Do we really need to have religion?
By careguarden
@careguarden (5670)
Philippines
9 responses
@levite (1062)
• Philippines
18 Sep 09
A dictionary defines religion as the worship and service of God or the supernatural. I think since the creation of man by God, man's heart and mind, had already known to worship his Creator as a gratitude of creating him. This, if we believe there is an invisible Being called God. If not then there is no point in this discussion. But if we really believe there is a God, then religion as defined above, plays the part in man whether he likes it or not. There is always the infinite question like: who am I, why am I here, what is my purpose in life, etc., all searching questions that demand not a simple answer. Science and our limited mind have failed to answer these questions. Material possessions, riches, fame and power have not filled the emptiness and void in human life bringing him into much misery and emptiness. The bottomline is that man is always searching for "someone" to fill his emptiness inside. Man fears to be alone. Thats' why there is man-woman relationship or relationship per se. But he/she is still empty after all this. And in the end he finds the ultimate answer to his/her question -- GOD. God is the only and real source of man's happiness, without Him we are nothing. Religion, therefore, as defined correctly, is man's relationship with the invisible God. Dogma, rituals are nothing without man's right relationship with God.
As a popular quote by a saint: My soul is restless until it finds rests in God. Cheers and God bless. 
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
14 Sep 09
If by "religion" we mean a correct and acceptable way for the Creator of the universe to be worshipped, then yes we need religion. This will unify all lovers of God into one family. But if by "religion" we mean any which way to do our own thing, then it really doesn't matter.
If there is only one God, then there must be only one acceptable way to worship Him. So our search in life is to find that way. Religion is a way of life that brings God's approval. United we stand, divided we fall.
@careguarden (5670)
• Philippines
15 Sep 09
Yeah, you have a valid point. If there is one God there must be only one acceptable way to worship him. For me, I believe that God can't be found in any religion that's why there's so many religions and belief that spring every now and then. That religions lead people away from God, that's far from where God stay. God can be found in your heart. You need to open your heart so he can fill the space that you longed to have Him in. If you allowed your self to be empty and nothing then He can live with in you forever.
Thanks for sharing with us and have a great day!
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
21 Sep 09
Giving more thought to what you said: Religion would have to be, the sum total of what a person or group of persons do to express their worship of God. It would include their beliefs and their actions.
Would a religion ever exist that would have God's approval! I believe so!
The Bible has this interesting prophecy:
Zechariah 8:23 (New International Version)
23 This is what the LORD Almighty says: "In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, 'Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.' "
Zechariah 8:23 (Young's Literal Translation)
23Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: In those days take hold do ten men of all languages of the nations, Yea, they have taken hold on the skirt of a man, a Jew, saying: We go with you, for we heard God [is] with you!
Zechariah 8:23 (King James Version)
23Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.
So a true religion would have to exist! One that would be acceptable to God! So we have to find that religion.
I agree that most religions mislead people away from God. But not all! We can love God with our heart but our actions must harmonize with what the love of God means. The actions of a religion must also harmonize with God's commandments.
It seems to me that many religions teach that murder is wrong. Yet how many actually put that into practice? How many refuse to go to war? How many would rather be killed than kill?
I also wish you a great day!
@sudiptacallingu (10879)
• India
14 Sep 09
Going thru the pages of human history and noting the number of wars that have been fought in the name of religion, I don’t think we need any religion at all. Humanity should be the only religion and there should be a set of values and principles to be taught at the school level which would inculcate the same good values that religion tires to impart in us.
Religion segregates people, makes people think of their own religion and community as the best and to shun the others or to ridicule others or even to either convert or kill others. Of course if you study deeply, you will note that greed and grab attitude was the underlying cause in most religious wars and also the very good things that most religion teaches about forgiveness, charity, etc are confined to within the members of that particular religion. Hence we needed secular states to frame laws which would be fair to all citizens. Similarly, we need to teach our kids the basic values of good living and helping people irrespective of religion. Humanity should be the one and only religion.
@careguarden (5670)
• Philippines
16 Sep 09
Religion was brought out of desperate scholars who searched for invisible God that would give them meaning and purpose in life. To filled the emptiness in their heart. Religion can either guide or lead us astray. That's why it's very important for us to be cautious in what we believe. Religion will guide us where to find God. In this world there would always be diversion, disintegration, and fight. Because there is an existence of good and evil.
I do believe that people who do kindness, generosity, love and forgiveness. Believe in their hearts that it only made them possible to do because they believe in God and God lives in their heart. So religion plays a major part in maintaining the order of this world.
