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| Topic: What is the purpose........ | |
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I think the question is two-faced.
What can the purpose of religion be for an individual? and,... What is the purpose of religious organizations? These are two entirely different questions. For the former question, religion can be anything the individual wants it to be. The latter question all depends on how demented the agenda of the religious organization is. Even well-intended organizations can actually be pretty demented in their ignorant ideals. So there’s a myriad of various motivations for the answers to your question. |
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I agree with you on those two points, abra
 The purpose of religion, I believe, originally before organized religions was man's way of explaining that which he did not understand. The great mysteries of life and death were the base for "religion". Enough people got together and agreed that the ideals suggested were believable and possibly advantageous to the community and there you go organized religion.
The good or bad of each organized religion can be debated until forever, due to each persons perspective and beliefs. I believe that the good intentions of the people of the origin of organized religions can usually be accounted at some level but I believe sometimes the intentions go to far. When the religion claims to be the one and only true religion it pits itself against others and creates dissention. As you can tell from my previous posts, I like to get to the simplist basic in life. |
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Well, you’re right too about how different people view things,…
I have always had a problem of being a ‘perfectionist’. If I was going to believe in a God and following his ‘laws’ I would want to do it as perfectly as I possibly could. So if I believe that something is against the will of God I just don’t do it period. I think a lot of people take a less perfect attitude about it and just think, “Well humans fail, so just do it and repent later”. To me that’s just a sick attitude. That view just keeps people in a constant state of groveling for all the things they would normally consider to be ok to do if it wasn’t against God’s ‘laws’. From my point of view those kinds of people shouldn’t be in religious institutions, they should be in mental institutions! 
I think a lot of religious seem to be focused on restraining from the pleasures in life. It’s almost like it’s a sin to enjoy life. It’s like you are expected to be groveling on your knees all the time praying for forgiveness for being human (like as if it’s your fault) and constantly apologizing to God for your unworthiness and your disgraceful failings. Where did people ever get this utterly stupid notion that it should be so difficult to appease the Gods? It should be EASY to appease God. That should be the EASIEST things a person can do. All that should be required is a desire to love God and loving that God should be the easiest thing you can possibly imagine. A God that is difficult to love and to appease certainly doesn’t seem like a very loving God to me. Loving God should be a lovely act. If it isn’t then there’s something terribly wrong with the religion that claims to have knowledge of that God. |
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Edited by
Jess642
on
Wed 02/13/08 04:34 PM
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Did I hear different veiws being mentioned???
Life is a series of questioning...with very few answers.... Imagine for a second, simply letting go of all the pondering, and just BEING.... being all of you, in that exact moment, not allowing your mind to slither off into the past, or go galloping into the future.... just to rest the mind, in this moment, when was the last time anyone stopped and listened to their own heart beat? The purpose of this existance, in my reality, is to exist, with the lightest footprint on this earth... when I leave this existance, I hope I am forgotten, not immortalised.... for then I know I truly had minimal impact on this earth. I know we have affect on others, by our very existance, however, if we can have a positive impact, without our knowledge, then , as far as I am concerned, my work is done.
So as to the purpose of religion, of godlike entities, of good and evil, of truth, and deception....is to keep us entrapped in being everywhere but in this moment. 
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I believe that religion was originally 'created' to explain the unknowns... as Lex also suggested. Throw in with that mix the need for population control, and a set of rules needing to be established for what may have been considered to be for the greater good of all. Attribute those rules to that which could not be argued because of the reported source, and I believe that we have a 'winner' as to why... originally... Throw in idealogical support of man's belief that s/he is superior to the other animals as well... As abra has also pointed out.
I agree creative I think you hit on all the points. The formed explanation of the unknown, then the believed greater good for all, the assumption of our superiority over all other living things then somewhere someone realized the power the control of the people weilds and thus evolves complex organized religions.
