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what's the most important factor in a religion?

hkkb

Member
How do you know a religion is right? Is it based on theology, on doctrine, or on the culture, the community, what is the most important factor?

For example, I think a lot of things are right about Catholicism I guess theologically. But I've also seen depictions of Protestant communities in documentaries and things which made it seem like they have a very close and socially active community, having many church events and groups, doing things to invest in and strengthen the community, being interested and involved in one another's lives, helping each other. The Catholic communities I've witnessed didn't seem quite so close-knit, and a strong community seems like an important thing. Is it only possible because Protestants are able to pick between numerous denominations and so can have more unified beliefs within their church?

What is the most important factor in picking a religion? You can research the doctrine of various religions, but how do you know what the culture and community of those religions is like? Does culture not matter in the decision, should it be only about beliefs? What happens if you do pick a religion based on community but don't agree theologically? Or if you agree with the doctrine of your religion but the culture leaves you socially and spiritually unfulfilled?
 

Eyes to See

Well-Known Member
How do you know a religion is right? Is it based on theology, on doctrine, or on the culture, the community, what is the most important factor?

You can liken it to the Secret Service. They are in charge of keeping counterfeit money out of circulation. Like counterfeit money Satan has made many forms of religion to mislead humans. So what do you think the Secret Service does? They study the real currency and are able to determine the fake by comparing it with the real deal.

So it is with true religion. You need just study the Bible, God's word inspired for humankind, and then see who has the correct form of worship according to scripture, and not man-made tradition or doctrine.
 
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URAVIP2ME

Veteran Member
You can liken it to the Secret Service. They are in charge of keeping counterfeit money out of circulation. Like counterfeit money Satan has made many forms of religion to mislead humans. So what do you think the Secret Service does? They study the real currency and are able to determine the fake by comparing it with the real deal.
So it is with true religion. You need just study the Bible, God's word inspired for humankind, and then see who has the correct form of worship according to scripture, and not made-made tradition or doctrine.

Yes, agree, study the real.
And since the Bible is Not written in ABC order then one needs to study or research Scripture by subjects or topic arrangement to get a complete or accurate picture of what the Bible really teaches.
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
What is the most important factor in picking a religion?

For me, it's how we treat ourselves, and treat others and supporting them on their journey even though it may be contrary to your own (empathy).

Personal values (the ones you can't part with life or death). If your belief doesn't align with your values (or you feel uncomfortable adapting to that X religion's values), then I'd say that religion would be unhealthy. Find something that aligns with Who you are and what you believe rather than what you are and wish to believe.

You can research the doctrine of various religions, but how do you know what the culture and community of those religions is like?

Interact with them. As long as you respect their cultural ethics and traditions, you're fine.

Does culture not matter in the decision, should it be only about beliefs?

It depends on the religion rather than it being a hard fast rule. Some religions are very tight nit with culture. In other words, without it, you can't practice the religion. Others see culture (and traditions) separate from their religious beliefs. So, in that respect you're more free to find what's best for you within your own cultural values rather than someone else's. But it depends on the religion. A lot of times it's people's biases they have with religions unlike their own-and not just abrahamic-but most are pretty nice about it if you respect them.

What happens if you do pick a religion based on community but don't agree theologically?

I did that thinking I agree with it theologically since I love the community (Catholicism). I found taking the Eucharist when you're not "part of the church" is an insult. So, why would one be part of a community but not part of the body of christ?

It's not specific to religion, though. UU there's a good amount of personal choice in theology but they are very very community oriented.

Or if you agree with the doctrine of your religion but the culture leaves you socially and spiritually unfulfilled?

That one was hard for me. Push comes to shove, I still believe the doctrine but feel uncomfortable practicing it 'cause I don't have the context that makes it up. I know two and two is four and I can do math all day, but if I want to be a mathematician, I can't just sit in my room and sharpen my pencil.
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
It satisfies you, without harming others.

Heaven help me, I agree with @Revoltingest again.

Going a bit deep, to me satisfaction means being convinced that the religion or spiritual path answers a deep calling. For those attracted to religion, to me it would be about the fundamentals and not about changeable groups and tiny theological details.
 

