Why is religion and belief such a big deal?

[sojourner]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama. Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing. Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal? Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them? Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes? Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor? Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship? Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

 

[Earthling]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama. Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing. Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

You have to keep it in a practical perspective. The subject of spirituality is presented on forums like these as a subject of debate, so the extremes in belief and disbelief are more intense than you would generally find in society. I guess that's why we don't discuss politics or religion in polite society. We would have to all kill one another.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal? Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them? Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes? Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor? Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship? Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

To me, spirituality comes from the ancient Hebrew and Greek words for spirit, which means an invisible active force. So, in the Hebrew the word spirit can, depending upon the context, be translated as wind, breeze, breath, mental inclination. Pneumatic and Pneumonia comes from the Greek word for spirit. So spirituality to me, is any thing in my life which is invisible or unseen but that produces some result. From the practical breath, wind, mental inclination, to tradition, culture, environment, to the supernatural existence of a creator, Jehovah God. It would include, art, music, entertainment of all sorts, religion etc.

To me, what I typically have liked to discuss in the past is the Bible. Only a small portion of my own spirituality. I have sort of burnt out on those discussions and debates for the most part, but every once in a while I will find something that appeals to me when I do have the time and inclination for discussion / debate. I also do like getting to know what, why, and if other people have different or the same beliefs. I don't mind if the discussion gets heated or someone pokes fun at what I believe, I would be silly not to expect it, and I return it as well in all fairness.

To me it's just the way it is.

 

[InChrist]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama. Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing. Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal? Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them? Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes? Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor? Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship? Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

Not sure why religion or spirituality is that way, but if there is One God Creator of heaven and earth and this God has determined the way humans are to relate or be in fellowship with Him, at present and for eternity, then I can see how this particular way would be important.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama.

While I think your post asks an interesting question, I suspect that your 'usually' overstates matters, possibly the result of seeing RF activity as somehow representative of society as a whole.

 

[Frog]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama. Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing. Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal? Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them? Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes? Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor? Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship? Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

I wont reply to the essay but the title as it took too sharp of turns at my feeble brain.
Religion is for those who want to practice the spiritual in body rather than in mind. Belief is what keeps that mind on the certain course in an attempt to achieve the glories promised in those religious text.

 

[lukethethird]

A lot of people take their religion or their atheism far too seriously. People want certainty, they cling dearly to their beliefs hoping to obtain certainty, but nature doesn't work that way.

 

[George-ananda]

Why is religion and belief such a big deal?

To me it is the biggest of deals. It defines my understanding of reality and how I ought best live and think in this reality.

 

[sojourner]

Not sure why religion or spirituality is that way, but if there is One God Creator of heaven and earth and this God has determined the way humans are to relate or be in fellowship with Him, at present and for eternity, then I can see how this particular way would be important.

Important, yes. But why the drama? It’s like a silly reality show.

 

[sojourner]

While I think your post asks an interesting question, I suspect that your 'usually' overstates matters, possibly the result of seeing RF activity as somehow representative of society as a whole.

Well, to be fair, I didn’t mention society as a whole. I mentioned this forum and an unspecified “elsewhere.” I can see how that could be taken as “society as a whole,” but that’s not what I meant. To me overdramatizing religious faith somehow diminishes it. What do think?

 

[sojourner]

A lot of people take their religion or their atheism far too seriously. People want certainty, they cling dearly to their beliefs hoping to obtain certainty, but nature doesn't work that way.

I agree.

 

[sojourner]

Why is religion and belief such a big deal?

To me it is the biggest of deals. It defines my understanding of reality and how I ought best live and think in this reality.

Agreed. But why be overly dramatic about it? (Not that I’m saying you, personally, are that way.)

 

[InChrist]

Important, yes. But why the drama? It’s like a silly reality show.

I'm not sure what you mean by drama. People usually put a lot of time and serious thought into choosing the right car, or doctor, or spouse, and many other things. I'd think that something which has eternal implications would be enormously more important, maybe even dramatic.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama. Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing. Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal? Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them? Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes? Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor? Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship? Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

Ideally, it should. I notice among seekers (I dont meet any offline if any) that they feel they have to find a way to define their beliefs is an organized system. It is helpful to look at religion as organized or better word a lifestyle because its supposed to dictate how you see life. If you speak of your religion as if it was not connected to you (I am a Pagan and Pagans believe in X is true; rather than, X is true according to me without referring to the word Pagan)

I feel if we see religion as a part of our lives like football games and favorite foods, it wont seem like something to gain. Also, with the debating, I honestly only see that among christians and some anti-religious for whatever reason. Another thing about other faiths I came across is they (Muslim, Hindu, whomever) tend to talk among themselvs. So, the major religions tend to overshadow what they feel religion is supposed to be. Its a backdrop of how people express their religions in the mordern ones. Its based on what "we are not" than what we are.

Also, we dont tend to fuss over favorite foods and who likes what movie; so, if religion is apart of our lives like other things, fussing who has the right definition of the trinity becomes silly.

There is some pros of debates only insofar people learn something so much to where their views are shaped by differing opinions rather than as condiments of a meal.

Also, there would be less defensiveness if we saw religion as our lifestyle. But then, not many people see their beliefs as their lives but separate action from belief. Its not common in I guess 99% of religions the further back one goes. I see that in the most recent ones.

 

[George-ananda]

Agreed. But why be overly dramatic about it? (Not that I’m saying you, personally, are that way.)

I’m passionate about it. I liked to discuss what I’ve learned with others but I don’t get dramatic.