The source of it all though is our basic misunderstanding of that which is unknown to us. Isn't it amazing that the end result of this evolution is a complexity of the modern organized religions. What will be the next evolution of this process? Some of you have made some excellent points, but have also oversimplifies things as well. Yes, there are those that will use religion for political purposes to control the masses. Yes, there are those that will allow themselves to be easily swayed. Yes, there are those that will use religion as a tool for false sense of superiority. This is not true for all persons of faith or all faiths. Religion can have a positive impact for some. It can offer comfort for those that need. It can offer a moral compass for those in need. It can provide a positive social opportunity for many. The bottom line is that religion in itself is neither good or bad in most cases. It ultimately depends on those that are practicing and preaching whatever particular religion. One thing to keep in mind is that faith is a personal decision that we all have to make for ourselves. Sometimes, our faith will be tested and we will have to re-evaluate, but it is our personal decision to make that decision in which there is not a right or wrong answer, but simply what is the best decision for us. Although I am atheist, I can still recognize the good that most religions can offer society for those in need. The one thing that I cannot stress enough, is regardless of your personal beliefs, it is important to show compassion to all. Thus, before anyone decides to ridicule a religion or others choice in believing, I suggest you have your facts straight. |
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~ The Timeless Now ~
Help me! Help me! I’m lost in the Then! I keep losing the Now again and again! It keeps slipping away day after day Becoming tomorrows and past yester days What can I do to stop all of time? To live in the moment and become so sublime? I yearn for the moment of time that I miss that moment of Now that holds all the bliss It’s fleetingly gone yet here all the time Like the poetic rhythm of a nursery rhyme The children can grasp it but adults need to ponder and whilst they are thinking it’s moved over yonder It isn’t a thought nor a moment in time It’s the naked pure essence betwixt that fine line Neither hither nor thither nor right in-between it's simply that nothingp which cannot be seen Like the pathways of flowers in winds that are blown It’s a life-loving force that can never be known ~~~ Abra (2/13/08) ((( Lee )))
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus....
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Edited by
alexiateigra
on
Thu 02/14/08 04:56 PM
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus.... ??????? Just because something takes your time/money/focus does not indicate whether you worship that something. The definition of worship: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. Furthermore, we, as human beings, were not designed to worship another necessary. If we worship anything, it is by choice. To imply that humans are engineered to worship, implies that humans are helpless lambs without freewill. 
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus.... ??????? Just because something takes your time/money/focus does not indicate whether you worship that something. The definition of worship: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. Furthermore, we, as human beings, were not designed to worship another necessary. If we worship anything, it is by choice. To imply that humans are engineered to worship, implies that humans are helpless lambs without freewill.
In the Biblical context, "worship" means: shachah (worship) 1) to bow down a) (Qal) to bow down b) (Hiphil) to depress (fig) c) (Hithpael) 1) to bow down, prostrate oneself a) before superior in homage b) before God in worship c) before false gods d) before angel This would mean to put anything above yourself. The Biblical meaning of the word "worship" would apply to a persuit of pleasure, money, possessions, etc. In English, the same thing can be true, as money can be an "object of esteem" or even called a "god". |
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus.... ??????? Just because something takes your time/money/focus does not indicate whether you worship that something. The definition of worship: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. Furthermore, we, as human beings, were not designed to worship another necessary. If we worship anything, it is by choice. To imply that humans are engineered to worship, implies that humans are helpless lambs without freewill.
In the Biblical context, "worship" means: shachah (worship) 1) to bow down a) (Qal) to bow down b) (Hiphil) to depress (fig) c) (Hithpael) 1) to bow down, prostrate oneself a) before superior in homage b) before God in worship c) before false gods d) before angel This would mean to put anything above yourself. The Biblical meaning of the word "worship" would apply to a persuit of pleasure, money, possessions, etc. In English, the same thing can be true, as money can be an "object of esteem" or even called a "god". |
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus.... ??????? Just because something takes your time/money/focus does not indicate whether you worship that something. The definition of worship: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. Furthermore, we, as human beings, were not designed to worship another necessary. If we worship anything, it is by choice. To imply that humans are engineered to worship, implies that humans are helpless lambs without freewill.
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus.... ??????? Just because something takes your time/money/focus does not indicate whether you worship that something. The definition of worship: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. Furthermore, we, as human beings, were not designed to worship another necessary. If we worship anything, it is by choice. To imply that humans are engineered to worship, implies that humans are helpless lambs without freewill.
In the Biblical context, "worship" means: shachah (worship) 1) to bow down a) (Qal) to bow down b) (Hiphil) to depress (fig) c) (Hithpael) 1) to bow down, prostrate oneself a) before superior in homage b) before God in worship c) before false gods d) before angel This would mean to put anything above yourself. The Biblical meaning of the word "worship" would apply to a persuit of pleasure, money, possessions, etc. In English, the same thing can be true, as money can be an "object of esteem" or even called a "god". You are assuming that the pursuit of something such as money is to hold it in high regards and above oneself. A person can pursue a career, money, anything without necessarily holding that object/concept in high regards and/or above him/herself. For instance, it is true that one can pursue XYZ and worship XYZ, but the simple pursuit of XYZ does not equate to mean that one also worships XYZ. Bottom line is that, as human being, we have free will to either to choose to worship or not. |
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I think as created being we have been engineered to worship....I dont care who you are, your going to worship something..It can be your job, family, god, power etc...something is going to take your time,money and focus.... ??????? Just because something takes your time/money/focus does not indicate whether you worship that something. The definition of worship: extravagant respect or admiration for or devotion to an object of esteem. Furthermore, we, as human beings, were not designed to worship another necessary. If we worship anything, it is by choice. To imply that humans are engineered to worship, implies that humans are helpless lambs without freewill.
