Which Of the World's Religions Is Most Practical? (ritual, America)

[Victor]

Originally Posted by lilithu

OK, let me clarify... Judaism, and reform Judaism in particular, focuses on the needs of its practitioners here and now, in this life. It encourages its adherents to lead a spiritual life in terms of mindfulness of gratitude, but it does not ask people to subordinate physical needs to doctrine.

Well, I'm not sure if that's true of the more conservative movements. Most Orthodox and Conservative Jews seem to align quite similar on social and moral issues as the Catholic Church.....but I see what you mean.

Is that just a cryptic way of saying "do whatever you guys want as long as it doesn't harm anyone"...

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Victor

Is that just a cryptic way of saying "do whatever you guys want as long as it doesn't harm anyone"...

No.

Even reform Judaism has a structure. There are certain things you are supposed to do, like observe the sabbath and say blessings before meals etc, etc. But you aren't required to follow these rules if it presents a hardship.

Personally, I would like UU to be more like reform Judaism. I think we could do with a little more structure, but always allowing for differences in personal circumstance.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by lilithu

No.

Even reform Judaism has a structure. There are certain things you are supposed to do, like observe the sabbath and say blessings before meals etc, etc. But you aren't required to follow these rules if it presents a hardship.

Personally, I would like UU to be more like reform Judaism. I think we could do with a little more structure, but always allowing for differences in personal circumstance.

I can see why you would. Really, there is probably some real tugging within UU. Different ideologies trying to take it in all sorts of directions. I suppose it's just bound to happen when you have different flavors part of it.

You know, I was taking "practical" not as what is easiest or more tolerant, or even which one tends to fulfill more needs (although all those are important and part of it), but rather which one is bound to "work" if put into practice properly. I tend to see religions that have a better sense of direction (rightly or wrongly) as more practical. That make sense?

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Victor

You know, I was taking "practical" not as what is easiest or more tolerant, or even which one tends to fulfill more needs (although all those are important and part of it), but rather which one is bound to "work" if put into practice properly. I tend to see religions that have a better sense of direction (rightly or wrongly) as more practical. That make sense?

Sure, it makes sense. Tho by that definition I would hope that everyone would choose their own religion. Because if they don't think that of their own religion, they should switch.

[dogsgod]

Any given religion will have us share a set of beliefs without offering any good reason as to why they are anymore correct than any other religion's. For this reason religions do far more to divide people of differing faiths than they do to unite people. Why bother?

[Victor]

Originally Posted by lilithu

Sure, it makes sense. Tho by that definition I would hope that everyone would choose their own religion. Because if they don't think that of their own religion, they should switch.

Why? It doesn't have "to work" does it? As long as it's able to produce fruits, (tolerance, fulfill needs, etc.) I would imagine that it wouldn't really matter if it didn't work in the face of adversities? (disagreements, emotions, politics, etc.) Would it to you? If so, why?

[lilithu]

Originally Posted by Victor

Why? It doesn't have "to work" does it? As long as it's able to produce fruits, (tolerance, fulfill needs, etc.) I would imagine that it wouldn't really matter if it didn't work in the face of adversities? (disagreements, emotions, politics, etc.) Would it to you? If so, why?

Perhaps we have a different idea of what it means "to work"?

For me, if I'm going to devote my life to a religion, then what I am doing is gambling my whole life on it. Not only any possible afterlife, but also this life. Different religions promise somewhat different things, but I assume that for those who have chosen their own faith, they're counting on it delivering what it promises.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by lilithu

Perhaps we have a different idea of what it means "to work"?

By "work", I mean it's able to face all adversities and still be able to produce something official and with a direction. How the religion is structured plays a huge in this.

But really I speak from a mindset that believes that if right exist it should be able to be found irregardless of any adversities. I honestly don't think this is the case for many religions. Throw in one huge screw (adversity) and it either seizes to exist or is prone to schism.

How do you see "work"?

Originally Posted by lilithu

For me, if I'm going to devote my life to a religion, then what I am doing is gambling my whole life on it. Not only any possible afterlife, but also this life. Different religions promise somewhat different things, but I assume that for those who have chosen their own faith, they're counting on it delivering what it promises.

Well, you are talking to a person that believes "I will embrace truth whether I like what I find or not"....I had that sig going for some time. I literally have to detach myself as best as I can and just observe and ponder over it.

[Victor]

Upon further reflection, I think I should be clearer on what I mean by "work". I realized that what I said can also be applied to the RC.

Really, it's an authoritative structure that makes it more practical. And the structure itself if examined do differ as you are already aware.