The drama often occurs when egos clash.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Well, to be fair, I didn’t mention society as a whole. I mentioned this forum and an unspecified “elsewhere.” I can see how that could be taken as “society as a whole,” but that’s not what I meant. To me overdramatizing religious faith somehow diminishes it. What do think?

I experienced this in person, and believe me RF is like a soup of what everyone outside things. But when you see an RF response in person, reality kicks in: people actualy do think this way. The defense comes from unsetting someones comfort zone.

They may deny it, but thats just human nature. Like a parent to their child, we guard our truth. Another reason is people build their life up with their given religion or faith, and that hard work, experience, and putting their full trust in something, when that gets challenged, the game is on.

On RF, its like a wrestling match. Sometimes I think we forget we are talking to people not robots.

 

[Jayhawker Soule]

To me overdramatizing religious faith somehow diminishes it. ...

... almost by definition.

... What do think?

I think you may be close to constructing a less than compelling straw man.

 

[Sir Doom]

Debate without emotion? I think I won't. Overdramatizing is too much by definition, so short of that...

 

[Ellen Brown]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama. Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing. Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal? Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them? Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes? Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor? Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship? Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

I don't say I have the definitive answer, but here are my thoughts. It is Anthropological and Psychological and has nothing to do with religion. Life here on Earth is terrorizing, what with mountains blowing up, tsunamis all over the place, animals attacking, and diseases we can't even see killing us. Whether by God or not, humans in the face of all that feel insecure and often hysterical, and a common thing for a frightened animal to do is attack.

There must be some way to feel more calm because hysteria and fear wears us out.

Enter stage left, religion! If we can concoct an imaginary system that makes us feel more calm then why not? Though I am not sure why, it seems that the more severe and strident the belief system is the better we feel. Then we concoct an angry, merciless Supreme being who is always looking for something to hit or yell at. Then the followers, wanting to emulate this being, get all yelly and bullyish?

The task of true belief is to stop all that and to try to just be, and thankful for the one who gave us life.

 

[Skwim]

Why is religion and belief such a big deal?

Because people have been convinced to make it so.

A religion arises because people have found it an easy way to control others because control is simply in their nature. Others become societal leaders because it's in their nature. Others feel more comfortable being led; the followers. But whether a religious leader, a societal leader, or a follower, all exemplify some of differences that occur within the Homo sapiens zoo. Societal leaders derive their power through several means ranging from brute force to the elected powers of governance. Religious leaders derive their power by offering a solution to the fears common to humans, plus those they create along the way. They also offer solace to their follower's other fears, anxieties, and concerns,

By resolving the fear of death and addressing other personal needs among their followers, religious leaders satisfy their need to control and at the same time typically derive material benefits such as offerings of food and money. Unfortunately, in order to accomplish this these leaders often create fears with which they threaten their followers. Do X, Y, and Z or else 1, 2, and 3 will befall you. So religions develop a mutual survival paradigm wherein religious leaders and their followers feed off each other. People, having been convinced they need religion to over come these fears, quickly support and defend it. Religious leaders, having found that religion satisfies their need for control, support and defend it---It must also be recognized that those religious leaders who have had no say in what their religion teaches or demands no doubt came into the position with the same follower mindset as those they now minister to.

This is why the faithful have sometimes been disparagingly likened to sheep. Religions have convinced them they can't live without their teachings and guidance, and the flock, buying into it, readily agree. So that's the big deal with religion: People have a great need to be comforted, and religions have designed and promote themselves to do just that.

As for spirituality, it's one of those concepts by which a religion can offer sources of power and authority larger than oneself while at the same time brushing off any request for proof. The truth of spirituality operates purely on faith, putting in the "yours ain't no better than mine" category.

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[Pudding]

I’ve noticed in this forum and elsewhere that religion, faith, belief, spirituality are usually treated with a lot of drama.

Because many people love drama.

Faith is treated as being of utmost importance to our continued existence — and not only generalized faith, but a particular belief, adherence, or practice is touted as absolutely necessary. Everyone MUST believe this particular thing.

Ego, insecure, indoctrinate, social pressure, sincerely believe the statements above are true or the best for everyone, or act for selfish personal gain.

Either that, or it’s treated as utterly ridiculous — a colossal waste of time and energy, and it’s essential — even dire that NO ONE believe, else the world explode or something.

Might be a victim of religion who would made the latter statement.

Why does religion have to be such an overshadowing, all-encompassing, YUGE deal?

Because of ego, insecure, indoctrinate, social pressure, for selfish personal gain or for the better of everyone. By the way, religion is indeed a huge deal, it is everywhere, it affects our life in positive and negative ways.

Why can’t it simply be what it is: one vehicle for etiological discovery and one way in which many seek deeper meaning for their lives and the world about them?

Because different people have different opinion, that's how human works.

Why does religion have to be encapsulated into tiny little boxes?

Because some people believe so, base on their beliefs or experience. But that doesn't mean it must be a universally correct choice to encapsulated religion into tiny little boxes. Correct or not depends on individual.

Is our search for deeper meaning so sacrosanct that we can’t draw it with a broad brush stroke to include art, philosophy, education, science and other broadening ventures as part of the spiritual endeavor?

Yes for some people, no for some other people, because different people have different opinion.

Is the discovery of quantum theory or encountering a Bach fugue any less spiritual than immersing oneself in worship?

Same as above answer.

Is bible study any more spiritual than the birth of a child or watching a great athlete at the top of his game?

Same as above answer.

Why isn’t spirituality treated as just a natural dimension of the human experience?

I don't understand your question.