That's my opinion.
Anyways thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
@runner0369 (641)
• United States
14 Sep 09
I believe I need something to believe in, it does not necessarily have to be a religion but I feel it is important to have some greater purpose in your life. By believing in something, it gives meaning to everything I experience. I do not believe it is important whether or not my beliefs about religion are correct, just having something to believe in motivates me to do what is right and to strive to make the world a better place. If what we see is all there is then there is no reason not to be selfish and a world full of selfish people is not a nice one. Of course, religion does cause a lot of conflict but I believe that is because people are so determined to prove that they are right and matters of religion cannot be proven so they are striving for the impossible and that makes them desperate. I believe if everyone accepted that we each have our own religious/spiritual beliefs that spirituality and religion could be a great influence.
@careguarden (5670)
• Philippines
15 Sep 09
Yeah I agree with you,In life we all need something or someone to believe in. Because it is only in that belief where can have meaning, purpose and direction in life. It is only in that belief where we strive to do what is right and good. Our spiritual belief enable us to live each day despite all the problems that we encounter. It is our main source of hope.
Thanks for sharing with us and have a great day!
@matsulori (269)
• United States
16 Sep 09
This is one of my favorite quotes: "We can reject everything else: religion, ideology, all received wisdom. But we cannot escape the necessity of love and compassion. This, then, is my true religion, my simple faith. In this sense there is no need for temple or church, mosque or synagogue, no need for complicated philosophy, doctrine, or dogma. Our own heart, our own mind, is the temple. The doctrine is compassion. Love for others and respect for their rights and dignity, no matter who or what they are; ultimately these are all we need. So long as we practice these in our daily lives, then no matter if we are learned or unlearned, whether we believe in Buddha or God, or follow some other religion or none at all, as long as we have compassion for others and conduct ourselves with restraint out of a sense of responsibility, there is no doubt we will be happy." ~Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama I believe there is much wisdom in what he says here.
@careguarden (5670)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
Yeah, indeed there's so much wisdom and love in his words. One thing that I've learned to from my religion. That's to how to maintained love and compassion for other people. How to keep the love alive in a very desperate situations. I have found that I'm nothing, and can do nothing, and all my ability to love and to give is not from me, it's from an invisible whom I believe lives in me and in other people who accepts Him in their heart. Religion teaches me to detached myself from the world and live the word of God.
Anyways thanks for sharing with us and have a great day!
@aryalsamir44 (2)
• Nepal
16 Sep 09
What is religion? First ask this question to yourself then think deeply is there really something like god or are they all LOL if you cant answer then let me tell you what i think. I think God exists, Yes! there is something called god who live deep inside our heart and tells us what is wrong and what is right, It tells us to go to the good way and helps us to be a PERSON!!!! not just an animal,a social animal.
Thank you
@careguarden (5670)
• Philippines
17 Sep 09
Yeah, you're right God lives deep in our heart. But do we have the courage to let the good lives in us no matter what the problems and pain we encounter. If it's enough then why people searched for God. Right religion teaches us how to reached God, and maintained a good relationship with HIM in our heart. God chooses certain people to teach and spread His works and words long time ago. That's what I get from religion. It makes me aware of all the laws and rules of God. It shows my imperfection and It embraces me to both visible and invisible reality of faith. And I don't think I would know those things in my own strength and knowledge. I owe it to my religion.
Anyways thanks for sharing with us and have a great day!
@coolcat123 (4387)
• India
18 Sep 09
yes,religion is a very important chapter in ones life.Its becos of religion that in this world good deeds are still alive otherwise this world would be the worst to live.people love their god and think of him before doing any wrong thing so the crime rate is kept decreased by it in a certain way or the other.
The purpose of religion is that we are examined by the God ,its like giving an exam whose result will be out in the final day .And if we pass we would get the best we think and if we fail in this exam ,we would be the worst sufferer.
@GADHISUNU (2162)
• India
14 Sep 09
Religion is one way to discipline a noisy mind. If you know how to do it without a religion, that should be fine. This was a question my very devout father asked at towards the end of his life. He put this question to both me and wife indepemdently. Both of concurred that it is not necessary. FYI, both of do believe in God. We believe that God-realization(= the Hindu ideal of life)is all important. Yet it is our firm belief that it is not necessary to have one.
@ravirai8616561 (824)
• India
13 Sep 09
I am an Indian by religion ,Thats it .I don't think any thing matters to me
