The Importance Of Religion., For EVERYONE - Athiests, Catholics, Whatever. Options

[HilaryIsATwatGrr]

I've always questioned the whole religion thing, ever since I was very young. No religion ever seemed to speak to me. Not any of the Eastern religions, like Buddhism or Taoism, and certainly not any of the Western religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

My father is Catholic (he comes from a strict Filipino family), and I was babtized (SP?) Catholic, but he's never really been a big part of our lives. My problem with the entire spectrum of Christian religions is this: they're not accepting of people at all. Some of my best friends are gay, black, whatever...and I don't know what I'd do without them. So if Catholisism was a part of my life...I don't know where I'd be.

I've always said I'd find my own religion, eventually. But lately it's been too hard, with everything that's been going on. So my question is this: how important is religion? Is it really something someone needs in their life? Or is it something somebody makes up to be able to cope with the tolls life takes on them?

P.S. This IS NOT An "Is God Real" Topic. Kthanks :]

[jesusisthebestth...]

Uh...I don't believe religion is as important as faith is. There are many religious people who have little or no faith, don't behave Christian-like most of the time, etc. I believe that religion does give a sense of morale and consciousness about what one does/does not do.

The point is to have a belief in something greater than you, something that inspires and motivates you to keep on chugging away at the struggle that is life.

[*Steven*]

Religion is something that keeps a lot of people going. It gives them something to turn to in times of need, when shit's hittin the can. Religion is a guide to many people's lives.

I don't like a lot of the preached religions. I prefer to believe what I want to believe, and that's what brought me to deism. Anywho, I've given my 2 cents.

[sweetest-emotion]

Uh...I don't believe religion is as important as faith is. There are many religious people who have little or no faith, don't behave Christian-like most of the time, etc. I believe that religion does give a sense of morale and consciousness about what one does/does not do.

The point is to have a belief in something greater than you, something that inspires and motivates you to keep on chugging away at the struggle that is life.

definitely agree here. you have to firstly have faith. religion to me is the enemy. i'm a spiritual person, not a religious one. i was taught to be catholic my whole life, then i started to think that this wasn't the only belief in the world...and i started to research about different ways of belief and now i incorporate a bunch into what i believe in and what i think. its a good way to be overall spiritual and not religious because to me, thats being one-sided in a very multi faceted world.

[LadyXTor]

My friend asked me the same thing the other day because he suddenly believes God is fake now. Anyway, I think that religion isn't necessarily needed in life, but it does help some people. They believe in something that helps them explain things that happen in life and gives them hope that things can get better.

[*Steven*]

"God" is a figurehead of many religions that gives people hope and someone to pray to.

[Peanups]

Well i think "religion" is important because it sets morals and standards for one's life.

Without morals,,, anything is game: murder, rape, kidnapping, ECT.

To the "they're not accepting of all people."
I understand that SOME religious people are "homo-phobic" and some consider blacks cursed, the person in that religion needs to be very careful to not hate the person for the "sin" they are committing, but hate the "sin."

Reason for edit: phobic :) fixed for ya

[xoxo_proud]

Are there really still alot of religions that discriminate againest blacks? I'd have to say no (at least in the US)

Well i think "religion" is important because it sets morals and standards for one's life.

Without morals,,, anything is game: murder, rape, kidnapping, ECT.

To the "they're not accepting of all people."
I understand that SOME religious people are "homo-phobic" and some consider blacks cursed, the person in that religion needs to be very careful to not hate the person for the "sin" they are committing, but hate the "sin."

So you're saying that I don't have morals because I'm not religious? You don't need religion to have morals.

[*karmakiller*]

I, honestly, think that religion is a safety blanket. Religion can drag you down just as much as not having one, I mean look at the dark ages when people would practically kill themselves to repent for their sins. They need something to believe in, some sense of safety. Some religious people need a sense of assurance of why we're here and where we're going when we die...

[Amaranthus]

I think religion is something for people to fall back on: it's comforting (for me at least) to know that there is a "higher power" or "God" I can go to for help. I was raised a Baptist, but I never really enjoyed it. I've studied/observed other religions like Judaism when I was alot younger, and Wiccan recently and they sounded somewhat interesting but not something I could stick with. I never really understood why if God wanted us to be so happy, why would he make all of these somewhat rules?So when asked what my religion is, I sometimes Non-denomination or Agnostic based Christianity. I don't necessarily disbelieve, I just wonder sometimes.

Man, have I been waiting to get that off my chest:)!

[jesusisthebestth...]

I, honestly, think that religion is a safety blanket. Religion can drag you down just as much as not having one, I mean look at the dark ages when people would practically kill themselves to repent for their sins. They need something to believe in, some sense of safety.

that's why it was called the "dark ages" a lot of the things people did were illogical and foolish. that's not a really good example to use to make ur point.

