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nerdvincent · Feb 5, 2008, 07:58 pm

What is the purpose(s) of religions?
Is it to understand God(s) and/or nature? Do we worship God(s) to gain a divine help or just for the sake of worshiping it?
I wanna know, because we talk a lot about religion, and we don't know what they are.

Halofan48 · Feb 5, 2008, 08:15 pm

Well, if I'm correct, the original creation of gods was people from long ago trying to explain things that they could not understand (ex: lightning, earthquakes, Tsunamis, Rain, Etc.) since they did not have the knowledge we do today.It became an answer to all the unanswerable questions (at the time, or perhaps for the rest of time, depending on the question) Religions really added more to this. They started saying how gods wanted things from man, ranging from obedience to sacrifices. Then stories of the gods started to be created. These stories told of these gods mighty deeds and the like.
This is how i think religions came into existence. From what I can tell, a religion is a explanation of a god/ gods and their deeds and how it affects us. That's what I think anyway.

nerdvincent · Feb 5, 2008, 08:18 pm

A kind of proto-science who deviated? Interesting.

Charlatan · Feb 5, 2008, 08:33 pm

Religion came about with the beginning of consciousness, animals don't have religion because they are not conscious. As soon as we realised that people die, people thought about what happened to them then, and then there was the advent of the afterlife, a story told to children so that they wouldn't cry. "Don't worry, gran has gone away to another place," was the likely sotry told to children, so they started to wonder what this other place was, and then you have religion. Upon hearing these stories children thought up the idea that they lived on after death in another place, but then they thought about natural phenomenon being the cause of their spirits messages to them. Then they thought of a grand guy that was the leader of the spirits, then they thought up stories of how this grand guy used his powers to create the world, as he destroys it, and then they had a God with super powers that hung out with the spirits, he himslef being a spirit.

Belief in God has some requisites, namely language, otherwise noone can spread their ideas, and form a socail gathering where they can put their ideas togehter and encourage others to make up new stories about how God is, and what He has done. Think about one cave man thinking that the spirits have powers, then he thinks about something else. In a socail circle he would be encouraged to go on with his thought, so the others make him or her create belief in God.

The purpose of religion was to share belief in God with others, so religion has been around from before there was scripture, but with the advent of scripture, there came a testament to what was right about God. So religion's purpose is to spread belief in God and make Him happy, to live right until you meet him one day when you die and 'you go to another place.'

Apologist · Feb 5, 2008, 08:40 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Halofan48

Well, if I'm correct, the original creation of gods was people from long ago trying to explain things that they could not understand (ex: lightning, earthquakes, Tsunamis, Rain, Etc.) since they did not have the knowledge we do today.It became an answer to all the unanswerable questions (at the time, or perhaps for the rest of time, depending on the question) Religions really added more to this. They started saying how gods wanted things from man, ranging from obedience to sacrifices. Then stories of the gods started to be created. These stories told of these gods mighty deeds and the like.
This is how i think religions came into existence. From what I can tell, a religion is a explanation of a god/ gods and their deeds and how it affects us. That's what I think anyway.

That was a pretty good guess.

Halofan48 · Feb 5, 2008, 08:41 pm

Now we probably need another thread, as to not get of topic:
Define Consciousness in your own opinion

Apologist · Feb 5, 2008, 08:42 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Charlatan

Religion came about with the beginning of consciousness, animals don't have religion because they are not conscious. As soon as we realised that people die, people thought about what happened to them then, and then there was the advent of the afterlife, a story told to children so that they wouldn't cry. "Don't worry, gran has gone away to another place," was the likely sotry told to children, so they started to wonder what this other place was, and then you have religion. Upon hearing these stories children thought up the idea that they lived on after death in another place, but then they thought about natural phenomenon being the cause of their spirits messages to them. Then they thought of a grand guy that was the leader of the spirits, then they thought up stories of how this grand guy used his powers to create the world, as he destroys it, and then they had a God with super powers that hung out with the spirits, he himslef being a spirit.