Brickjectivity

Turned to Stone. Now I stretch daily.
Staff member
Premium Member
***edit***
What is the most important factor in picking a religion? You can research the doctrine of various religions, but how do you know what the culture and community of those religions is like? Does culture not matter in the decision, should it be only about beliefs? What happens if you do pick a religion based on community but don't agree theologically? Or if you agree with the doctrine of your religion but the culture leaves you socially and spiritually unfulfilled?
The most important thing is that there are not factors. You stumble into the right place or you don't. Walk far, and you may fall into the correct cave. Perhaps stay where you are and work with what you have, but there is no shortcut or Rolodex that can save you painstakingly going through reams of data and experiences. There are people everywhere looking to use you, to help you, to befriend you, to make you family. Nobody can make things clear except you. Its foot work, trials, failures. Its not a weekend research paper. Spin the dial.
 

Revoltingest

Pragmatic Libertarian
Premium Member
Heaven help me, I agree with @Revoltingest again.

Going a bit deep, to me satisfaction means being convinced that the religion or spiritual path answers a deep calling. For those attracted to religion, to me it would be about the fundamentals and not about changeable groups and tiny theological details.
The question...
Do we share the brain of a dog or a human....or a Scot?
 

Kenny

Face to face with my Father
Premium Member
How do you know a religion is right? Is it based on theology, on doctrine, or on the culture, the community, what is the most important factor?

For example, I think a lot of things are right about Catholicism I guess theologically. But I've also seen depictions of Protestant communities in documentaries and things which made it seem like they have a very close and socially active community, having many church events and groups, doing things to invest in and strengthen the community, being interested and involved in one another's lives, helping each other. The Catholic communities I've witnessed didn't seem quite so close-knit, and a strong community seems like an important thing. Is it only possible because Protestants are able to pick between numerous denominations and so can have more unified beliefs within their church?

What is the most important factor in picking a religion? You can research the doctrine of various religions, but how do you know what the culture and community of those religions is like? Does culture not matter in the decision, should it be only about beliefs? What happens if you do pick a religion based on community but don't agree theologically? Or if you agree with the doctrine of your religion but the culture leaves you socially and spiritually unfulfilled?

I don't necessarily think Protestant or Catholic as different religions but rather different expressions thereof. The main point is to find on the matches who you are. Some like the liturgical aspects of Catholicism, I like the family feeling and the excitement of a charismatic church.

Both believe in Jesus and His death, buried, resurrection etc...

As compared to other religions, to me the biggest difference is whether man can reach Heaven, a god position or oneness to whatever is out there on his own vs Christianity (maybe others too, I don't know) - where God said (paraphrased to get the gist of what I am trying to say since some may get confused :D ), "no, man can't so I'll come down and help him get to where I am at".
 
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Eyes to See

Well-Known Member
To expound on my first comment, looking into the Bible. It gives us some really easy markers to see what true religion looks like. In fact there are 5 major points found in the Bible. The true religion meets all the requirements. No other religion on earth meets even one.

(Mods, whenever I quote the following scripture I get it deleted and warning points. It is just as good as the rest of the Bible. And it is answering the OP.)

1. The true religion would use Jehovah's name and proclaim it to the people:

For “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” 14 However, how will they call on him if they have not put faith in him? How, in turn, will they put faith in him about whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? 15 How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent out? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!”
-Romans 10:13-15.

Which religion not only uses God's name Jehovah, but proclaims it to the people? This is a mark of the true religion according to the Bible.

2. Base all their teachings on God's word the Bible, and not on man-made traditions and doctrine
s. -2 Timothy 3:15, 16. There are many religions that claim to follow the God of the Bible but how many of them have doctrines and follow traditions that are not found in the Bible or that the Bible out right condemns?

3. Remain neutral to the political affairs and wars and national conflicts of the world. Jesus said about his followers:

(John 17:14-16)  I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world. 15 “I do not request that you take them out of the world, but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.

Which religion as an organization earth-wide are no part of the world. Have returned the sword to its place and learn war no more? Who do not participate in wars, or in politics to the nations? This is a marker of the true religion.


