Aqualung
Tasty
Although, looking at other people's answers, it seems that I have a much stricter, more developed (in that it covers many more aspects) of "benefit" than most others.
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Would you be religious without a reward on offer?
- Thread starter Halcyon
- Start date
Although, looking at other people's answers, it seems that I have a much stricter, more developed (in that it covers many more aspects) of "benefit" than most others.
Luk 17:9-10
(9) Doth he give grace too (thank) that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
(10) So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
(9) Doth he give grace too (thank) that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
(10) So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.
rojse
RF Addict
How would you rework the analogy so that it presents the choice you make in simpler terms?
lunamoth
Will to love
That anology can't be reworked at all to reflect choice I face.
Booko
Deviled Hen
I have been for more than 2 decades already.
Yeah, there are promises of an afterlife and answered prayers, but it's not a motivator for me. I suspect that may have something to do with my previous atheistic background.
YmirGF
Bodhisattva in Recovery
I do not follow a religion of man, but I do follow my heart. I expect nothing whatsoever. Then again, I already have more than most can understand.
One cannot offer someone something they already possess. It is unseemly. It is probably a misunderstanding somewhere along the line.
It would never occur to me to be a Muslim, Paradise or not. Aside from that, I am already in paradise, so the reward has no real meaning for me.
The question if irrelevant to me as I am like a traveller on an fascinating journey. I have gone too far already to worry about trifles like moksha any longer. Also, it is not possible to become separated from "god" so what is up with reunion? *giggles*
It wouldn't matter in the slightest because these things are just symbols for far greater aspects of reality. Take away the symbol and the reality is still there.
I already am on record as saying that Nirvana/Nibbana does not exist. There is no "final" state. Perhaps this should have been called the "first" state.
I don't rely on needless symbolism Paul. Dogma and ritual have absolutely no meaning to me any longer. I can into this world naked and fresh and I shall leave it naked and full of experience. My experience will never dissolve into some cosmic melting pot as my consciousness will simply expand forever like ripples on a pond. Infinite smooth sailing? No doubt I will stumble from time to time, but if I continue to learn from my experiences then I'll just keep on going wherever I wish doing whatever interests me. It's a hard road, but someone has got to do it. :sad4:Any religion not mentioned above please also post, perhaps with an explanation if you feel one would help with understanding.
MaddLlama
Obstructor of justice
What counts as a reward? An afterlife? Material wealth? Happiness? Inner peace? The fulfillment of having a relationship with ones Deity/Deities?
I personally wouldn't follow any religion/faith that didn't provide me with that last one. For me, that's most of the point.
I personally wouldn't follow any religion/faith that didn't provide me with that last one. For me, that's most of the point.
rojse
RF Addict
I would say that everything that you have listed in that post would be considered a possible reward for being religious.
Peace
Quran & Sunnah
Yes! Even if there will be no reward and no heaven I would still be a Muslim. I find in Islam all my needs, whatever I look for I find it there in my religion. it's a total system of life. Islam runs in my blood... every impulse in my body say I am a Muslim.
Peace
Halcyon
Lord of the Badgers
Yes, all those things are rewards.
So Islam fulfulls your needs - i see that as a reward. What if Islam fulfilled none of your needs?Peace said:
What if religion gave you nothing? (asking everyone not just Peace)
Master Vigil
Well-Known Member
I ask of nothing. "I" as an entity do not exist, therefore I cannot receive anything.
Todd
Rajun Cajun
Well, my thinking was that if he had no power, couldn't really do anything, didn't help us, or give us hope, then he wouldn't really be God from how I know him today which is an all powerful mighty king that can do whatever he sees as just and fair. If he had none of the traits that I have always known him by, then I would have no reason to believe. That being said, I do believe in God
. Hope that explains myself better.
Halcyon
Lord of the Badgers
If you don't exist then what formulated this belief, read my question, thought up a reply and posted it?
Master Vigil
Well-Known Member
The concept of "I" as a separate entity doesn't exist. "I" exist as one with everything. The latter did what you asked, not the former. If the former would have answered, it would most likely have lied. Because it is the former that wants things for it's self. Not the latter.
Halcyon
Lord of the Badgers
How could the former want things for itself if in reality it does not exist? And if the latter replied to the thread how come it answers as though it were the former?
Master Vigil
Well-Known Member
That is the illusion we all must break. And end our suffering.
Because the internet depends on man-made concepts such as words.
rojse
RF Addict
Well, my thinking was that if he had no power, couldn't really do anything, didn't help us, or give us hope, then he wouldn't really be God from how I know him today which is an all powerful mighty king that can do whatever he sees as just and fair. If he had none of the traits that I have always known him by, then I would have no reason to believe. That being said, I do believe in God
He can still do anything and not help you, give you hope, and still be considered a god. I think that you have removed too many qualities from the idea of God.
ayani
member
Halcyon said:
well if it gives nothing at all, not understanding, not peace, not nearness to God, not answers to questions...
why continue to profess something that doesn't have meaning for you?
religion for me gives meaning and understanding. though sometimes it doesn't give this, truly. spiritual dry spells, droughts. but faith is still there, and faith can also be returned to.
Grappleberry Punch
Member
Well I think your definition of 'reward' is a little off, because a lot of the things you classify as 'rewards' I classify as natural consequences of my own beliefs. If my religion and my God didn't give me meaning, didn't give me discipline, didn't give me peace, didn't give me a relationship with God--then it wouldn't be my religion, and it wouldn't be my God.
What if you weren't "rewarded" for eating food? What if tomorrow, no matter how much we ate, we would still starve? It wouldn't taste good, no nutritional value, not even satisfaction of curiosity on 'what eating is like'...would you still eat food?
What if you weren't "rewarded" for eating food? What if tomorrow, no matter how much we ate, we would still starve? It wouldn't taste good, no nutritional value, not even satisfaction of curiosity on 'what eating is like'...would you still eat food?