I have a question to all believers, what's your reason for sticking to your religion? (meaning why do you do it faithfuly, if you just do it cause your parents do it then I don't think you really believe)
It gives people hope knowing that there is some higher power looking down on them. I think that in some ways it's better than believing that you have no purpose in life and nothing will happen when you die, despite that that's exactly what I believe.
It gives people hope knowing that there is some higher power looking down on them. I think that in some ways it's better than believing that you have no purpose in life and nothing will happen when you die, despite that that's exactly what I believe.
Thanks, but I would rather have an opinion from an actual believer since right when I started reading your post I knew that you were atheist so have reason to believe that their reason would be quite different from your thoughts.
What Ernie said. Also, I still belive in my religion and I like it. I don't want to change, I like beliving in God and I don't see a reason why I shouldn't. Plus, even though I've already determined my purpose in life, its a really suckish purpose and I need something extra to look foward to :P.
religion has given people, including myself, a... how should i put this? A... Thing that people can turn to in times of hardship, or to explain things that are yet to be explained. Sorry if this doesnt clear anything up.
well thats exactally why, they do NOT know what it or whats going on, for example, the northern lights. Some inuits believed that the northern lights were the souls of animals as a guide for hunting, while others believed it to be a spirit for the angakkuq, or shaman, to aid in healing.
well thats exactally why, they do NOT know what it or whats going on,
Then that's where it's left. "I don't know" by just saying it's was some magical being doesn't actually answer any questions and we are still left with the answer not actually explained.
I remember my mom telling me how when she was little she asked her mom where babies came from. My grandmother (her mom) answered by telling her they came out a magic hole in her back. Her question was never really answered by the, thus it served to not actually explain anything.
hmm...why do I follow my religion, even though the world says it's a dumb idea?
well, I personally keep to the religion because the principles behind it give me a set of guidelines for being a good citizen.
I know what some of you are thinking,"but blade, you don't need a religion for something like that." that simply isn't true. a religion (even if you no longer follow it) gives you a good basis for how you should live your life.
the christian guidelines for being a good person: don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, and don't act like a total jerk-off to other people.
if you are taught that at an early age, you are more likely to keep to it later in your life. if you follow those rules, then pretty much nobody will hate you.
bottom line: some of the things religion teach you are necessary, even today.
well, I personally keep to the religion because the principles behind it give me a set of guidelines for being a good citizen.
Since you obviously cannot create one of those yourself.
the christian guidelines for being a good person: don't drink, don't smoke, don't do drugs, and don't act like a total jerk-off to other people.
Don't have sex unless you are married (And then only in the missionary position for some sects), pay the church, to church every Sunday, attack when the Pope tells you to, and act like a total jerk-off to people of other religions. And depending on what aria of the world and time period, stone a ton of people and burn the witch.
And what is so wrong with drinking and smoking anyway?
And, even if you wanted a moral code, wouldn't something else be just as sufficient? Really, any philosophical ideology, code of honor, military code, or just following your own moral would be far better, more relevant to modern times, and more flexible than religion would be.
Since you obviously cannot create one of those yourself.
It's easier to follow these if they are set by someone that is judging you on how well you follow them. That someone is god for those of you that can't tell. =P
And what is so wrong with drinking and smoking anyway?
Besides that both can lead to death is you are irresponsible? Some people would like if their religous peers are "clean".
And, even if you wanted a moral code, wouldn't something else be just as sufficient?
Thats a matter of opinion and maybe it is easier for some people to go to religion and have other people around you that have the same beliefs. Easy as going to a building with a cross on it and talking to people about your issues.
It's easier to follow these if they are set by someone that is judging you on how well you follow them. That someone is god for those of you that can't tell. =P
Or Stalin or Hitler. Really, anyone who tells you what to do. But does that make them better?
Besides that both can lead to death is you are irresponsible? Some people would like if their religous peers are "clean".
So can doughnuts and cheeseburgers, last I checked those where two things accepted fully by the nation. Depending on who you ask, obesity can lead to like 1/8 of deaths in America, which as you can guess is a lot. I could see alcohol being that deadly if someone decides it is a good idea to drive afterwords, otherwise it is much safer than fat in that regard. So why not have a moral that says "Stay healthy" rather than banning smoking or drinking outright? In fact, some studies suggest red wine could actually increase your life span, which means it would have added positive effects.
Thats a matter of opinion and maybe it is easier for some people to go to religion and have other people around you that have the same beliefs. Easy as going to a building with a cross on it and talking to people about your issues.
So you can't talk with people with different beliefs? Is this so much an issue that you can justify all the negative benefits? If you really want to follow a moral code set by someone who believes the same thing as you, set it yourself. Your probably the only one who believes what you do anyway.
Don't have sex unless you are married (And then only in the missionary position for some sects), pay the church, to church every Sunday, attack when the Pope tells you to, and act like a total @#!*% to people of other religions. And depending on what aria of the world and time period, stone a ton of people and burn the witch.
hmm...the sex part is actually a good idea. to do it before then might give negative repercussions. paying the church: now yes it may seem silly, but some churches don't give the money they make from sunday services to the pastor, but instead it goes to those who really need it. the church every sunday thing I'll let you decide for yourself. the oppose other religion thing still happens, but I didn't say to follow that, now did I?
the last part: Since that doesn't happen as often as it used to, then it's obvious that not every faith follows that.
besides all I said was to be a good person, and no real harm will come to you.