Belief in God has some requisites, namely language, otherwise noone can spread their ideas, and form a socail gathering where they can put their ideas togehter and encourage others to make up new stories about how God is, and what He has done. Think about one cave man thinking that the spirits have powers, then he thinks about something else. In a socail circle he would be encouraged to go on with his thought, so the others make him or her create belief in God.

The purpose of religion was to share belief in God with others, so religion has been around from before there was scripture, but with the advent of scripture, there came a testament to what was right about God. So religion's purpose is to spread belief in God and make Him happy, to live right until you meet him one day when you die and 'you go to another place.'

Come on, are you guys serious?

Sounds like grandma has been telling you some stories.

Halofan48 · Feb 5, 2008, 08:45 pm

what do you think then? Or are you just going to ridicule us for what we think?

Kaylor · Feb 5, 2008, 08:59 pm

Just something that gives people reason to be good people, and they can be happier easier, and have a better sense of belonging and purpose.

Apologist · Feb 5, 2008, 09:21 pm

Quote:

Quote by: Halofan48

what do you think then? Or are you just going to ridicule us for what we think?

I believe firstly that his question and his intended answer are two different things.

He asks what the purpose of religion is and you gave a supposed history of religion. Which I don't think was his intention, unless he worded the question wrongly.

What is the purpose of religion? Let me ask you what you think religion is?

People on this forum need to get their verbiage right before diving into to a debate.

Halofan48 · Feb 5, 2008, 09:29 pm

In my opinion, a possible history of how religion came into existence might help him understand. To simply say "from what I can tell, a religion is a explanation of a god/ gods and their deeds and how it affects us." might cause him to wonder how this came to be. I was trying to give a possible reason on how it did so. Now please answer my question, what do you think religion is.

robby 1957 · Feb 5, 2008, 10:46 pm

In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways .. but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (Jesus) whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe . . . The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word . . . . .

my conclusion is: .. if you want to know/see God .. you must know/see his Son .. if you want to know/see his Son .. you must know/see his word .. the bible . . . . . . http://www.realanswers.net/radio/m3u/30080101.m3u . . . . The New Covenant . . . . enjoy .. RC

PS: . . . "religion" .. how many ways can you describe a crooked stick ??
"religion" is man reaching toward God (with his own efforts)
Christianity is God reaching to man thru his Son Jesus Christ . . . I have an idea !!! lets go the way God has prescribed . . .

Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God . . . John 1:12

rez · Feb 5, 2008, 10:51 pm

Quote:

Quote by: nerdvincent

What is the purpose(s) of religions?
Is it to understand God(s) and/or nature? Do we worship God(s) to gain a divine help or just for the sake of worshiping it?
I wanna know, because we talk a lot about religion, and we don't know what they are.

Religion is whatever the individual or the group of individuals want it to be. Just look at each individual and find out what their desires are and you will find the purpose of religion.

nerdvincent · Feb 5, 2008, 10:54 pm

Thanks for the spam Robby, but I told you: I've read Bible. Now thanks for your evengelical radio, but less trolling and more debating would be welcome. Please don't focuss on christianity, there is more than one religion in this forum. Pastafarianism for exemple.

robby 1957 · Feb 5, 2008, 11:18 pm

Quote:

Please don't focuss on christianity, there is more than one religion in this forum

sorry dude .. but you focus on what you want and I'll focus on what I want .. no room for fascism here ?? ..

do you have an issue you would like to debate ??

PS: why do you say that my posting is spam .. I've just added my opinion to this thread .. do you have a problem ??

Halofan48 · Feb 5, 2008, 11:27 pm

First of all Robby, this thread is about what religion is. What he meant by spam is how you essentially preached Christianity on this thread, which is not what this is about. This thread is about what religion is, not Christianity or which one is right in your opinion. keep the thread on topic and don't add unnecessary comments that are also unwanted.

**Jack** · Feb 5, 2008, 11:33 pm

Quote:

but you focus on what you want and I'll focus on what I want .. no room for fascism here ??

Not fascism, just a matter of following the forum rules. Debates must follow the topic presented in the opening post. If you want to debate another topic, start another thread.

