Religion - is it worthwhile?

[Traveler]

As far as the principles of the gospel of Christ are concerned - what really matters to you? and why?

The Traveler

[FunkyTown]

The only thing that matters to me is whether or not it's the truth. That's it. Everything else is based around that. If it's true, then everything associated with it is necessary.

This is what every belief should be based upon. Nobody says 'Sure, I could fly from England to the US on a plane, but it makes me feel good to think that I could pick up these two feathers and wave my arms really fast. That's what my parents believed, their parents and their parents before them!'

All that matters is being part of the truth.

[Maxel]

I think the institution of religion has served to transmit fundamental morals and truths from one generation to another, and serves to keep the people that belong to it in line. More than that, however, religion constructs a framework upon which we can place those morals and truths so that we don't confuse which is most important.

Ultimately, the most important thing about religion is the question "is it true or not?", as FunkyTown explained.

[Traveler]

Is it more important that religion has truth or that it members contirbute to the well being of society - or - is it more important to be asociated with truth or to be loving and compassionate towards others?

The Traveler

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Traveler

Is it more important that religion has truth or that it members contribute to the well being of society - or - is it more important to be associated with truth or to be loving and compassionate toward others?

The Traveler

Religion has brought a great deal of pain and suffering into the world, as well as comfort and satisfaction. I suppose it pivots upon what the adherents of religion are doing with it.

In my faith, it more important to be be loving and compassionate toward others since that is the bedrock of the two greatest commandments. We love God and others as the way to follow Jesus. Religious truth is illusory if it does not follow loving God and others.

[Snow]

Originally Posted by FunkyTown

If it's true, then everything associated with it is necessary.

Looks like the non-sequiturs are in bloom early this year.

[prisonchaplain]

Religion is nuetral. Good people use it to inspire good. Evil use it to inspire great wickedness. The God-fearer walks the fine line between acknowledging and supporting ordained leadership, and listening carefully for the voice of the Spirit.