How Religion Helps People

[+Hammerclaw]

1 hour ago, Dejarma said:

oh yeah, without a doubt but what is it you have faith in with regards to your good self?

You have faith in your ability to do/ be what?

For me I can make myself content by playing the guitar & writing music as one of many examples

To some questions it is wise to think twice and say nothing. 

[Dejarma]

2 minutes ago, Hammerclaw said:

To some questions it is wise to think twice and say nothing. 

nope, you've lost me there.. think twice & say something

Edited December 2, 2023 by Dejarma

[+Hammerclaw]

1 hour ago, Dejarma said:

nope, you've lost me there.. think twice & say something

No, some things aren't for sharing. My personal beliefs fall under that category.

Edited December 2, 2023 by Hammerclaw

[darkmoonlady]

Just making a mental spread sheet of what religion has accomplished, both positive and negative, the human toll has been much more negative. We got some advancements, some pretty churches, some poetry but at what cost. 

[Dejarma]

8 minutes ago, Hammerclaw said:

No, some things aren't for sharing. My personal beliefs fall under that category.

what? there are things you don't want to share about yourself with regards to feelings in this place? really?? are they that dark? if so then yeah i get it, best keep ya mouth shut

[TashaMarie]

On 12/1/2023 at 3:56 AM, Guyver said:

In a sense, maybe yes.  If we abandon all beliefs and only stick with what we know, we are going to live here for a while, experience the joys and sorrows that life brings, then we are going to rot in the ground as our bodies decompose and there will be nothing.  How is that hopeful?  It’s not.  It is true, and maybe for some the truth hurts. Maybe for some people, just hoping that their actions in this life can somehow benefit them for the next life coming gives them a sense of purpose and a righteous path to follow.  You know this belief goes to the Egyptians as easily provable, but who’s to say this type of thinking did not predate the Egyptians?  I bet someone on this very forum might be knowledgeable enough to show that religious beliefs about the afterlife predate the Egyptians.  But even if not, that’s a long time for people to be carrying beliefs. And we could argue collective soul on this point I bet.

Everyone has their own perception of death and what they want to happen after they pass away. Personally, I hope to become an organ donor and give others a chance at a better quality of life. If that is not possible, then I hope my body can be used for scientific research to help others. Although I am a non-believer, I remain hopeful and do not see death as a negative thing. Instead, I view it as the inevitable conclusion to life.

[Guyver]

9 hours ago, Hammerclaw said:

Having Faith means letting go of worrying about things existential and just living one's life and wringing every ounce of joy out of life one can.

That’s pretty good. But, since we face certain death, it’s kinda hard to not think about whether there may be anything after or not. I mean, faith means a person believes in God.  Doesn’t it?

[Guyver]

3 hours ago, Hammerclaw said:

To some questions it is wise to think twice and say nothing. 

Winner.  Close thread.

[+Hammerclaw]

12 hours ago, Guyver said:

That’s pretty good. But, since we face certain death, it’s kinda hard to not think about whether there may be anything after or not. I mean, faith means a person believes in God.  Doesn’t it?

Faith means granting validity to an uncertainty. Either there is something after death or there is nothing. Nothing isn't anything to be afraid of.

Edited December 2, 2023 by Hammerclaw

[+Hammerclaw]

12 hours ago, Guyver said:

Winner.  Close thread.

Just a quote from Master Chiun, Master of Sinanju from The Destroyer series.

[jmccr8]

19 hours ago, TashaMarie said:

Everyone has their own perception of death and what they want to happen after they pass away. Personally, I hope to become an organ donor and give others a chance at a better quality of life. If that is not possible, then I hope my body can be used for scientific research to help others. Although I am a non-believer, I remain hopeful and do not see death as a negative thing. Instead, I view it as the inevitable conclusion to life.

Hi Tasha

That is a good way of looking at it, for me about all that I could donate by the time I die would be a full head of hair as most of the other parts have been well used and abused.

[TashaMarie]

7 hours ago, jmccr8 said:

Hi Tasha

That is a good way of looking at it, for me about all that I could donate by the time I die would be a full head of hair as most of the other parts have been well used and abused.

I believe someone would be grateful to receive that. Although the possibility of me being a donor is slim, I still hold onto hope. I dislike it when people view a person's lack of faith in God or an afterlife as something negative or hopeless. We simply perceive death differently.

[jmccr8]

21 minutes ago, TashaMarie said:

I believe someone would be grateful to receive that. Although the possibility of me being a donor is slim, I still hold onto hope. I dislike it when people view a person's lack of faith in God or an afterlife as something negative or hopeless. We simply perceive death differently.

