Karl Marx once described religion as opium for the masses and one is left to wonder if he was right especially given that, in the contemporary world, those who seem to have the most wealth (power & influence) are religious leaders. Ironically, among their following, we also have the world’s poorest contributing to their wealth; in terms of ‘offertory’ and other donations.
Also, the above question stems from the fact that the same world, marred with so much injustice and ‘evil’, has the same multitude as part of their religious fraternity. In fact, for me personally, some of the most devious and conniving people I have met yet (& who have done me ill) happen to be part of mainstream religious movements. I don’t recall ever being lied to, insulted, attacked, conned or swindled by an atheist or non-religious person. Anyway, this is a by the way and nothing to think about too seriously, but do think deeply of what I say from here.
Is not to believe in religion atheism? I don’t think so. Atheism in my view is a complete disregard of the/a higher power – not believing in religion is quite different. Religion is man-made.
One can argue that religion is man’s way of explaining what he doesn’t know (& subsequently using this faux knowledge to control others) … in the process, he creates a following (religious faithful) based on this creation (religion). How different is this from the Easter Bunny or Santa Clause? Both are creations of man as well, no? Also, if we can claim that religion is a historical fact (N.B.: I deliberately use ‘religion’ to lump all known religions as opposed to singling out one or the other) then there are proven inconsistencies here as well.
No offense to anyone, but right now one of my short fantasy stories, in centuries to come, could be considered ‘fact’ and hence religion … Think about it. How much of what we claim to know is true and does fellow man have the right to suppose he/she knows more than us because he/she brands himself/herself as a religious leader? Shouldn’t such a metaphysical inquiry & introspection be left to the individual to discover for themselves? Is religion then just another way of soothing our own conscience by telling ourselves we are ‘good people’ and better than others doing things we consider worse? Is altruism as we know it today just an extreme form of narcissistic self-righteousness?
So, is religion just another power play used by human beings as a way of cloaking ignorance and self-righteousness as knowledge and righteousness?
Let me know your thoughts
For me l would say, one can have faith and believe that God exists but doesn’t subscribe to any religion.
Yes. It is possible to believe in God without religion. Often times we believe religion is what gets us closer to God and gains us more favour with Him. However, sometimes that is not the case. We can get caught up in ‘doing the works’ and forgetting about fellowship with Him and others here on earth; which may lead us to thinking we are better than everyone else.
Good question Robert. Christ was not a Christian was he? Buddha was not a Buddhist was he? These people started a movement behind them because of who they were or how they lived.
I want to be like Christ, but are Christians out here living with a christ-like spirit? Honestly, I have been disappointed by some church and its followers, it has left me thinking that we probably do not worship the same God.
The true religion is the religion of Love, God is love. I choose to focus on that premise. The difference for me is that organized religion is dishonest.
I’m a Christian and I generally shun organized religions. I am Christian because I believe in Jesus as the Son of God, angels and demons, Heaven and Hell, etc. However, religion as an organization is not compatible with how I live my life. Organized religion:
is too divisive. It is used to separate people and cause wars. Even within Christianity, there is too much disagreement over minimal difference in translations.
is too focused on how much humans suck and what will happen if you don’t follow God. God is a just god but he is also a loving God. His first and foremost thought is saving people, not damning them.
too structural. Religion should be a lifestyle, not a college fraternity.
full of hypocrites. People who point fingers at other’s sin when they often do things far more sinful. I think many of these Christians do this out of shame in an attempt to make themselves look holier.
can never answer a question. If people have legitimate questions it’s always “because the Bible says so” despite not knowing the verses
Yes, bro before religion came there was God & worshippers, so u should be able to do the same.
Yes it is. Believing in God does not necessarily mean doing religion.