And, even if you wanted a moral code, wouldn't something else be just as sufficient? Really, any philosophical ideology, code of honor, military code, or just following your own moral would be far better, more relevant to modern times, and more flexible than religion would be.
but that's the thing, you want a moral code to be as rigid as possible. if you bend the rules even a little, that's setting the code up to be broken, and the code you followed would be useless.
there is my counter/elaboration, feel free to oppose.
paying the church: now yes it may seem silly, but some churches don't give the money they make from sunday services to the pastor, but instead it goes to those who really need it.
So why not give it directly to those who need instead?
the oppose other religion thing still happens, but I didn't say to follow that, now did I?
So you follow your own rules? That defeats the whole purpose for using it as a guideline. If you don't do that, then it just your own morals projecting themselves and pretending to be divinely inspired.
besides all I said was to be a good person, and no real harm will come to you.
How does that logic work? Being a good person is all well and good, but do you really need to be told not to boil a lamb in it's mothers milk to not do it?
Here, let me give you an example. Lets say you are living in a colony, abundant in resources but largely ignored by the far-away homeland with no representation. Then the leader gets into some trouble and needs some money, so he taxes the hell out of the poor little colony. The arm over your colony is small, it would be easy to shove off, and the nation isn't invested enough to fight a real war. Shoving off the oppression would allow you to have a much better life. What would you do?
but that's the thing, you want a moral code to be as rigid as possible. if you bend the rules even a little, that's setting the code up to be broken, and the code you followed would be useless.
I would say the opposite is true. How about "Though shalt not kill", this is so rigid it is completely useless, not to mention completely gone against in almost every chapter. So what if your in a position where you would need to kill someone, soldier, police officer, or just self protection? Flexible morals would say "Yes, if someone is attacking your wife and kids, shoot them." while your morals would say "No. It says no." Starving and need food? Thought shalt not steal. Flexible morals allow you to not starve to death. And those are two of the almost half decent examples in the bible, as opposed to all the crazy ones like "Thought shalt not suffer a witch to live".
First of all, 314d1, why do you feel a need to totally bash those who believe in God? Do I bash you for being atheist? No. So please, don't start a flame war in which a mod would have to come and take care of.
Second of all, I keep my religion because I am able to for an instant, and though I know it's my own fault if I get a bad grade on a test, or screw up badly, I can turn to God because it takes off just some of the pain. Plus, imagine that you are one of those orphans like Anne before she was adopted. No one loves you or especially cares about you. But (assuming you believed in God), you would at least feel that you were loved by something, even if all science told you that it was a make believe something. Also, for a code of guidelines. Yes I could make my own, however it gives me a sense of...fulfillment to do things according to the way my ancestors did years and years ago. And when a family member or a friend is sick, I say the Misheberach (prayer for healing) and it just makes me feel as if someone is listening and just paying attention. So don't believe, I'm not going to try and force someone to believe in God. Frankly, I don't care. Just be a good person, care for others, and basically be a productive member of society.
First of all, 314d1, why do you feel a need to totally bash those who believe in God? Do I bash you for being atheist? No.
Since when do I bash those who believe in a deity? I only remember bashing their religions.
So please, don't start a flame war in which a mod would have to come and take care of.
That sounded like a threat. Oh. I am so shaken by the mighty powers of the all seeing mods. Better change my entire behavior before I get hit by lightning or something.
Second of all, I keep my religion because I am able to for an instant, and though I know it's my own fault if I get a bad grade on a test, or screw up badly, I can turn to God because it takes off just some of the pain.
So your god is a beer then? No, a beer doesn't require you to have a moral code relevant to what it believes. A beer would be better in this situation.
Plus, imagine that you are one of those orphans like Anne before she was adopted. No one loves you or especially cares about you. But (assuming you believed in God), you would at least feel that you were loved by something, even if all science told you that it was a make believe something.
Since making believe that something actually likes you is a great substitute for the real thing. This is like saying "Well, I know you are without food, poor starving man, but if you close your eyes and picture food reallllly hard, then you will feel better!". I think they should be insulted rather than grateful.
Also, for a code of guidelines. Yes I could make my own, however it gives me a sense of...fulfillment to do things according to the way my ancestors did years and years ago.
My ancestors where living in tents made out of skin, as I am sure yours where. My ancestors where struggling to hunt to feed themselves, following the heard around the world, as I am sure yours did. My ancestors died, the only fulfillment they really had was successfully having a child. As I am sure yours did. I'm pretty sure the way of life we have now is far better, and has far better things that you could occupy fulfilling yourself with.
And when a family member or a friend is sick, I say the Misheberach (prayer for healing) and it just makes me feel as if someone is listening and just paying attention.
So it makes you feel special. Good for you. You waved your hands and said "Alacazam" and now you have done something with out actually contributing.
You know what really helps with healing? Modern medicine. Its really great stuff. Why not just console your friend/family member, it will make them feel better, at least you would be doing more than casting a spell.
Frankly, I don't care.
If this where true, then why would you be talking about it?
Just be a good person, care for others, and basically be a productive member of society.
