Why Religion?

[Marcion]

I consider this arbitrary classification and definition as 'rhetoric' focused on 'someone' trying to define their belief by artificially partitioning their belief separate form other beliefs.

If you think everthing is classified by beliefs only, then you would be right. But spirituality is about much more than beliefs.

 

[shunyadragon]

If you think everything is classified by beliefs only, then you would be right. But spirituality is about much more than beliefs.

My objection is the artificial distinction and not whether everything is beliefs, and I have not concluded that 'everything is beliefs only.'

 

[metis]

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

Religion is learned, not instinctive.

 

[Thief]

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

i like that

 

[shunyadragon]

Religion is learned, not instinctive.

I consider 'religion' neither. Religion si simply what people believe, not believe or could care less, whether organized, disorganized, sanforized, digitized, mortified, or what ever.

 

[atanu]

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

It is said that Vedas are of no use to one who is one with God. Similarly, religion is useless for the ignorant. Religion is for people like me who vacillate.

 

[BSM1]

I'm not sure I understand how doing things as a group directly relates to being told by others what to do.

Uhhh...by definition you have agreed to the terms of the group, even if de facto. Usually meet at a given place and time, and there is certain decorum that is followed, even if it's unspoken. If you have an epiphany that doesn't reflect the group mentality, you may be ostracized. You are allowing your will to be shaped and defined in most cases by the group.

 

[BSM1]

You can get fellowship in a quest to toss a ring into a volcano.

Good example. Maybe not a long-term fellowship, but a fellowship all the same....

 

[Quintessence]

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

Not inherently, no. Maybe in some religions. This certainly isn't the case for mine. Speaking of which...

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Because merely "believing in" one's gods is armchair theism and of little to no value. The way of life that is religion is all-encompassing, providing mythos (story) and ritual (action) that articulate values in a way that usually connects you with a broader community.

Then again, I really don't know what people mean by "personal relationship." Makes no sense to add the word "personal" in front of that considering all relationships you as an individual have with something else are personal.

 

[Tumah]

Uhhh...by definition you have agreed to the terms of the group, even if de facto. Usually meet at a given place and time, and there is certain decorum that is followed, even if it's unspoken. If you have an epiphany that doesn't reflect the group mentality, you may be ostracized. You are allowing your will to be shaped and defined in most cases by the group.

For three months when I was working in a different city, I regularly joined a group for services. The group was comprised of people of various backgrounds and levels of religiosity and observance. We spoke not at all and I have no idea what their positions are about anything other than coming to the afternoon services on a daily basis, which I only assume they were agreeable to, because they were actually there. Except for one who I actually worked with, I did not see any of them outside those 20 minutes. Was there a group mentality there any greater than a group of people watching a concert?

 

[80s fashion girl]

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

Religion is a man made venture and a big money maker, controls people, and keeps them in the baby stage. I should add that Western Christianity is what I'm familiar with in this regard.

 

[BilliardsBall]

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

Which God? What is God's name? Has this God told you how to pray to them to see healings/miracles? Does joining a religion increase your God power and access since you are in community with others? Does it help for marriage and children, so that the family is on the same God page?

The real question: Which religion offers the highest logic, most proof?

 

[BSM1]

For three months when I was working in a different city, I regularly joined a group for services. The group was comprised of people of various backgrounds and levels of religiosity and observance. We spoke not at all and I have no idea what their positions are about anything other than coming to the afternoon services on a daily basis, which I only assume they were agreeable to, because they were actually there. Except for one who I actually worked with, I did not see any of them outside those 20 minutes. Was there a group mentality there any greater than a group of people watching a concert?

Why couldn't you have attended by yourself with no one else there? And why that particular time and place? Why did you even need a group to experience your faith and devotion? Do you believe God would think less of you if you did not join in any group setting?

 

[Tumah]

Why couldn't have attended by yourself with no one else there?

If there was no one available, I would have. Would you prefer a concert where there's no one else in the room?

 

[BSM1]

If there was no one available, I would have. Would you prefer a concert where there's no one else in the room?

Absolutely!. I don't need the interaction of others to enjoy and/or experience myself.

 

[Marcion]

My objection is the artificial distinction and not whether everything is beliefs, and I have not concluded that 'everything is beliefs only.'

How are the distinctions made 'artificial'? I think they make perfect sense.
Perhaps some of them could have been more explicit, but the general contrast works well and reflects real differences between spiritual cults and religions.
There will of course be hybrid paths, it's more of a spectrum.

 

[shunyadragon]

How are the distinctions made 'artificial'? I think they make perfect sense.

To you , ah . . . maybe, but to the many diverse conflicting religious beliefs and human perspectives no. I have met Jews, JWs, Muslims, and others that deny their belief is religion, but of course, describe what others believe is religion.

The distinction is how humans for their own comfort define what they believe as opposed to what others believe.

Perhaps some of them could have been more explicit, but the general contrast works well and reflects real differences between spiritual cults and religions.
There will of course be hybrid paths, it's more of a spectrum.

You just confirmed what I posted.

 

[LuisDantas]

If you believe in god, meaning that you have a personal relationship with god, what need do you have for religion?

Isn't it essentially other people telling you how you should have a relationship with god?

To an extent, you are answering your own question.

Religion has many purposes. And although many of them use god-belief as a pretext or an ice-breaker, very few of them have much to actually do with that belief.

For the most part, religion is about telling things to other people for various purposes.

 

[David T]

It's not so "advanced." :}

Yes advanced isnt correct.

 

[loverofhumanity]

Are you a messenger? and, if not, why not?

I’m just a tiny ant, a drop in the ocean.