[*Steven*]

Actually it was called the dark ages because there was a severe lacking of enlightenment and learning/academics.

[Peanups]

Are there really still alot of religions that discriminate againest blacks? I'd have to say no (at least in the US)
So you're saying that I don't have morals because I'm not religious? You don't need religion to have morals.

you misquoted me. I said it "sets" morals, it gives you guidelines and rules for daily living.

if you don't have a religeon, you don't have a guideline for morals, like a book or thing that sets them, you pick and choose what you live by.

of course it can be said that some religrous people live by this...

[*Steven*]

if you don't have a religeon, you don't have a guideline for morals,

So are you saying I don't have a guideline for morals? That I don't have people I look up to and admire and use them as my guideline?

[jesusisthebestth...]

that's why it was called the "dark ages" a lot of the things people did were illogical and foolish. that's not a really good example to use to make ur point.

versus

Actually it was called the dark ages because there was a severe lacking of enlightenment and learning/academics.

pretty much the same thing, hunnie. thank you for expanding on my point, you helped me to validate it even further.

[Simba]

A lot of people with guilty consciouses like to go to church and confess, and byah, no more feelings of remorse. It's like instant ramen, yo.

if you don't have a religeon, you don't have a guideline for morals, like a book or thing that sets them, you pick and choose what you live by.

It doesn't take a religion to establish morals. If you like it when people respect you, and you notice that they enjoy it when you respect them back, you can probably figure out that's something you and they should try doing more often. On the other hand, if you dislike or find something disgusting, you probably won't be doing it. If you think going out on killing sprees is pretty sick, you'll probably say to yourself that it's wrong. If you find gay people disgusting, well hey.

People can get pretty creative.

[demolished]

people,


moral comes from self, but there are bible that set up their "proper" moral. i assume everyone should know their own moral, not everyone follow the bible's moral such as not eating certain meat. THAT'S BIBLE MORAL.

[jesusisthebestth...]

i just want to know, what is the difference between "Biblical" morale and "non-Biblical" morale? aren't the same things considered moral, ethical, or upstanding whether your religious, spiritual, or neither

[*Steven*]

The bible hates gays.

[demolished]

i just want to know, what is the difference between "Biblical" morale and "non-Biblical" morale? aren't the same things considered moral, ethical, or upstanding whether your religious, spiritual, or neither

According to my friend who was from India, she is not allowed to eat pork because it's against her BIBLE moral. She didnt care because she doesnt believe it. That's HER moral.

[jesusisthebestth...]

The bible hates gays.

This is not true. The Word of God denounces homosexuality and all fornicators. I suppose you could say God hates homosexuality, but God does not hate homosexuals, it is His aim to help you recover from homosexuality.

anyway, i do understand that point. but much of what is considered immoral in the Bible isn't acceptable in the world either, murder, rape, child molestation, stealing, and adultery

[*Michelle*]

The importance is up to the individual.

Some people like the comfort of knowing some greater person is out there controlling their lives.

And some just don't care.

[*Steven*]

I was joking when I said that. Regardless.

While we're on the topic, how is god supposed to help you recover from homosexuality? Pelt you with big boobs until you turn straight? Brainwash you in church until you hate yourself so much that you're forced to try to live a lie and try to be straight?

Last time I checked, being gay wasn't an ailment.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not denouncing the morals and ideas taught in the bible, I think that there are some wonderful stories and morals in there, but I'd rather live a live in which I don't have to go to church and worship something I have no proof of existence of (I'm not into the whole faith shabang) and listen to a preacher/priest/minister/reverend/w.e try to tell me stories about how I should be a good person when I myself can tell the difference between right and wrong and can be a good person without being told to.

[jesusisthebestth...]

i've met quite a few people who overcame homsexual tendencies. i believe that God can save a person from homosexuality simply because i believe that homosexuality is a learned behavior.

but i do understand you, there are millions of people who never went to church and are upstanding, kindhearted, etc.

but if you take countries like england for example, where there is a national religion, there is very little crime in comparison to the u.s. where there are constant highs and lows of crime throughout the country. so, in england's case, the national religion may have something to do with the level of morale the citizens maintain.

[*Steven*]

Well England can have it's national religion, but I prefer the United States' whole thing with all the diversity. I sure hope you weren't implying that the United States would do better with a national religion.

i've met quite a few people who overcame homsexual tendencies. i believe that God can save a person from homosexuality simply because i believe that homosexuality is a learned behavior.

But you see, we'll never agree on this thing because I don't believe in the Christian god.

[Simba]

The importance is up to the individual.

