What is Religion? I don't get it!

[Bear Wild]

There are other ways to do the same things, as those who live without religion know very well. And those other things don't necessitate believing things that can be shown to be false.

But what I presented had nothing to do with believing in anything that is false. That is why I presented three things that could or could not be associated with a supernatural or without anything supernatural.

Religious behavior is common among humans (and I suspect even some nonhumans but that is a different argument). If we drop the pre-assumptions of religion and the prejudices of one's own religion in the past and look with a fresh view we see behaviors that are associated with human behavior.
Think about the stress to an organism when the recognize death whether fully understood or not. Elephants, crows and chimpanzees (others I am sure) have been observed to recognize death with well documented observations. This is a great stress to the organism and finding an explanation clearly can reduce the affects of cortisol released with stress. A supernatural explanation can be an effective way to reduce stress whether true or not. Improving social connection can also be evolutionary beneficial thus religion can create a bond especially through rituals practices by members of a group.

Thus I presented three things that appear important to human behavior that is associated with religion.
1. Promoting social behavior - There are many good studies to support that one of the things that a religion does is creating supportive behaviors within members of that religious group. It can have a down side as having negative behaviors against those outside of the religion (this does not mean that all religions do that)

2. Helps create and understanding of an individuals relationship to the world. This may be entirely associated with a single god, multiple gods or goddesses or without any supernatural deities. Some see this world as evil and another better world waiting other see this world as all that is needed and must be treated with respect. Is the other forms of life their for you to do what you want or are they equals to be treated with respect as equals. Many myths of each religion address this.

3. Religion decreases the stress in an individual. There is wonderful evidence that altered states of consciousness decrease stress levels in humans. Having an explanation for death no matter what which explanation it is but if one can develop an explanation whether to returning to the earth for others to live, reincarnation, to join a god in Valhalla, or to go to a perfect heaven, this can decrease the stress of dealing with death.

Thus atheists and theists both can have a religion. Would love to hear your thoughts?

 

[Bear Wild]

Religion is a personal relationship to God.

This is a completely incorrect definition that does not hold up in comparing religions. It is only one way out of many ways to develop a religion. This has been unfortunately misused by the dominant religions to try and suppress other peoples belief. It is time to go beyond this limited view and embrace the diversity of humans.

 

[Kapalika]

Not gonna watch those videos.

But a series of traditions, practices and beliefs about one's purpose in life, their values and philosophy of life? Consider it like a lifestyle kind of, but more. And ya, beliefs about nature. existence and other such things like the "supernatural" are often a feature but not always on the "supernatural".

Religion is stubbornly holding onto beliefs that you can't find any rational reason to support.

User name checks out.

 

[MonkeyFire]

So Buddhists can't be religious?

Or a personal relationship with a Buddha.

 

[MonkeyFire]

This is a completely incorrect definition that does not hold up in comparing religions. It is only one way out of many ways to develop a religion. This has been unfortunately misused by the dominant religions to try and suppress other peoples belief. It is time to go beyond this limited view and embrace the diversity of humans.

A religion? Religion is a whole.

 

[Valjean]

A religion? Religion is a whole.

A whole what?

 

[`mud]

Beyond the Cosmos is the Kingdoms of the `Gods` and idols.
Our heads are swimming in those thoughts, endless eternity.....
Whether it's Heaven or Nirvana or more distant reaches,
you won't feel the needle !
Feel the `whole` ?

 

[Quintessence]

Lately I've tended to conceptualize religion in these broad strokes:

• Mythos - first and foremost, religion is about myth making or storytelling. It is a body of narratives that informs us about ourselves, others, and relationships. In short, it's about the meaning of life and living.
• Ritual - religion also includes practices that engage those narratives on an active basis. Stories are not simply told, they are living entities and enacted through behavior. In short, it's about outlining a way of life and living.
• Values - inevitably, the myth and ritual as an articulation of personal and/or cultural values. Religion deals with our sacred things, that which we deem worthy of worship, that which we hold as a centerpiece in our lives.
• Community - humans are social animals, and shared myth and ritual among humans creates community. It is through this community that religions become organized or institutionalized, a structure that facilitates passing mythos, ritual, and values between generations.

 

[YoursTrue]

I am on a solo Mission as well.

Allow me to ask, aren't we all influenced by others?

 

[Aupmanyav]

You don't really do much of anything different from other people, do you:
I think I do it a bit differently, Dagon. I have no practice other than following my duties (dharma). As you know I am an atheist, so no worship. My religion is only in understanding better. I participate in RF discussions and try to keep breast of scientific developments

Or a personal relationship with a Buddha.

Yeah, he is one of my two my guru.