Is God and religion relevant today?

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   mintinfoposted 12 years ago

   Is God and religion relevant today?
   
   200 years ago the only knowledgeable people were priests and the ruling classes. Through fear and superstition they crafted belief systems in order to control the masses. The everyday person only operated by common sense and tradition and followed the rules to insure survival. Why do most people, though educated, still operate on the premise that a god is controlling their life even when that god can prevent sickness, disease, and suffering but doesn't? Is it naivety or escapism?

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   pmorriesposted 12 years ago

   You ask a loaded question, so I will answer your question with a loaded question (I think we can both agree to be cival). I can argue that religion is very relevant today. Religion is relevant in a negative ways (religous extremist and wars) and in positive ways (feeding people, medical care, and hope); however, can you say that agnosticism and atheism is relevant in today's society? I mean in a way that really matters or changes lives (in a positive or negative way)? In closing, I do not mean to offend, I am just asking a question in the same spirit you asked yours. As an aside, I have been an agnostic in the past and I am not reccomending or condemming any religion to you (ceartinly not my flavor or brand).

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      mintinfoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I do agree that religion has it's positives, most importantly as a moral guidance system. But, that same moral system produces moral hierarchy. It moves the human psyche away from objectivity into operating subjectively. Morality is then changed

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   mintinfoposted 12 years ago

   Due to limited response characters I will answer you here.
   
   I do agree that religion has it's positives, most importantly as a moral guidance system. But, that same moral system produces moral hierarchy. It moves the human psyche away from objectivity into operating subjectively. Morality is then changed to support greed and selfishness among other unfavorable human characteristics.
   
   Humanity seems to need a system for protecting itself from itself and in that way I see where religion supersedes systems that dictate proper law and order in a society.

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      pmorriesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good answer. I too hate the lack of response characters, and I admire thet you asked the question. It is very hard to judge how people will react when you write a question (voted up).

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   H P Roychoudhuryposted 12 years ago

   Religion is now become a part of our life. We are accustomed with the system of religion right from the birth as it is practice by our parents and grand father and so on. It has brought a discipline in our life system. In this respect it is very essential and it is very good. But at the same time in our disguise it has produces hierarchy. Our mental built up is not ready to go against it. To me religion is essential for discipline of life but at the same time we must not give up integrity of morality. Hence in the end I will say we must make a balance between these two so that we can respect any other religion and any other’s view so that we can give due honor to humanity, the greatest respect to Almighty if we believe in His existence.

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      whonunuwhoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I like your message.

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      mintinfoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hello HP. I agree that religion still has relevance to many people because it gives purpose to their lives. However, in many cases tradition erodes objectivity until extremism and intolerance becomes the norm. The my god is better than your god state

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   whonunuwhoposted 12 years ago

   The Creator in which we believe is just as important today, as in times of the past. We are now living in a time that we can choose to annihilate the populations of the world and includes all animal and plant life. In many ways, we are already in the process and some say beyond ever overcoming what has been harmed in this world. Religion is human kinds attempt  to communicate with their God or creator and ask guidance and blessings in all's daily life. It is worshiping and following precepts or guides in living a good and loving life and many are quite different and yet all alike. All are inspired by God and give respect and humbleness to the Divine Spirit who has created the universe and all that is in it.As life is relevant, so is God and the religions that worship Him, is also of utmost importance. Our creator has given us as human kind the abilities to heal ourselves with his guidance. We all have been endowed with a wonderful brain that is being more well developed and used as time moves on. This is commensurate to meet the needs and our development progresses as we move into the future and have new needs and make adjustments in life styles. Those who would deny God and his miracles which are evident throughout history, are blinded by themselves and are ultimately responsible for their own good lives. This is the meaning of life..being thankful and using our god given abilities to progress.

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      whonunuwhoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      As far as preventing sickness, diseases, human suffering, Our Creator has given us the ability to help others and do just those important things to prevent disease, cure desease, and help those in need; these things we do under His guidance.

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      mintinfoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The only blinded people are those who don't see that most disease and world suffering is being causes by us. We simply react to the adverse effects that nature throws back at us. I'm sure that is the first thing a god would want his creatures to know

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      CynthiAnnposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It would be blind to not see that much of the world suffering is caused by humans. That was a product of Original Sin though.

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   Crissyliteposted 12 years ago

   I think the "most people" you are referring to may view this current life as an imperfect one in nature and is not looking for a life free of sickness disease, or suffering in this world, but hope to gain eternal life in Heaven through faith in a savior, where it is taught it will be free suffering. Also, sometimes healing and/or miracles do take place, but other times the healing that takes place may not be physical, but one of the spirit and soul. A peaceful life comes when one is able to find contentment and joy in no matter what circumstance you are in and can go to God in prayer for any and everything.
   
   I feel that less religion and more of a relationship with God is very much so relevant. Many people experience God and recognize the need and have a desire to have this relationship with Him.

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      pmorriesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Well said.

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   SirDentposted 12 years ago

   God is always relevant.  Without Him, there is nothing.  To know God is to know Him on a personal level.   It is a relationship that only you can have with Him.

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      whonunuwhoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good answer.

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8. 72

   mathiraposted 12 years ago

   God and religion will always be relevant even if man makes leaps and bounds in science. God can be an anchor to your life and he helps you to tide over your life. Religion teaches you love, care and respect to people.

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      sharmavposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with your comment about God. But why do you need a religion to teach you love, care and respect. A mother doesn't need a religion to love her child or take care of her child.  And she imparts the same values to her children.