That is a cop out to truly understanding what it means to worship something and to have faith. If that is all that is needed to worship something, then worshipping something would not have any meaning. |
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You are assuming that the pursuit of something such as money is to hold it in high regards and above oneself. A person can pursue a career, money, anything without necessarily holding that object/concept in high regards and/or above him/herself. For instance, it is true that one can pursue XYZ and worship XYZ, but the simple pursuit of XYZ does not equate to mean that one also worships XYZ. Bottom line is that, as human being, we have free will to either to choose to worship or not. No, I think you aren't listening. Worship, as defined in Hebrew and Greek, would be to "to put something first". If the most important thing to you in the world is money, then in Hebrew or Greek, you would be worshipping money. English has the same language and usage for the words. "Money was his god" for instance. Worship, in both Hebrew and Greek didn't mean you revered something as a god, it meant that it was the first thing in your life. So yes, you can choose to not pray to money, but if it's the first thing in your life, then you are worshipping money all the same. |
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Edited by
revolution
on
Fri 02/15/08 09:54 PM
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You are assuming that the pursuit of something such as money is to hold it in high regards and above oneself. A person can pursue a career, money, anything without necessarily holding that object/concept in high regards and/or above him/herself. For instance, it is true that one can pursue XYZ and worship XYZ, but the simple pursuit of XYZ does not equate to mean that one also worships XYZ. Bottom line is that, as human being, we have free will to either to choose to worship or not. No, I think you aren't listening. Worship, as defined in Hebrew and Greek, would be to "to put something first". If the most important thing to you in the world is money, then in Hebrew or Greek, you would be worshipping money. English has the same language and usage for the words. "Money was his god" for instance. Worship, in both Hebrew and Greek didn't mean you revered something as a god, it meant that it was the first thing in your life. So yes, you can choose to not pray to money, but if it's the first thing in your life, then you are worshipping money all the same. sometimes its hard for me to explain things...you hit the nail right on the head...Peace and love to you.=
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Did I hear different veiws being mentioned???
Life is a series of questioning...with very few answers.... Imagine for a second, simply letting go of all the pondering, and just BEING.... being all of you, in that exact moment, not allowing your mind to slither off into the past, or go galloping into the future.... just to rest the mind, in this moment, when was the last time anyone stopped and listened to their own heart beat? The purpose of this existance, in my reality, is to exist, with the lightest footprint on this earth... when I leave this existance, I hope I am forgotten, not immortalised.... for then I know I truly had minimal impact on this earth. I know we have affect on others, by our very existance, however, if we can have a positive impact, without our knowledge, then , as far as I am concerned, my work is done.
So as to the purpose of religion, of godlike entities, of good and evil, of truth, and deception....is to keep us entrapped in being everywhere but in this moment.
Very true, I agree with you totally on this
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As a side note, i have found that when i need my car fixed or there was a problem i was unsure of, there are always many people who want to give advice on somthing they dont know nothing about, yet still want to put thier 2 cents in, or what they think, somtimes might be good advice, however to get the right answer you must take it to someone who knows what they are talking about.
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As a side note, i have found that when i need my car fixed or there was a problem i was unsure of, there are always many people who want to give advice on somthing they dont know nothing about, yet still want to put thier 2 cents in, or what they think, somtimes might be good advice, however to get the right answer you must take it to someone who knows what they are talking about. So you are saying individuals should only talk to priests, gurus, monks, nuns, preachers, rabbis or others for whom religious and spiritual pursuits are "full-time"? and I don't think most of us perceive ourselves as "giving advice" so much as just sharing our viewpoints and experiences- if they end up being helpful to another then great but the purpose for me it just sharing and curiosity and the conversation itself often clarifys my own thoughts... |
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Edited by
Abracadabra
on
Sat 02/16/08 11:06 AM
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As a side note, i have found that when i need my car fixed or there was a problem i was unsure of, there are always many people who want to give advice on somthing they dont know nothing about, yet still want to put thier 2 cents in, or what they think, somtimes might be good advice, however to get the right answer you must take it to someone who knows what they are talking about. When it comes to matters of religion, nobody knows. All that exists are people who believe that their opinions are better than other people's. 
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