Hi Tasha

I don't have a problem with people having faith in god or the afterlife even if I don't myself.

[XenoFish]

5 hours ago, TashaMarie said:

I dislike it when people view a person's lack of faith in God or an afterlife as something negative or hopeless.

There is an emotional investment in such a belief. 

[+Sherapy]

10 hours ago, TashaMarie said:

I believe someone would be grateful to receive that. Although the possibility of me being a donor is slim, I still hold onto hope. I dislike it when people view a person's lack of faith in God or an afterlife as something negative or hopeless. We simply perceive death differently.

It is a wonderful gift to even consider giving. I know someone who got a new liver and let me tell you, he has a new lease on life and is incredibly grateful for the gift. 

[TashaMarie]

2 hours ago, Sherapy said:

It is a wonderful gift to even consider giving. I know someone who got a new liver and let me tell you, he has a new lease on life and is incredibly grateful for the gift. 

That is fantastic I wish him all the best for the future.  

[+Sherapy]

29 minutes ago, TashaMarie said:

That is fantastic I wish him all the best for the future.  

So far, he is doing well. 

[Crazy Horse]

12 hours ago, jmccr8 said:

Hi Tasha

I don't have a problem with people having faith in god or the afterlife even if I don't myself.

Don't you ever wonder..

"What if I'm wrong?"

Like, I'm always checking myself, asking questions, seeking answers, constantly, more or less.

Finding new ways forwards with less resistance.

Feeling ever deeper levels of peace.

This "self introspection game" is the greatest thing since sliced bread.. 

[spartan max2]

Many people do find a benefit to religion.

I do however disagree with your assertion that people are hardwire to believe. I'd argue that people are hardwired to created order from chaos. So when things happen we can't comprehend people use to create religions and superstitions around it. Now we have science that creates that understanding for alot of us.

Many people who are born into atheist families don't grow up religious for example. It seems you mostly have to be taught it. Which goes against the hardwired idea.

[TashaMarie]

Deleted

Edited December 3, 2023 by TashaMarie

[jmccr8]

2 hours ago, Crazy Horse said:

Don't you ever wonder..

"What if I'm wrong?"

Like, I'm always checking myself, asking questions, seeking answers, constantly, more or less.

Finding new ways forwards with less resistance.

Feeling ever deeper levels of peace.

This "self introspection game" is the greatest thing since sliced bread.. 

Hi Crazy Horse

What is your point, at my age and having lived my life I am content and any answers I look for now is mostly about what I do for a living. I don't care if you want to believe what you do that is your life I an fine with dying and it being my end.

[+Sherapy]

15 hours ago, Crazy Horse said:

Don't you ever wonder..

"What if I'm wrong?"

Like, I'm always checking myself, asking questions, seeking answers, constantly, more or less.

Finding new ways forwards with less resistance.

Feeling ever deeper levels of peace.

This "self introspection game" is the greatest thing since sliced bread.. 

CH, 

Jay’s response is open-minded and accepting of the idea that people may have faith in God or the afterlife, even though he doesn’t personally share those beliefs. In his response, this demonstrates a willingness to question, seek answers, and engage in self-reflection.

CH you sound like an ad for your own attachment, your focus is on the so called  “benefits” you have found through self-introspection, such as finding new ways forward with less resistance and experiencing deeper levels of peace. In this context, your position points to attachment, implies a level of rigidity and strong attachment to your own perspective, in other words, try and think of it like 

Open awareness a state of present moment awareness without judgment or attachment. By cultivate open awareness, the viability is an ability  to tune into “our internal experiences and the external environment” without getting caught up in fixed perspectives or rigid reactions.

The practice of open awareness, is an ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances. One can observe and respond to situations with clarity, balance, and openness. This flexibility allows one to consider different perspectives, explore new possibilities, and make conscious choices based on the present moment rather than being driven solely by habitual or rigid patterns. For ex: even though Jay doesn’t align with any belief construct he does have an attitude of curiosity, resilience, and learning, which is viable in navigating complex and uncertain situations. It aids in the ability to let go of preconceived notions, biases, and attachments. 

In real time, Inner peace fluctuates depending on various factors and circumstances, maintaining inner peace is not a linear process, and there will be times when one faces stressors, challenges, and disruptive emotions. It is during such times, that applying a variety of skills can indeed be helpful in navigating and managing those stressors.

It is more accurate to consider it as a dynamic state that requires ongoing attention and effort as opposed to a static state. 

 

 

Edited December 4, 2023 by Sherapy