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The actual point......

Malus 12:9

Malus 12:9

Temporarily Deactive.
Katzpur said:
I think that about says it all. If religion -- any religion -- can lift humanity, it's a good thing.
Click to expand...
So Katzperson if what Jensa said was true, and is the answer to this thread, why don't we just have my OP and Jensa's reply and close the thread?:jiggy:
 
lilithu

lilithu

The Devil's Advocate
Malus01 said:
No don't be thrown off by the title. I am merely asking here, men.What is the actual point of religion? Is there any? Is it just something to believe in?
Does it give out feelings, expressions, anything? I would like to know what exactly is
the point.
Click to expand...
Religion is the attempt to answer the question "why?".

I can't think of a more noble purpose.
 
Engyo

Engyo

Prince of Dorkness!
Malus01 said:
No don't be thrown off by the title. I am merely asking here, men.What is the actual point of religion? Is there any? Is it just something to believe in?
Does it give out feelings, expressions, anything? I would like to know what exactly is
the point.
Click to expand...
Like many, I believe that it will vary from person to person; probably also from faith to faith to an extent. For me, Buddhism offers a mechanism, a practice which allows me to improve my personal outlook and my personal abilities to live my life in a positive way, and to make positive additions/improvements to my family, workplace and society.
 
Malus 12:9

Malus 12:9

Temporarily Deactive.
Alright people, this may assist. I am looking at this moment to better my physical life, here on this
earth, now. Not after life. One that just helps guide me through everyday life problems, so to speak.

God cannot help me to give up porn, or stop playing poker machines, or smokes. In the end, it is ME that has to quit those things if I choose to. God can say "Oh I will help you blah blah" sending his galloping zebras from Eden but the decisions to quit those things is up to me, and me who must go about it.
 
Engyo

Engyo

Prince of Dorkness!
Malus01 said:
God cannot help me to give up porn, or stop playing poker machines, or smokes. In the end, it is ME that has to quit those things if I choose to. God can say "Oh I will help you blah blah" sending his galloping zebras from Eden but the decisions to quit those things is up to me, and me who must go about it.
Click to expand...
This is one of the most attractive things about Buddhism to me. Buddhism says that, as above, it is MY responsibility to make any changes I need to make in my life. Buddhism is a PRACTICE which allows me to strengthen my resolve, understand why I am suffering, and make the necessary changes in my life to reduce and ultimately eliminate that suffering. No one is going to do that for me; I must do it myself. If I choose not to do so, I have no one else to blame for my suffering.
 
Kowalski

Kowalski

Active Member
nutshell said:
Personally and as an LDS Christian, I believe the point of religion should be to perform the ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation, without which we would not progress and be able to return to our Heavenly Father's presence.
Click to expand...
And what if there is no heavenly Father to return to? just cold empty space ? God is no father,God is everyting and nothing.

K
 
lilithu

lilithu

The Devil's Advocate
Malus01 said:
Alright people, this may assist. I am looking at this moment to better my physical life, here on this
earth, now. Not after life. One that just helps guide me through everyday life problems, so to speak.

God cannot help me to give up porn, or stop playing poker machines, or smokes. In the end, it is ME that has to quit those things if I choose to. God can say "Oh I will help you blah blah" sending his galloping zebras from Eden but the decisions to quit those things is up to me, and me who must go about it.
Click to expand...
You asked about the point of religion, not the point of believing in God. The two may be often linked but are not the same.

The answer to "why" would be just as relevant to this life as the after life (if there is one). Depending on how you answer "why" it could indeed help you "give up porn, or stop playing poker machines, or smokes." (Or it could drive you to it.) Of course it is up to you. Helping is not the same thing as decided for you. Whatever help or hinderance religion provides, it is still always up to you. Everyone except the most strict Calvinist would agree with that.
 
Malus 12:9

Malus 12:9

Temporarily Deactive.
Uh, lilithu I realised my mistake; I posted that in the wrong thread..was supposed to be in
the "Religion caters for all thread"
 
M

Merlin

Active Member
nutshell said:
Personally and as an LDS Christian, I believe the point of religion should be to perform the ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation, without which we would not progress and be able to return to our Heavenly Father's presence.
Click to expand...
Would that it was so simple that we could 'get to heaven' by performing set rituals (ordinances). THe Jewish, Catholic, and Eastern Orthadox religions believe this also.

Romans 8 says otherwise.
 
Malus 12:9

Malus 12:9

Temporarily Deactive.
Which part of Romans 8?

13:Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. :confused:

But I am going to die anyways, so why should I not live to the flesh?
 
M

Merlin

Active Member
Peace said:
Peace be with you Malus01,

Religion helps one to answer all the questions s/he has. Believing in God gives one's heart ecstasy and happiness. It is to God that the believer resorts to in all cirumstances. If one is in dificulty s/he seeks God. If one is ill and suffering, s/he God for healing. If one is happy, s/he thanks God. If one is in a dilemma, it is to God that s/he resort for guidance. God created us, He knows what is apparent and what is hidden within every one of us. We are His creatures, so He has a clue and answer to all our needs. He created us, we belong to Him and to Him we shall return at the end regardless of whether you are a believer or not.
May our dear God guide our ways!!

Peace
Click to expand...
actually, I believe religion creates more questions than gives answers.

Also, I sincerely hope that God has not predestined everything. It would make him a very cruel God.
 
M

Merlin

Active Member
Malus01 said:
Which part of Romans 8?

13:Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. :confused:

But I am going to die anyways, so why should I not live to the flesh?
Click to expand...
Sorry, wrong chapter
Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Obviously, 'the law' here means the old Jewish rituals. He wa saying that if all the centuries of slavery to these rituals had been all that was needed, then there was no point in having faith. ​
​
sorry about the strange typeface, I am still finding my way round this site​

 
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