If there was no reward or punishment would you be involved in any religion? (page 2)

Good Girl or Bad Girl?

I don't go out of any desire/fear of reward/punishment. I just enjoy going, to hear something and have a communal ritual. I know many like that.

Little Toe, I think this is a very good point.

I have a friend who likes to go to church because of the sense of community, but he is adamantly atheistic. He believes (and has said as much many times) that when he dies that is it. So he goes, not for reward in the future, but the reward he gets now, good friends. He tells me constantly I need to go to church to experience what true love is - not the fake love bombing and/or cold shoulders you get with JW's.

gaiagirl

I believe a number of religions offer a better life right now, rather than in some hypothetical future. Most pagan belief systems fall into this category.

restrangled

So here is what confounds me....

If humans in their "perfect state" chose something else, how are we in our " imperfect state" expected to choose how it is we are suppose to live? There is the never ending question as to who will and who will not get their reward that was already given to the first human couple.

We are left scrambling trying to live good lives, questioning our motives, what god or religion to be a part of etc.

The bible is interpreted in numerous ways depending on who is doing the interpreting.....so where do we stand, what is it we are suppose to do if anything?

r.

Mysterious

I think JWs who said they only did it because they loved god were delusional liars. Of course if you said you were just doing it for paradise then god would get you anyway. ^_^

JH

I am who I am, and no matter what religion I would belong to, I'd be 100% me.

I believe in God and Jesus, and loving my neighbor. I also expect to be treated the same way, no matter what religion I'd be in.

If there was only 1 religion, I'd belong to it.

Gretchen956

Restrangled, the whole concept of original sin boggles my mind. It is so alien to my belief system. According to that way of thinking many of the inherent hard-wired desires (such as sex) are sinful, sometimes even within the bounds of allowable marriage systems. Its a system built entirely on fear and recrimation and the carrot (reward) is redemption from that state.

God/dess made us the way we are. We are a reflection of that love. The knowledge of that blessing is our reward, the only punishment is of our own making.

Good luck in your spiritual path.

Sherry

Apostate Kate

I haven't read those books but have read many other of CS Lewis books. He is a great thinker and writer.

Reward or punishment has no bearing on my personal relation with my Creator. I trust Him. Religion has nothing to do with my relationship with my Maker. I don't need to be a member of something to know Jesus.

I enjoy corporate worship and organized charity work. They require getting together with like minded people.

I have no fear. None. No fear of God. No fear of death. No fear of tomorrow. No worries about how I will survive. I trust Him. It is part of my relationship with God. He made promises to me that He has kept, abundantly.

God gave us boundaries. Our sinful natures has to test them. I don't have a problem with understanding sin. One of children's first words is "NO!" We give our children boundaries to keep them safe, to teach them respect of self and others. Why would our Maker not do the same?

Enjoy the journey Restranged

Arthur

I don't think that I would be involved with organized religion even if I knew there was a system of reward and punishment administered by God. Even when I was a Witness; the idea of God or Divinity being a cosmic auditor in the sky who is constantly chalking up debits or credits under my "account" drove me insane. This is the biggest reason why I had no love of Jehovah. I had come to the sad realization that I would just rather let the old guy up there kill me instead of living this way. Hence, I decided to abandon my religion; even though I felt that I would probably be "punished" for doing so.

As of now; I have no intention of ever joining organized religion. However, I am deeply moved the teachings of Jesus Christ. I can see where following such teachings as displaying deep love and charity toward our fellows is not only a powerful social force; but a wonderful way in which we enrich ourselves through our use of free will.

jaguarbass

In my case I dont beleive there is a reward or punishment and I am not involved with any religion.

mouthy

I have no desire to be involved with any religion, regardless of what they offer.

Me too. I dont care if there is nothing other than what I have now....Peace. I Love Jesus.& Told Jehovah when I was a follower, I did not want anything from him. I just wanted him to use me -because I was so bad before I converted.smoked swore, had many lovers etc: Unfortunatly Jehovah evidently did use me to steer 10 others down a wrong path.... But I dont believe Jehovah is GOD now .... that was a wrong thought back then ....I believe the organisation is run by the Devil & he helped me convert man/woman into his realm.....
So now I have the same prayer I expect nothing from God but what I have now ..... A clean bed, a roof over my head-food in the fridge ( sometimes not alot but enough for the day as promised .)..And if what the bible seems to infer that I will see my dead Hubby & kids, mother & father again Because he examines hearts not religions...I always thought they were kind hearted so he knew them more than I It would be a plus. But other than that I just want to do whatever I can to help anyone I can Sorry to ramble .

If there was no reward or punishment would you be involved in any religion?

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