DO NOT RESPOND IN THIS THREAD TO THE PRECEDING MESSAGE.
Please contact a member of the staff privately if you have any questions.

robby 1957 · Feb 5, 2008, 11:42 pm

"religion" .. how many ways can you describe a crooked stick ??
"religion" is man reaching toward God (with his own efforts)
Christianity is God reaching to man thru his Son Jesus Christ

now has my opinion about religion derailed anyone here ??

A persons 'religion' is what ever that person believes .. even an atheist has his/her religion .. even though they tout themselves as non-religious .. I hope I havn't hurt anyone's feelings

Halofan48 · Feb 5, 2008, 11:47 pm

No, we just didn't like you including stuff on how you believe Christianity was right, for that was off topic. Anyway, back to the right topic.

SoylentGreen · Feb 5, 2008, 11:57 pm

Religion is nothing more than the means by which those who wish to have power and control manipulate others.
It is an opiate meant to soothe the pains of the poor and control the wealth of the rich.

Feb 5, 2008, 07:58 pm	#1 (permalink) (top)
nerdvincent NerdyHippieThing 3.1 Location: Who cares? Posts: 775	The purpose of religion. What is the purpose(s) of religions? Is it to understand God(s) and/or nature? Do we worship God(s) to gain a divine help or just for the sake of worshiping it? I wanna know, because we talk a lot about religion, and we don't know what they are. I think, I'm free.

Feb 5, 2008, 08:15 pm	#2 (permalink) (top)
Halofan48 Seeking the Unknown Location: Southern California Posts: 1,261	Well, if I'm correct, the original creation of gods was people from long ago trying to explain things that they could not understand (ex: lightning, earthquakes, Tsunamis, Rain, Etc.) since they did not have the knowledge we do today.It became an answer to all the unanswerable questions (at the time, or perhaps for the rest of time, depending on the question) Religions really added more to this. They started saying how gods wanted things from man, ranging from obedience to sacrifices. Then stories of the gods started to be created. These stories told of these gods mighty deeds and the like. This is how i think religions came into existence. From what I can tell, a religion is a explanation of a god/ gods and their deeds and how it affects us. That's what I think anyway. Knowledge is power, use it well. Don't fear the unknown, seek to understand it

Feb 5, 2008, 08:18 pm	#3 (permalink) (top)
nerdvincent NerdyHippieThing 3.1 Location: Who cares? Posts: 775	A kind of proto-science who deviated? Interesting. I think, I'm free.

Feb 5, 2008, 08:33 pm	#4 (permalink) (top)
Charlatan Igneous Magma Location: Cape Town South Africa Posts: 256	Religion came about with the beginning of consciousness, animals don't have religion because they are not conscious. As soon as we realised that people die, people thought about what happened to them then, and then there was the advent of the afterlife, a story told to children so that they wouldn't cry. "Don't worry, gran has gone away to another place," was the likely sotry told to children, so they started to wonder what this other place was, and then you have religion. Upon hearing these stories children thought up the idea that they lived on after death in another place, but then they thought about natural phenomenon being the cause of their spirits messages to them. Then they thought of a grand guy that was the leader of the spirits, then they thought up stories of how this grand guy used his powers to create the world, as he destroys it, and then they had a God with super powers that hung out with the spirits, he himslef being a spirit. Belief in God has some requisites, namely language, otherwise noone can spread their ideas, and form a socail gathering where they can put their ideas togehter and encourage others to make up new stories about how God is, and what He has done. Think about one cave man thinking that the spirits have powers, then he thinks about something else. In a socail circle he would be encouraged to go on with his thought, so the others make him or her create belief in God. The purpose of religion was to share belief in God with others, so religion has been around from before there was scripture, but with the advent of scripture, there came a testament to what was right about God. So religion's purpose is to spread belief in God and make Him happy, to live right until you meet him one day when you die and 'you go to another place.' Poison for the system!

