really important question. My view is a Baha’i perspective. Predictably the Baha’i writings have a great deal to say on this theme.

1/ To enable us to know and love God.

2/ Religion provides us with a framework to enable us to become better people.

3/ It should create bonds of love and fellowship between people. If it leads to estrangement and disunity, then that religion is ‘no religion’ and to leave such a religion would be a truly religious act.

4/ To promote an ever advancing civilisation.

 

[Vinayaka]

Off topic, but I could never donate to an organization that openly refuses to help the LGBT community. Salvation Army is one of the worst orgs you can donate too. I never denied that we don't come together as a community when needed. I only stated that religion also helps with this (and in non-crisis times). I won't demonize or deny the usefulness of Religion, just like I would never say Atheists are immoral, or won't help others.

Here they run Thrift stores, Last time I checked they don't have security guards at the doors asking, "Are you gay?"

 

[robocop (actually)]

What, in your view, is the purpose of religion?

movitvation

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Most Baha'is are born into it. Probably higher percentage today than in early times.

This article gives a broader picture

Baháʼí statistics - Wikipedia

Regards Tony

 

[Bear Wild]

What, in your view, is the purpose of religion?

Prosocial behavior and control of behavior and that is the primary element of religion.

 

[The Hammer]

Here they run Thrift stores, Last time I checked they don't have security guards at the doors asking, "Are you gay?"

Honestly, after having a conversation with my wife about it, I may be mistaken on the LGBT+ front, so I'll concede there. And the rest of my dislike is personal anecdote and not useful for argument.

 

[PureX]

Quickie question for you...what percentage of real people, all over the world and throughout history, do you think actually "chose" their own "theological beliefs," as opposed to the percentage that were essentially "imprinted" with them in childhood?

All of them choose, once they became adults. Humans don't get "imprinted". We can choose to question anything we've been taught at any time, especially once we become adults. In fact, it's a big part of what defines us as adults, and it's why we become responsible for what the choose to believe to be true or false once we become adults.

 

[Evangelicalhumanist]

All of them choose, once they became adults. Humans don't get "imprinted". We can choose to question anything we've been taught at any time, especially once we become adults. In fact, it's a big part of what defines us as adults, and it's why we become responsible for what the choose to believe to be true or false once we become adults.

Do you know, on this point I am simply going to disagree with you without further comment.

 

[PureX]

The purpose of religion is a way to allow people to make sense of the chaos of the world, when nothing else will. It's about solidarity and representing ones values, with a group.

That's a significant purpose of religious organization. But it's not the purpose of religion, itself.

 

[PureX]

Do you know, on this point I am simply going to disagree with you without further comment.

Evangelicals believe that people can be programmed. That's why they are evangelical. But they are the only ones accepting their "programming". And they do it because they want to. So no matter how you cut it, it's still a choice. Even refusing to question or doubt the dogma is still a choice.