by I-follow-the-narrow-path 23 Replies latest jw experiences
With all the talk around of people saying they know the real religion... do you (presonally) think that there is a real religion?
Personally, I think that it is hard to argue what the right religion is. There are so many different translations of the bible. <BR>
I think it is more about faith and being happy with life (as well as getting close to God for some of us) that matter.<BR>
I made an unbiased post
I made an unbiased post
Way to go Elizabeth!
There will probably be as many answers to this question as there are posters here. And I think that's a wonderful thing, given the cage we've been in for so long, not being able to even THINK there is any other 'true' religion.
My own opinion -- I don't hold to ANY religion. I think religion is a man-made set of moral rules based on its own interpretation of the Bible or other "holy" books. There is nothing absolute, especially not absolute truth, in religion. I'm a believer in the phrase "religion is the opium of the people". I think many join one to give them a sense of belonging, a set of standards to adhere to or strive for -- ones that closest match their own. (disclaimer: this is all just ramble, I'm still figuring it all out for myself yet) In my case, I'm not really searching (as I feel I do NOT *need* religion right now) but merely exploring, so have attended a couple different churches.
Each religion has a carrot and a whip. That's my big hang-up about them right now. My butt is still stinging from the elders' whip; I'm done wit dat. And the carrot was false...
~merfi
That post, was amazing. You've raised a great issue and in a really nice way.
Personally, i believe that all things are possible with God. He doesn't need help from anyone or anything. Religion is a great topic and a great debate, but it also causes huge problems. Once you two or more claiming to 'have the truth' watch out because trouble will kick off.
People should be easy going and listen just as much as they talk. We can all learn things from each other.
good post.
I do not believe in religion. Religion becomes an institution run by men, and men with power tend to become corrupt.
The bible discusses gathering together for encouragement with like minded people, but not having people insiste their personal beliefs are right and punish you if you do not agree with them.
I can not accept that God hates and wants to destroy most people alive just because they do not belong to one true religion, whatever that one may be. In most of the world people only ever know the religion of their birth. Is it reasonable to think God wants to destroy them at Armageddon or burn them in hell because some sole true religion did not exist in their area?
No matter where people live all religions have one thing in common, a belief in a higher power, or intelligence, or creator. Show respect for life and for him and i am confident that God will love you back. Most importantly, keep positive about yourself and your life. That rubs off on others and they treat you well back.
I have always had a gifted life as i always tried to treat others well. As a JW I was well treated by most people and things always have worked out. Now I am not a JW my life is still wonderful and gifted. God did not leave me, though JWs and even many of my family have abandoned me I have tried treat others well, and immediately had my life filled with even nicer people than before.
As the bible says, "throw your bread out on the water and it will come back" and "do unto others as you want them to do to you", and things will always work out.
I agree with all of the above. Think about this for you Christians out there, Jesus did not start a religion - he started a faith. There is a big difference. Religion is an institution that has done nothing good for mankind and has been used to dominate other men for centuries.
Like this famous quote of Russell: Religion is a snare and a racket!
No matter what our religious belief we all want the same things. A closer realtionship with our creator (for those who believe in one), a happy healthy life and family, peace in the world. No one is greater or better than anyone else just because they hold to a particular belief.
Religion, is belief. Belief, is a construct of the mind made of ideas and thoughts.
Reality, is what IS, in the absence of ideas and thoughts.
So, it would seem that "real religion", is an oxymoron.
j
It's okay not to know all the answers.
This was just covered in a sermon at my church, it's not about religion, it's about your relationship with God.
Josie
And I think I should add that it is NOT even about loving God.
You can be any religion... personally though I think God is real
And I think that is what is right, but if you think differently that is okay
If you read my other comments I talked about my (ex) boyfriend and witnessing
I think; however, that getting excited about your faith is good :) And people say I AM intolerant... yeah right!
Seriously, why am I so happy?
Ciao Eli
I don't know why you're happy. Maybe people say you're intolerant because you think that the jws are the only ones to have the truth.
I'm happy too. I'm not a jw, I'm a christain and I don't need to ask why I am happy, I know why.
Josie