Feb 5, 2008, 08:41 pm	#6 (permalink) (top)
Halofan48 Seeking the Unknown Location: Southern California Posts: 1,261	Now we probably need another thread, as to not get of topic: Define Consciousness in your own opinion Knowledge is power, use it well. Don't fear the unknown, seek to understand it

Feb 5, 2008, 08:45 pm	#8 (permalink) (top)
Halofan48 Seeking the Unknown Location: Southern California Posts: 1,261	what do you think then? Or are you just going to ridicule us for what we think? Knowledge is power, use it well. Don't fear the unknown, seek to understand it

Feb 5, 2008, 08:59 pm	#9 (permalink) (top)
Kaylor Sedimentary Rock Location: Texas Posts: 23	Just something that gives people reason to be good people, and they can be happier easier, and have a better sense of belonging and purpose.

Feb 5, 2008, 09:29 pm	#11 (permalink) (top)
Halofan48 Seeking the Unknown Location: Southern California Posts: 1,261	In my opinion, a possible history of how religion came into existence might help him understand. To simply say "from what I can tell, a religion is a explanation of a god/ gods and their deeds and how it affects us." might cause him to wonder how this came to be. I was trying to give a possible reason on how it did so. Now please answer my question, what do you think religion is. Knowledge is power, use it well. Don't fear the unknown, seek to understand it

Feb 5, 2008, 10:46 pm	#12 (permalink) (top)
robby 1957 WE ARE FORGIVEN Location: Wichita Kansas Posts: 87	In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways .. but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son (Jesus) whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe . . . The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word . . . . . my conclusion is: .. if you want to know/see God .. you must know/see his Son .. if you want to know/see his Son .. you must know/see his word .. the bible . . . . . . http://www.realanswers.net/radio/m3u/30080101.m3u . . . . The New Covenant . . . . enjoy .. RC PS: . . . "religion" .. how many ways can you describe a crooked stick ?? "religion" is man reaching toward God (with his own efforts) Christianity is God reaching to man thru his Son Jesus Christ . . . I have an idea !!! lets go the way God has prescribed . . . *Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God* . . . John 1:12 *Robby Cleary* Last edited by robby 1957; Feb 5, 2008 at 11:37 pm.

Feb 5, 2008, 10:54 pm	#14 (permalink) (top)
nerdvincent NerdyHippieThing 3.1 Location: Who cares? Posts: 775	Thanks for the spam Robby, but I told you: I've read Bible. Now thanks for your evengelical radio, but less trolling and more debating would be welcome. Please don't focuss on christianity, there is more than one religion in this forum. Pastafarianism for exemple. I think, I'm free.

Feb 5, 2008, 11:27 pm	#16 (permalink) (top)
Halofan48 Seeking the Unknown Location: Southern California Posts: 1,261	First of all Robby, this thread is about what religion is. What he meant by spam is how you essentially preached Christianity on this thread, which is not what this is about. This thread is about what religion is, not Christianity or which one is right in your opinion. keep the thread on topic and don't add unnecessary comments that are also unwanted. Knowledge is power, use it well. Don't fear the unknown, seek to understand it

Feb 5, 2008, 11:42 pm	#18 (permalink) (top)
robby 1957 WE ARE FORGIVEN Location: Wichita Kansas Posts: 87	a Christian definition of RELIGION: "religion" .. how many ways can you describe a crooked stick ?? "religion" is man reaching toward God (with his own efforts) Christianity is God reaching to man thru his Son Jesus Christ now has my opinion about religion derailed anyone here ?? A persons 'religion' is what ever that person believes .. even an atheist has his/her religion .. even though they tout themselves as non-religious .. I hope I havn't hurt anyone's feelings *Robby Cleary*

Feb 5, 2008, 11:47 pm	#19 (permalink) (top)
Halofan48 Seeking the Unknown Location: Southern California Posts: 1,261	No, we just didn't like you including stuff on how you believe Christianity was right, for that was off topic. Anyway, back to the right topic. Knowledge is power, use it well. Don't fear the unknown, seek to understand it

Feb 5, 2008, 11:57 pm	#20 (permalink) (top)
SoylentGreen Hot Lava Posts: 2,285	Religion is nothing more than the means by which those who wish to have power and control manipulate others. It is an opiate meant to soothe the pains of the poor and control the wealth of the rich.