religion???? (salvation, hell, pray, bible, Mary)

[sweet666]

Sometimes, when you sit and say your prayers, do you ever think 'what the hell am I thinking'. Do you ever doubt your religion-even for a second? How can you be sure of some God? To me it seems that religion is the root of all evil and in effect religion is rapidly dying!?! arty:

[Jayhawker Soule]

Know then thyself, presume not God to scan;
The proper study of Mankind is Man.

< ---- snip ---- >

But when his own great work is but begun,
What Reason weaves, by Passion is undone.

- Alexander Pope

The root of all evil is not taking responsibility for insuring good.

[Lightkeeper]

I think religion is evolving. I don't think it will ever die out completely. We will always have a higher self. I have faith in the higher self.

[LeaderNotFollower]

Sweet, I thought the same as you a few years ago, until one day, I realized, "What the hell AM I thinking?" A belief in God just stopped making sense to me.

Who told you to believe in God, your parents? your clergy? your friends? Did God ever tell you to believe in him? Of course he does in the bible, but that was written by men. Did God himself ever tell you personally, to believe in him. I doubt it. What you are experiencing right now, doubt, is what humans are predesposed to. Where do you think humans would be if they hadn't questioned their surroundings. They would be doing exactly what they were told, by their parents, clergy and friends. Now I don't know about you, but I like to formulate my own ideas about the world.

As for myself, I stopped praying a long time ago, because I really believe no one is listening. Remember, if you pray for something, there is, pretty much, a 50% chance it will take place/come true. If believing in God helps you to be a better person, then kudos. But never do something just because someone told you to.

[Ardhanariswar]

have i questioned my faith? yes! duh. extensivly. since in hinduism, the barriers and restrictions arent that many, it leaves a lot of room to find yourself and do good.

thats what a religion's purpose is. to help you keep faith and never loose heart when things get tough. someone is out there, looking after you. surly, things may happen for a reason, though we may not understand it.

i still pray to God. i believe in him and how he exists everywhere. and one day, when i gain salvation, i shall be in pure bliss with God.

[true blood]

I'm curious...how do you all pray and what do you pray for?

[Mr Spinkles]

Last fall during the football season, I was a place kicker on the football team, and there were a couple of games that were extremely.....stressful. I had to kick a couple clutch field goals, and before each kick I said a Hail Mary (and I was never even Catholic)! :lol:

I remember when I used to pray at night, I would make sure to do three things: Thank God, apologize to him, and tell him I love him. It was a pretty short prayer. I finally grew out of such an emotional dependancy on the imaginary, though.... :

[true blood]

Aye, I see how ya are :killme:

[Runt]

My religion is not static in its beliefs. As soon as I start to doubt one of my beliefs I examine it. If I find it no longer seems to hold water I disregard it. If I discover new concepts that make sense to me, I adopt them. *shrugs* I'm eclectic, what can I say?

[Ardhanariswar]

hmm. i usually say a couple of sanscrit prayers, and then probably have a conversation with God and all.

and then sometiems i would chant and chant, jaya hanuman, or rama rama.

it all depends on the situation. I also play the veena wich is a religious instrument, playing prayers. so im praying too while i play. its fun!.