My Religion is the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). What is yours?

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   tsmogposted 10 years ago

   Religion has been convoluted over the centuries to fit societal views worldwide with various meanings. For the purpose of discussion and respect to others participation this forum question proposes using the etymology of the word religion. Yes, that is definitely open to interpretation as any verbalized meaning is, yet that is the fun of discussion seeking meanings likeness or dislike.
   
   Religion began as a word existing approximately the 5th century with the Latin religio. The western philosophers, even though many were theologians, arrived in the 1530s’ with this as a meaning for religion – “recognition of and allegiance in manner of life (perceived as justly due) to a higher, unseen power or powers". There is not mention of a ‘god’ or ‘God’ or ‘gods’. [Source: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=religion] In essence the meaning has evolved with commonality specific to dictionaries with differences in meaning for ‘to a higher, unseen power or powers’, of which generally interjected is “a god or group of gods” in its place.
   
   For an example we may use the United States Constitution for illustrating this meaning. That document has the ‘property of power’ greater than the ‘Self’, hence “We the People of the United States”. A hyperbole is to deny religion is to deny ‘Self’ as a social entity of equality with some kind of other(s). The bonding or binding affect is recognizing and having allegiance to ‘a power or powers’ greater than ‘Self’ or ‘Selves’. One may ponder the First Amendment stating;
   
   “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;” . . . again no mention of ‘a god’ or ‘God’ or ‘gods’, else how would one have the propensity of “secure the ‘Blessings of Liberty’ to ourselves and our Posterity,” (Preamble – The United States Constitution). Most have the understanding that is an open ticket for ‘all’ citizens. Blessings are derived from ‘liberty’, which with logic and inference is a ‘higher power’.
   
   That said . . . one of the higher powers this hubber gives “recognition of and allegiance in manner of life (perceived as justly due) to a higher, unseen power or powers" happens of actuality to be the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). I accept that entity as the higher power for drag racing and drag racers. I accepted and agreed to their code of ethics and means of participation when joining with membership. I belong with the NHRA. I have read the rule book and have it at my desk. I faithfully on a weekly basis read its website, (excepted only by time constraints). Faithfully I listen to their worldwide broadcasted racing events on the web (they are public on Sundays and seen on ESPN2 as well). I trust their bylaws and regulations for racing within their sanctioned events. I accept, trust, and have faith with their decisions on changes and infractions.
    
   What is your religion or religions, since within that definition it does not offer any iota of information of not having multiple religions. Thus, another question is what is a ‘false religion’?

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      Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      An interesting perspective I suppose. You could argue that your religion makes your life worth living, although for me, what makes my God so desirous is that He is not limited to this Terra Firma. When I leave this mortal coil, I will see His face... the face of my Creator, the face of the one who loves me and sacrificed for me, and rescued me from a fate worse than death. It is not a one way religion... me putting a graven image up on a pedestal, it is a two way relationship between God and man. It is this hope that makes it all worth while for me. It is a romance, a sacred romance. I am loved by my creator and along with my family from every tongue and every nation, I will spend an eternity finding out what makes Heaven so incredible.

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         tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         With all respect and admiration of 'your' choice I do not think I addressed my perspective of God. I addressed a religion that I practice with acceptance, trust, and faith in a higher power of least to my 'Self' and suggestively many, many others. Consequentially many of those religiously practice their confessed membership of free will to the extent of it being their lifestyle choice, means of earning a living, and more.
         
         However, Racers for Christ does exist within that organization . . . just as within other organized religions there does exist distinctions, e.g. archbishops, deacons, and etc. I offer no answer only something to ponder . . .

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            Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            That's my answer... God. I included the Who and they why.

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               tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               I understand. God is the higher "unseen power or powers". An individuals life lived is “recognition of and allegiance" to God as that. An individual's life lived is itself a religion, therefore an organized religion is really not necessary?

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                  Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Is that the subject you wanted to discuss... i.e., is that what you want me to talk about?
                  I believe organized religion is extremely helpful for various reasons.
                  
                  Heb 10:24-26
                  "and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,…"
                  
                  So God Himself asks us to stay in fellowship with others.
                  In addition, 12-step groups encourage their members to make connections and attend regularly.
                  
                  I think it is an obvious conclusion that ppl tend to drift away from their goals, from their deepest desires, from the things they love most... it's human nature. It's good to have ppl keep us grounded when crazy new doctrines tempt us to forget the truths embedded in our hearts. It's good to be accountable when we want to fall off the wagon, cheat on our spouse or just hide away in our homes, in dark depressions, of use to no one and a danger to ourselves.
                  
                  Are there hundreds of organized religions that are not healthy? I personally believe so, yes. That's why, for me, the Bible is the one absolute that anchors me. If any religion calls to me with any promise other than what is made to me in the word of God... I walk away.

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                     tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     That is good! It is wonderful to have the liberty of choice and those blessings it offers as stated in our Constitution's Preamble . . . a higher power of least for this 'Self'.

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                        Sed-meposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                        Indeed.

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      Michael-Milecposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      This explanation opens the door to freedom from " religios"  religions and gives free excess to the Truth and knowing  God-YHWH in spiritual liberty of righteous living .

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   bBereanposted 10 years ago

   Interesting post, tsmog.  I will weigh in on a serious note later, when I have time to give it the appropriate attention.  For now, though, I just have one question which any gearhead should be dying to answer.  What'cha runnin'?

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      tsmogposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I belong to the denomination known as ProStock Today . . . I am practical and have a 07' Honda Fit. (I have always had a hankering for first year cars and there potentials) Of course it is the 'Sport' version. In the past various adventures were embarked upon with the 70's and 80's. One such adventure was working on a 'B' Modified Production rat motored Camaro, clutch turbo, and Dana 70. Sadly or not that sect has evolved to becoming other sects now known as the Super Classes.

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