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      Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You can learn those things from other sources than religion, but religion's good at teaching those and other positive values.
      Worth noting that, while moms rock, not every mother teaches those things to her children, nor serves as a good example

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      CynthiAnnposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Very true. I'm sure there are plenty of loving parents out there that do not yet know God's Love. God's message to the world is that of Love, so who is better to educate our children on the topic than the Author of Love Himself?

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   WretchedRaptureposted 12 years ago

   Of coarse they are. Religion, as mentioned by many of my fellow hubbers previously, is the basis for our moral system. And, just as importantly, it provides many people with an outlet and a "support beam" if you will, to be able to live their lives. Everyone needs some sort of outlet in their lives, and to each their own.

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      mintinfoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Human morality existed before religion. They are instinctual. When traditional beliefs were organized into religions those basic morals became the bases. Do not lie, kill, steal, etc, no god had to legislate morality, they are a part of the Spirit.

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      CynthiAnnposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      So where does this Spirit you talk about come from?

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    sunilkunnoth2012posted 12 years ago

    God and religion are always relevant.  It is never going to be irrelevant anytime.  Even the brilliant scientist too believe in God.  Why, they know well that is is God who is there to help us always.

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    Catherine Kaneposted 12 years ago

    I think part of the problem here would be the assumption that religion means God is controlling our lives. God created us, but has given us Free Will, which means He's there to help but we're not mindless automatons or pawns in some cosmic game
    
    Studies find that certain kinds of faith increase health and longevity, build more resiliant belief systems, cut stress and support a moral, meaningful and compassionate lifestyle. At that point, I'd say yes, that God and religion are relevant today.

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    Dave Mathewsposted 12 years ago

    God is always relevant regardless. God is our creator, unless you think you got here by some other means.

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       mintinfoposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I know I did not get here by any of the gods described in popular religions. My god does not ask me to be obedient to gain favor, only to be accountable for my actions.

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       CynthiAnnposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       What makes you accountable for your actions though? There is more to salvation than just knowledge between right and wrong.

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    pstraubie48posted 12 years ago

    Probably today as much as any time in history, God is relevant. Relgion, organized religion, also has its place. I do not beleve someone needs to attend church to be of God and to communicate with God. I do feel that there are groups of people who gather in God's name and receive His message that are a positive force for lives. But, again I do not think it is a must. It is a way to gain strength and support from those on earth who wish to walk with God.
    
    God did not promise us a pain free, disease free life. He did promised to walk with us and to carry us when we need it. I do not feel that my commn sense is lacking or deficient because of my belief system. Just as I do not question how and what you believe, I believe that each of us can have our own 'take' on God and religion. I do not have to be right in your mind. I just need to be right for me. It is between me and God.

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       Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you. I love your answer

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    CynthiAnnposted 12 years ago

    God is still completely relevant in today's society.  Yes, we are mainly educated people, but there are still questions that cannot be answered.  There are still things that require a faith in something.  Why live thinking, "well, this is it. I'm gonna die and be buried and that is that"?  Also, there are things spoken about in the Bible that coincide very closely with actual happenings in history, that were dug up well after the Bible was written.  Is that just coincidence?  It is not wrong or stupid for an educated person to have faith.
    That is a purely personal choice.  I've heard very convincing theories and "evidences" to "prove" otherwise, but I've felt God's Love in my life.  God sacrificed His own Son to save us.  He didn't say that having faith in Him was going to be a walk in the park.  Look at the Old Testament Israelite people.  God performed countless miracles.  He gave them unimaginable military odds, freedom from their captors and bountiful land.  In return, they turned their backs on Him countless times and reverted to Baal worship.  Jesus was given to us to redeem us of our sins and give the opportunity for everlasting life to anyone; Jew or Gentile.
    I believe that there are miracles everyday, but how can you see those if you don't even have faith that God is there?

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    pisean282311posted 12 years ago

    nope...and with passing time it would become more and more irrelevant...good for world and coming generations...

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    Larry Wallposted 12 years ago

    God could have done and could still do all the things you mentioned in your question. You forget one point. Before the birth and death of Christ, before the formalization of religion, we had Paradise.
    We do not know if Paradise consisted of the world as we know it today, regarding intellegent men and women,with a perfect climate, no sickness or anythng like that.
    
    Mankind, or Adam and Even, who ever you want to blame, did not follow God's instructions and therefore were banished from Paradise and had to learn to survive in the world that we have today, which has changed over time.
    
    However, remember, while dying on the Cross, Jesus said to one of the other being being crucified that "today you will join me in paradise."
    
    So, not being a theologian or Biblical expert,I would say that we have to earn our way back into Paradise by accepting Christ as our savior and by doing the good works that would be expected of any true believer.

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    tlmcgaa70posted 12 years ago

    GOD is not just relevant HE is vital. religion we would be better without. your claim that a god could heal but doesnt shows how little you understand things. i can tell you from experience that absolutely nothing and no one can harm me unless GOD allows it, and if GOD allows it, HE has a purpose for it, and good will come to me in the end. life is never easy. in fact, the harder life is the sweeter the rewards. how can one fully appreciate joy id they have never felt sorrow? or how can they fully savor peace if they have never had to endure troubles? how can we understand the pain of others if we havent gone through it ourselves? how can we comfort them? people choose to deny that GOD is real, HE is just a choice to make. they do not realize that they are playing with the life and death of their very souls. is GOD real? who else caused me to breathe water...twice in one day? who else did i see when i died as a 3 yr old? yes HE is real.

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    dhupsayaposted 12 years ago

    God and Religion is obviously relevant. Without believe, religion and without GOD leading life is very hard. Believe in GOD can reduces unwanted stress of normal life. We can have some one to relay on while there is some trouble.

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