4. Have true love among themselves. Jesus plainly said that his followers would be evident by this fact:

(John 13:35) By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”

It is a very short statement but a very powerful one. Which religion practices true love among its believers? Who refuse to go to war so they do not kill their brothers in other lands? Who have gotten rid of racial, national, and ethnic prejudices and hatreds? Who as a Christian organization earth-wide are united by love?! This is most key factor in all of these.

Others can argue dogma and false teachings all they want, but they still don't have the true love among themselves as the true Christian congregation does.

5. Preach the good news about the kingdom.

What is the good news? What is the kingdom? Who is preaching it to the people? This goes hand-in-hand with the first point as well. -Matthew 24:14, 28:19, 20.

5 simple key points the Bible points to who really practices the true religion. And only 1 religion meets all the requirements. No other religion qualifies with even 1. There isn't even really a question of who has the truth. And it is very evident to everyone that would study or investigate.
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
As compared to other religions, to me the biggest difference is whether man can reach Heaven, a god position or oneness to whatever is out there on his own vs Christianity (maybe others too, I don't know) - where God said, "no, man can't so I'll come down and help him get to where I am at".

From my non-Christian belief system, no one can realize the Divine on their own. People can travel a long way but the final step is not in their hands. The story of Milarepa, Tibet's Greatest Yogi, is one such example. The great sufi's Rumi and Hafiz had perfected beings to give them their realization. Sometimes those figures are known and often they are unknown.
 

Deeje

Avid Bible Student
Premium Member
How do you know a religion is right? Is it based on theology, on doctrine, or on the culture, the community, what is the most important factor?

My answer would be that none of the above you mentioned would be the main factor.

"Truth" is the main factor and there should be no deviation from it. Jesus' teachings do not need additions or subtractions. Yet the many "Christian" churches have all added and subtracted ideas to suit themselves.....they have made God and his Christ in their own image.

The 'cramped and narrow road' is difficult for a reason. (Matthew 7:13-14) That is why "few" are able to travel it. The "many" are on the wrong road...its easy, but it leads to death.

Another key ingredient is "obedience". All God has ever asked of his worshippers is to obey him as the loving Father that he is. Sometimes in our imperfect flesh, that becomes difficult especially when the world has drifted away from God's moral standards and some religions have drifted right along with them. There is no room for negotiation in these things.

Thirdly, I believe that unity is paramount. (1 Corinthians 1:10) If the churches are disunited then they are not following Christ, but only someone's interpretation of his teachings.

The simple approach is to do what Jesus did in loving our God and Father as well as our neighbors.....telling people of the hope that he held out of a better world to come....and obeying his commands, which were not in any way difficult. Find the people who do those things and you will have found the true religion.....the one Jesus promoted.
 

Kenny

Face to face with my Father
Premium Member
From my non-Christian belief system, no one can realize the Divine on their own. People can travel a long way but the final step is not in their hands. The story of Milarepa, Tibet's Greatest Yogi, is one such example. The great sufi's Rumi and Hafiz had perfected beings to give them their realization. Sometimes those figures are known and often they are unknown.

thank you... I looked it up.

But didn't he believe in continual rebirths depending on previous life?
 

`mud

Just old
Premium Member
hey @KenS ,
Paraphrased ???
Really !!
And your `God` really said that ?

Ahhh...Moses...what have you done !
 

Kenny

Face to face with my Father
Premium Member
hey @KenS ,
Paraphrased ???
Really !!
And your `God` really said that ?

Ahhh...Moses...what have you done !
You are too funny. ;) I'll adjust it so that you can get the principle of what I was saying...
 

`mud

Just old
Premium Member
Not to bother to @KenS ,
I've heard this story so many times, in thousands of versions !
Same old `God`, different aspiration's, and a different plan.
but...some people get to go to heaven, and live in `God's` mansion.
Good wishes to all those Spirits that will find naught,
but I think that you will `merge` with the other Spirits,
when it's totally all over !

How large is that mansion in the sky ?
 

Quintessence

Consults with Trees
Staff member
Premium Member
I'd still stand by this list that I complied years ago: The wrong religion

There isn't a "most important" factor on this list, though I feel very strongly about the first one. Your religion should absolutely be a positive influence in your life and if it isn't, you are practicing the wrong religion for you. Life is too short to hold onto something that is poisonous to who you are.
 
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