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Why is Religion important?

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10ClarionSt | 20:22 Mon 20th Nov 2006 | Religion & Spirituality
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Why does religion get the prominence and importance that it does? Why does it matter? It's all fairy tales isn't it?
I've asked this question a few times but no-one can give a proper answer.

There was a family from Altrincham on Radio 5 Live this morning talking about their religion and inviting people to ask questions and contribute to the programme. WHY? What's the point? It's as though this is just being forced onto the British public by the BBC.

I have tolerance of religion, but why should I (or anyone else for that matter) have respect for it?

If people want to be reiligious, that's ok. But why is it given so much publicity when only a small percentage of the population bother with it?
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A belonging, sense of community, a reason for being, detracts from the notion that we are just a mass of particles which will one day just cease to exist. Fear of the unknown. Erring on the side of caution.

Distances us from animals and a more carnal nature.

Forms a backbone of social justice and order, rules to live by with the threat of eternal damnation as punishment.

Social conditioning and custom. The need for leadership and disciple over anarchy.

Just some ideas.



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Ok :)

Historical prominence of how highly people of a high standing in a religion were percieved and treated. Possibily the intricate links with the monarchy as well and territorial significance.

Fear of offending a higher power or those reviled in society.

The perception of many religious people (not going to go into fanatics here) as compassionate law abiding citizens, traits to be encouraged against the less altruistic side of society.

Respect of spirituality and faith.

The significance attached to blasphemy.

People who follow a particular religion have no more social prominence than those who don't.
You also do not need a cross around your neck or to visit a building every Sunday to validate your spiritual perception.
You can have faith without being religious.
Whatever ideas people have about a path or paths to follow, we should have respect for their wishes to do so and in turn those that practice a devout belief system should equally be respectful of those that feel it is not necessary.
Very well put, luna-tic.

It is not for what one chooses to believe that they should be judged but for the actions that follow as a consequence of those beliefs. That is the difference between tolerance and pandering which must not be tolerated if justice for all is to be maintained.
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People forget how important religion has always been to mankind. Ever since we evolved into the most intelligent creatures on the planet we have wanted to worship rocks or volcanos or animals or deities (go work it out). Most of the laws of every country in the world are based on religion (thou shalt not kill, steal etc) and our moral perceptions are also religious (thou shalt not commit adultery / lie with a man as with a woman etc). The problem we have today is that half the world's population are still immersed in religion, and the other half are desperate to deny that it ever had any hold on mankind's imagination. This is how we have bred extremism, the religious feel threatened, and the best form of defence is attack...I say live and let live, if there's a program on about religion that I'm not interested in, I just won't watch it, but I don't mind that other people have the oppertunity to do so if they so choose.
Dear "10ClarionSt ",
I did not mean respect as in reverence for only people who decide to choose religion as their way but respect as in treating everyone the same, regardless of what their beliefs may be. Usually to have a deep regard for someone on a personal level, trust would come first.
People who follow a doctrine are still only people and whatever they choose to do with their lives should not be for credibility or egotism alone or under the assumption that because they follow this it will automatically gain them respect. To me that sort of philosophy comes with the negative side of pride.
Put it dis way religion can get you into Heaven or Hell. Either 2. Now if you don't have a religion who's commands are you going to obey. And by not obeying the commands that Allah(God) has given you how are you going to get into heaven? and when the day of judement comes their won't be an option to come back to the world and start again. No way. Your chance is now. Even if you beg Allah(God) all day and night on the day of judement it would be useless. Coz Allah(God) will just say 'sorry,no i gave you a chance but you denied and now you will live the rest of your life in hell.

zubair:

Some religions can lead you to heaven or hell. Others may lead you into a different state of awareness with or without God.


10ClarionSt:

There is a little difference between "fairy tales" and "religious beliefs". Fairy tales are known to be such from the time we are children and are taught as such. Religious beliefs, on the other hand, are more widespread and generate ways of living that allow the adults of various civilations to have a bearing in the directions their lives take.

Religions may not be perfect but they do give man a sense of belonging and a guidance in living as societies. Therefor is the justification for tolerance and respect -- respect for its intended purpose.

Maybe only a small percentage of the population bother with it, outwardly, but when push comes to shove you will find a significantly higher percentage of people do have a deep seated religious belief.


From my chosen path i stray,
Yet my God ne'er turns away;
For i have learned -- and understand,
That where God is -- is where i am!


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