Some people like the comfort of knowing some greater person is out there controlling their lives.

And some just don't care.

Yeah.

There are also other people out there who actually just pick and choose what they like. Maybe an element from Christianity, and then something from Islam, or something from the spaghetti monster. They just filter the "morals" on their own. Not like they're separate teams and they have to choose one or anything like that.

[*Uronacid*]

Yeah.

There are also other people out there who actually just pick and choose what they like. Maybe an element from Christianity, and then something from Islam, or something from the spaghetti monster. They just filter the "morals" on their own. Not like they're separate teams and they have to choose one or anything like that.

If you believe in something you have to believe the who thing. You can't just take 50% or your not believing in it.

[*ersatz*]

P.S. Pretty sure he was joking with that, just clarifying for anyone else.

[Simba]

If you believe in something you have to believe the who thing. You can't just take 50% or your not believing in it.

Not exactly. That's stepping back to the concept that religions or whatever are like teams. Simply, if you agree with something from a foreign religion, it's not like you have to practice the whole religion.

Wait, who was joking?

[xKatt]

The importance is up to the individual.

Some people like the comfort of knowing some greater person is out there controlling their lives.

And some just don't care.

This pretty much sums up my thoughts.

The importance of religion to one person will differ from another. Such as with me, religion has no place in my life at all. But for my best friend, religion means the world to her, and we both go about our lives parallel to each other without conflict. It's just how we live and think and that's what makes us individuals.

[Tung]

i'm an atheist. i don't believe in god. i only believe in aliens O_O

[xKatt]

^ Teach me your ways.

[NoSex]

I would argue spirituality has done more harm within civilization than it has done good.
f**k it.

[*Uronacid*]

I would argue spirituality has done more harm within civilization than it has done good.
f**k it.

Nate, I think there are some dishes to be washed...

[NoSex]

Nate, I think there are some dishes to be washed...

My anus.

[Kontroll]

I've always questioned the whole religion thing, ever since I was very young. No religion ever seemed to speak to me. Not any of the Eastern religions, like Buddhism or Taoism, and certainly not any of the Western religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

My father is Catholic (he comes from a strict Filipino family), and I was babtized (SP?) Catholic, but he's never really been a big part of our lives. My problem with the entire spectrum of Christian religions is this: they're not accepting of people at all. Some of my best friends are gay, black, whatever...and I don't know what I'd do without them. So if Catholisism was a part of my life...I don't know where I'd be.

I've always said I'd find my own religion, eventually. But lately it's been too hard, with everything that's been going on. So my question is this: how important is religion? Is it really something someone needs in their life? Or is it something somebody makes up to be able to cope with the tolls life takes on them?

P.S. This IS NOT An "Is God Real" Topic. Kthanks :]

Alright, Hilary. Let's use some logic here. First of all... You don't want to follow western religions because they discriminate against people of a certain color, sexual orientation and whatnot. Well, as for Christianity, it's really up for the person to interpret.

God sees sin generally. Except for blasphemy. So, do people sin? Yes, everybody sins. Is homosexuality a sin according to the Bible? Yes, it is. Are homosexuals sinning people? Yes, they are. It's that simple. Christianity doesn't discriminate. Look at it this way. They love the sinner and not the sin.

Also, I've never heard any Christian sect discriminate against people of different color. I don't know where you're getting your information from.

[*Uronacid*]

My anus.

No, with your anus.

[*Steven*]

Kk so if y'all are going to keep throwing personal insults, at least throw something in that contributes to the debate too

[EmoEyelinerx]

I think its not that important. People can live without it. I dont practice any religion and im fine. If anything though I would call myself an atheist.

[*Steven*]

^Did you read the sticky thread "READ BEFORE POSTING"?

Please read the last page and contribute instead of responding to the first page.

[NoSex]

No, with your anus.

Dude, you're such a lame moron.

[lilsnoopy]

I think a part of the reason why religion was created in the first place was to give hop[e to people beore they died.

Im going to die and....well...die...sooo what's next? Am I dead, or do I live again?
Thus religion was born so that people will try hard to please their god in order to live an even better afterlife without hardships, pain, ect.
A saftey net, a sense that you dont die ever since you'll live again.

Makes sense wehn you think about it.

[Herizon Action]

Religion is something that keeps a lot of people going. It gives them something to turn to in times of need, when shit's hittin the can. Religion is a guide to many people's lives.

I don't like a lot of the preached religions. I prefer to believe what I want to believe, and that's what brought me to deism. Anywho, I've given my 2 cents.

I was diest on acid. Hahahahaha! Just thought I'd throw it out. Religion really is something that keeps people going. I've started to notice that any sort of devout fanaticism to any one thing doesn't usually end up well.