Religion

[wilsonator]

Not sure why people bother, is it some sort of emptiness or need to conform to something in life.

Insecurity perhaps?

The way I see it is life and the world for an individual is no better or worse by not having a faith in something that is not guaranteed to be true.

[Champagne]

There's a word for that; 'Atheist'. :o)

[wilsonator]

You could assume that Champagne, but then you would be indicating that I dont believe in gods or a divine being.

Where I think you will find that this is incorrect; Baywatch was full of them.

[Homer55]

I think a lot of it is to do with faith, and the need to feel like there is a higher purpose in life. I myself dont actually belive in god or any particular religion, but i dont have anything against other people beliving in whatever they do. As long as it doesnt hurt anyone. Im not sure what I belive in, if its aliens or science or whatever. im open to suggetions.

[Champagne]

I don't need religion. I have alcohol.

[squiperly]

What I'm going to say isn't fashionable I know, but really, what would be the point of life if there was no God? If we weren't put on earth to learn and evolve as spirits, we might just as well go round doing whatever we want regardless. There would be no concept of right and wrong. Also, life would have no value - so you die, what of it? When you're dead you're dead? If that were true, why go to any effort to save or preserve life?

If you believe that everything has a purpose, it makes it all much easier to understand, and to bear. It's also a great comfort to believe that you will see your loved ones again after death.

[Homer55]

God I miss alcohol. Im trying to lose weight and not drinking during the week anymore, in fact iv cut down to drinking only 2 nights a week, its working though iv lost a stone in a month. it works better than religion anyway, iv prayed to be thinner for years to no avail ha ha

[wilsonator]

Squip - Can I ask if you have been born into the faith or found it yourself?

[wilsonator]

Reason I ask is because you sound like you use religion as an escape, further confirming my suspicion of it being an insecurity reflex.

[jake-the-peg]

You know squiperly ethics don't have to be rooted in religion.

I've always found it hard to understand how a religious person who believed in life after death could ever truely value life. If you understand death as the end of existance, life is so much more precious than if you think that something better lies beyond.

When you hold that view, it's natural to value your own and other lives so much more and to make the most of this limited time on earth and to help others do the same

Some of the most ethical people like Albert Einstein or Bertrand Russel did not believe in an after-life.

Your view would suggest that the only reason people help others is because they think they'll be rewarded or punished if they don't.

Personally I think this is not only sad but wrong, there is a strong sense of empathy for others that runs through most (not all) people and I think this is the real source of our ideas on ethics.

[mkt]

I have faith but its a pretty personal thing and everyone is different thank goodness. I do believe that there is something more for us than just dying and thats thats. However im not a great believer in the whole structure (if thats the right word) of the Church, in fact i haven't attended a church service for over 10 years. I don't push my faith on anyone and in fact most people i know probably wouldnt be aware of my beliefs if they were to be asked.

Yes i have faith. No i don't feel insecure about life or anything. Also, no i don't believe my life is any better or worse by having said faith. Its just the way i am and i'm happy with it. As i said before it's just a personal thing isn't it. I certainly don't approve or people who try to ram religion down your throat or use it as an excuse to cause trouble on an extremist level as unfortunately has happened in recent times.

[allen63b]

Do animals have religion? I doubt it!

What makes us so special?

[Drusilla1S]

I am a Humanist and do not believe in God, gods, spirits, or an after life, but I like to think I am a decent person and act in a respectful manner to other people. (Most of the time, anyway!)

I don't use the term, atheist, because it has come to mean a non believer, but as a humanist, I believe in the human race and the decency that resides within most people. (Politicians and lawyers excepted.)

I find the idea of a 'spy in the sky' somewhat eery and wonder how many religious people act as they do in the hope of an eternal reward or because they feel they are being watched, rather than just being pleasant and decent because it makes other people and ourselves feel good about the life we have.

I feel the concept of right and wrong and a moral judgement was a necessary evolutionary tool that prevents us all ripping each other apart. Without it, we would all be sociopaths and unable to live in large groups, let alone communities the size of towns and cities.

Having said all that, I accept religion is a comfort to many, many people and anything that helps people live happy and fulfilling lives cannot be all bad.

[mightyWBA]

But you still don't like us sassenachs do you Drusilla!

(runs for cover)

[Dr Hungry]

There was an idea put forward by Pascal, called Pascal's wager. He said you might as well believe in God cos it doesn't really make much difference to your life on Earth, and then when you die you might get to go to Heaven if He does exist. If you don't believe then you might have a bit more fun on Earth, but then if it turns out He does exist when you die, then you'll go to Hell. So by choosing to believe, you avoid the booby prize of Hell and get a chance at the jackpot of Heaven, and if it turns out He doesn't exist? Well you'll be dead so you won't worry about it anyway.

[joko]

thats hardly an original idea - its called hedging your bets - pretty obvious really

[Dr Hungry]

Ha. In your face Pascal!

Yeah you are right, but I think he was the first person to hedge his bets with the afterlife.

[Drusilla1S]

Mighty WBA, I think you have confused me with Drisgirl, who I believe is Scottish. I'm from Hackney in London originally and now live in West London.

[Agent_Smith]

there is a woman around by us who was a petty thief,shoplifter,alchoholic,drug addict and there was a rumour she had sex with a dog....

she is now a new born christian who goes to church meetings and prays for you and says halalulyah all the time...............

i will let you all decide on this one what you think.....

[joko]

so she has swapped one life of addiction, of being controlled, brainwashed and being made to feel guilt and shame, for another....mmm...

ok, one is probably safer and nicer, but not exactly ideal is it?

[mightyWBA]

Whoops! Sorry Drusilla!