What, in your view, is the purpose of religion?
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The Purpose of Religion
- Thread starter SalixIncendium
- Start date
Secret Chief
nirvana is samsara
As a sounding board for considering the matters of life and death.
A way of relating to our human and other-than-human kin in the world
A means of exercising control over others.
PureX
Veteran Member
To provide actual aids (rituals, images, texts, doctrines, traditions, etc.) to people for the purpose of helping them live their lives according to their chosen theological beliefs.
Nimos
Well-Known Member
Think it have changed slightly over time... in the beginning I think it was mainly to provide answers, which turned out to also be an effective "tool" of power. As religions seemed to loose it explanatory power as natural science started to kick off, it seem to have slowly turned into a way of providing hope and a way of providing alternative explanations to things that science can't answer. And now it seems to be turning into something that is rarely questioned and for some, it have the same explanatory capabilities as science does. It doesn't seem to matter all that much whether or not the teachings are rational or coherent to whether people chooses to believe it or not.
Said in another way, it seems as if religion, at least in some countries, are turning more fundamental rather than rational, meaning that scriptures seems to be valued higher than proof and logic.
So in my opinion, religion in present times, seem to be something that provide people with false hope, it make people "lazy" in pursuing of the important questions, because why look for them, if God did it?
This is obviously on a very general basis as it changes vastly from religion to religion. So it is simply based on what tendency there seem to be as I see it.
Said in another way, it seems as if religion, at least in some countries, are turning more fundamental rather than rational, meaning that scriptures seems to be valued higher than proof and logic.
So in my opinion, religion in present times, seem to be something that provide people with false hope, it make people "lazy" in pursuing of the important questions, because why look for them, if God did it?
This is obviously on a very general basis as it changes vastly from religion to religion. So it is simply based on what tendency there seem to be as I see it.
To know and Love God. That knowledge contains all the potential of Humanity.
Regards Tony
It does indeed, as having access to all the potential of Humanity, also means we have access to all the lack of that potential.
Regards Tony
A method of uniting a group of people with a single objective
Quickie question for you...what percentage of real people, all over the world and throughout history, do you think actually "chose" their own "theological beliefs," as opposed to the percentage that were essentially "imprinted" with them in childhood?
To provide an map for the path to moksha.
This is my personal view. Looking at it from the wider perspective, I see no clear purpose in religion that would suit all faiths. In comparative studies, work has been done to show all the different purposes according many religions. I searched for a bit to find one, but my searching skills must be off today. But in that vein, any purpose for any adherent is fine by me.
There are other alternatives ... (well at least one, as 'neither is the my response given just the 2 choices) Sometimes it just happens. If a person gives you a car, you end up owning that car, but it wasn't really your choice. Sometimes experiences in life bring a religion to you.
I would agree that happens but i think very rarely
osgart
Nothing my eye, Something for sure
Religion in general should help improve the human condition for everybody.
Should non religious people expect religious people to revise their faith or extinguish it altogether?
Religion is very personal. Can religion and science coexist?
Perhaps an updated, and revised religion would have something to offer. A more flexible and amendable religion might serve a purpose.
Between science and religion they all have to update over time to remain explanatorialy useful.
I do believe we need organizations with the sole intent of helping people. Religion should become more universal and far less mythological as if historical.
Should non religious people expect religious people to revise their faith or extinguish it altogether?
Religion is very personal. Can religion and science coexist?
Perhaps an updated, and revised religion would have something to offer. A more flexible and amendable religion might serve a purpose.
Between science and religion they all have to update over time to remain explanatorialy useful.
I do believe we need organizations with the sole intent of helping people. Religion should become more universal and far less mythological as if historical.
For me and all to live the best happy, loving and peaceful life from here to eternity.
Personally ChIristneM, I see it is very common, most Baha'i were of another or no Faith, each will tell how the Faith visited them, most were not looking, some special souls were and are looking.
Strange how. It unfolds over time. RegardsTony
That's a very sad interpretation, IMO. Depending on what you mean by it, that is. I take it as religion is only out to control as opposed to other things, such as helping people during times of crisis.
The purpose of religion is a way to allow people to make sense of the chaos of the world, when nothing else will. It's about solidarity and representing ones values, with a group.
A non-answser to my question.