dyanaprajna2011
Dharmapala
What is the purpose of religion? What function does it serve? And, for that matter, what exactly is religion?
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What is the purpose of religion?
- Thread starter dyanaprajna2011
- Start date
sandandfoam
Veteran Member
Religion is a raft. We can take the raft and use it to take us where we want to go or we can make it comfortable and float about upon it.
Good metaphor.
I find myself in the latter group. I try to enjoy floating effortlessly down the river towards the ocean, but wonder why everyone's struggling to go back and forth between the shores.
Breathe
Hostis humani generis
For me, religion is social.
It serves socially: giving collective history, culture, values, etc.
Religion is an attempt to explain "Other" according to what they had available. So I'm an unabashed and unashamed universalist. :3
Like what stephenw said, I too see religion as a raft.
It serves socially: giving collective history, culture, values, etc.
Religion is an attempt to explain "Other" according to what they had available. So I'm an unabashed and unashamed universalist. :3
Like what stephenw said, I too see religion as a raft.
Gharib
I want Khilafah back
I think the Arabic word 'Deen' which is incorrectly translated into 'religion' in English explains this.
'Deen' means a way of life, that is what Islam is. Everything that we know of serves a purpose and for something to function to it's maximum it must operate/be used a certain way. To reach optimum peace, joy, happiness and contentment we must live our lives according to the 'Manufacturers Guidelines' in this case God. Everything created comes with a manual and the manual for humanity is the guidance of God.
'Deen' means a way of life, that is what Islam is. Everything that we know of serves a purpose and for something to function to it's maximum it must operate/be used a certain way. To reach optimum peace, joy, happiness and contentment we must live our lives according to the 'Manufacturers Guidelines' in this case God. Everything created comes with a manual and the manual for humanity is the guidance of God.
Infinitum
Possessed Bookworm
I agree. I see religion as a social construct, which it isn't enough for me. I prefer jumping off sometimes to plunge deep into the water to see what I find down there. I would be the same with or without religion, but having a community to share insights and information with saves me time and effort at times.
Breathe
Hostis humani generis
Makes sense; sometimes I want to dive into the water, sometimes I want to take a break on the inflatable yellow dinghy that is religion.
chinu
chinu
Religion means re-union with.. from where we all started this journey of life in the beganing.
RedJamaX
Active Member
Warm fuzzy feelings...
Religion has many purposes some use it to get in touch with God and/or our spiritual side. Some use it to better themselves using ideals. Some use it for worship.
sandandfoam
Veteran Member
I wager the warm fuzzy feeling are nothing compared to the superior pride experienced by some regarding their own rationality and intelligence.
If we could ever escape our comfort blankets perhapsas we too would be worthy
McBell
mantra-chanting henotheistic snake handler
Control
Orias
Left Hand Path
If you look up the etymology of the word religion, it essentially means to "bind fast" or "build urgently". In respect to that, religion is at fault for building failing societies which will ultimately bring down the world.
In other respects and etymologies, religion simply infers "respect for the ancients", or some may call them, "Gods". Which again is something that is often forced without reconciliation.
In other respects and etymologies, religion simply infers "respect for the ancients", or some may call them, "Gods". Which again is something that is often forced without reconciliation.
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Breathe
Hostis humani generis
:biglaugh:I wager the warm fuzzy feeling are nothing compared to the superior pride experienced by some regarding their own rationality and intelligence.
If we could ever escape our comfort blankets perhapsas we too would be worthy
IOU +1 Frubal.
The purpose is to make people happy and peaceful internally and externally. But sometimes humans make sort of a mess of it.
To bring people closer to God/Brahman.
The teachings from a master or masters to bring people closer to God/Brahman.
DawudTalut
Peace be upon you.
Peace be on you.
According to my belief, the purpose is mentioned in Kalima:
LA ELAHA IL LALLAHO MUHAMMAD UR RASUL ULLAH.
(There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger)
According to my understanding, it points to the message that religion is the way, taught by God, which helps to make relation with God -- the relation which must translate into peace for creation of God.
According to my belief, the purpose is mentioned in Kalima:
LA ELAHA IL LALLAHO MUHAMMAD UR RASUL ULLAH.
(There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Muhammad is His Messenger)
According to my understanding, it points to the message that religion is the way, taught by God, which helps to make relation with God -- the relation which must translate into peace for creation of God.
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Some form of manipulation of the masses. Keeps people controlled, behaved (in cases), as well as grants the leaders wealth and more importantly power. It's debatable whether this is good or bad.
darkendless
Guardian of Asgaard
Control the masses.