What is a perfect religion?

[crystalonyx]

One that spreads its values through actions and deeds and not through words.

True, I find the philosophies and words of evangelistic religions to be quite hollow indeed.

 

[kai]

What would constitute an ideal religion, assuming all religions should have common ideals?

well if god would just say to every one
"keep it to yourself but i am god and dont tell no one else ""

 

[Tau]

True, I find the philosophies and words of evangelistic religions to be quite hollow indeed.

Indeed, but religion is not just about doctrine and codes of conduct, I think words are still needed, to convey information about what why and how?

 

[doppelganger]

But YmirGF greed does not unify,

Ayn Rand, the GOP and about 35% of the U.S. population (the so-called "conservatives") most definitely disagrees with that assessment. In fact, you'll find members here at RF who identify with one or more of the above who consider "greed"*: (1) as the one aspect of human nature that is universal; and, (2) as the only real force of "good" in the world.




*(though they won't call it that, they'll use something like "rational self interest", which is not unlike calling a used car "pre-owned" or a janitor a "sanitation engineer"):

 

[doppelganger]

Indeed, but religion is not just about doctrine and codes of conduct, I think words are still needed, to convey information about what why and how?

For many it is about doctrines and codes of conduct first. Which means that the "good" they pursue and the means they choose to pursue it is by trying to make others see the world they do (or at least adopt their favorite words, slogans and creeds for talking about it - i.e. "belief"). Then "compassion" becomes a matter of "saving" others from their wrong belief rather than giving of one's self to meet others in their needs in complete acceptance and grace. I quoted this in a post a long time ago, but it really resonates with me. It from Rosemary Radford Ruether's To Change the World:

It is true that particularism, even in the Hebrew scriptures, sometimes becomes simply ingrown ethnocentricity and animosity to others. But what has been less apparent to Christians is the way that universalism can become imperialism towards all other peoples. Christianity has seen itself as the only valid, redemptive identity. All other religious identities are seen as spurious, demonic or lacking in true relationship to God . . . Even modern liberal theologians, such as Bultmann or Kung, speak of Christianity as "authentic humanity" without asking whether this means that all other peoples have an inathentic humanity. The missionary who viewed non-Christians as "devil-worshipers" did not always avoid translating this theological judgment into a racial judgment on the inferior nature of non-Christian peoples.

Such imperialist universalism fails to be authentically universalist. It actually amounts to the absolutization of one particularism . . . True universalism must be able to embrace existing human pluralism rather than trying to fit every people into the mould of a religion and culture generated from one historical experience.

 

[gnostic]

I am a scientist by trade yet I feel a common belief and unity of purpose would help galvanise all of us into acting holistically and responsibly.

I just dont like any religion I have yet tried to understand...thats the problem!

You indeed have a problem if you are trying to understand religion.

If you wish to follow the rest of buffalo herd (religion), then it is best to leave any understanding aside. Religion is something you do when you don't want understanding and close your eyes to the realities of the real world in exchange for a nonexistent celestial utopia, ruled by a Big, Bad Wolf in sheep clothing.

 

[Izdaari]

The perfect religion is one that knows the truth about God, and teaches it. I believe there's only one that has the fullness of truth, though all have varying degrees of the truth.

 

[YmirGF]

So not 'anything' could be used surely?

Nothing is "for sure", Tau, unless, of course, you are a rather young, wild-eyed, optimist.

There is in my sphere of vision, a universal doctrine as yet unwritten, but existing in potentia.

Yes, I am writing what may be the introduction to it. It is going slow, because elements of it are very hard to put into words, but it isn't like anything previously written, I assure you. You could call it "Extrapolations of the long term effects of Spirital Anarchy on the individual and society". I am serious, by the way. :yes:

 

[YmirGF]

The perfect religion is one that knows the truth about God, and teaches it. I believe there's only one that has the fullness of truth, though all have varying degrees of the truth.

So-called "truth" is relative, therefore such a religion would be based on smoke in the wind. If said religion were designed to continually evolve, as "truth" does, in reality, then it may well have a chance. If "truth" is concretized then all hope is lost.

 

[Charity]

The perfect religion is one that teaches the bible as the word of God and believes it from cover to cover. Truth !

 

[Random]

What would constitute an ideal religion, assuming all religions should have common ideals?

Buddhism. The end of suffering and the actualization of a life of happiness, there's no good religion without those goals.

 

[YmirGF]

Buddhism. The end of suffering and the actualization of a life of happiness, there's no good religion without those goals.

Buddhism/Taoism once had the keys, Random, but they misplaced them many generations ago.

 

[doppelganger]

Buddhism/Taoism once had the keys, Random, but they misplaced them many generations ago.

Don't worry, I found the keys under the cushions in my couch. They were there the whole time!

 

[Random]

Buddhism/Taoism once had the keys, Random, but they misplaced them many generations ago.

Yes, I hear that, but still it is possible for Gautama's real and true message to be heard by one who has ears to hear (so to speak), same with Jesus. It is unfortunate one must sort through mounds of garbage and deciet to get there, but it is worthy and good if you do.

Which ideology or religion do you think picked up the "keys", Paul? Who has them now, if anyone?

 

[YmirGF]

Which ideology or religion do you think picked up the "keys", Paul? Who has them now, if anyone?

It would appear that myself and Doppelganger are two. Methinks that Willamena also has a set.

 

[Rolling_Stone]

What would constitute an ideal religion, assuming all religions should have common ideals?

Life, unity and diversity together as one.

 

[Willamena]

Methinks that Willamena also has a set.

Never underestimate the value of silly putty.

 

[Random]

It would appear that myself and Doppelganger are two. Methinks that Willamena also has a set.

Really? You guys are on another level to the rest of us? You three here on this internet forum have the "keys". Wow.

 

[Magic Man]

Really? You guys are on another level to the rest of us? You three here on this internet forum have the "keys". Wow.

Well, I would definitely say that Willamena and Dopp have the keys. I can't say one way or the other about Ymir, but the other two are definitely on a level above me and most others I've come across.

 

[Random]

Well, I would definitely say that Willamena and Dopp have the keys. I can't say one way or the other about Ymir, but the other two are definitely on a level above me and most others I've come across.

What do they see, do you think, that you don't?