What Exactly is Religion?

The underlying problem in society when it comes to this subject is people merely suggest or claim to be religious and it is accepted as truth. For example those who strap bombs on themselves claim to be doing so in the name of God. And yet the "Holy Book" they claim to follow does not endorse such insidious acts. No more so does the Bible endorse much of the perversions and distortions that are carried out under a Christian banner.

So the focus of this article is about doctrines and dogma but about the fundamental purpose of true religion. And therefore why there is reason to denounce and call to task pseudo religion and its deception and greed.

Yes there is a distinct difference between living by a moral standard and giving reverence to the creator of all things as compared to using Holy Scripture as a facade and making a counterfeit power lusting organization.

Which I am not giving myself the authority or audacity to decide who is what. That is for you and everyone to determine based on knowledge and wisdom. So here is my point.

Religion is simply a set of sound beliefs and practices based on the incomparable standards of the one who created life. It is a way of life based on the intention of how humans were made to live. Of course people debate the authenticity of the Bible as being the source the creator has communicated these standards by. And for those who dismiss that we were created please see my article entitled the Evolutionary Question. Those who agree that we were created but have questions about the accuracy or reliability about the Bible please continue.

For the sake of this discussion let us put the Bible aside for now. The fact is there is more than enough evidence of a reliable moral code that is successful. Why would anyone put some one down for being honest, kind, non-violent, law abiding, non-threatening, and giving? Who wouldn't want a neighbor that they knew would never steal from them, cheat on their spouse, be void of greed, maintain a clean residence, and have a loving family?

Whether you except the Bible as the source of this type of person or not the fact is that a person who tries to apply the Bible's counsel will be like this. And even though I personally feel that the Bible is God's Word I will tell you that a study of the Koran will echo these same basic human attributes. So strictly adhering to these teachings would also result in an honest, non-violent contributor to the human family.

So adding the fact that by accepting that our creator is the source of these desired traits is what makes a religion a religion. Accepting this means living by it and not just professing it.

So in contrast the reality is clear of those who claim to be religious or commit harmful acts in the name of God. That is not a religion. An honest examination of the fruit or results produced by these self proclaiming, tradition rich, and lip serving impostors is indisputable. Look at the amount of bloodshed and extortion performed in the name of those so called faiths. What exactly is your faith rooted in if killing is solution to a problem? What kind of faith allows people to lie and cheat as a way of life?

Do you use a vacuum cleaner to cook dinner? Do you use a Cd player to wash dishes? No, you use them for the purpose they were made. So why would it be any different for mankind. We were brilliantly designed to excel in an orderly fashion and in harmony with the rest of humanity and the earth's abundant goodness. Anything that is in dissonance is diametrically opposed to the concept of accountability and harmony of the human family.

So the next time you want to find fault with religion understand that true religion based on the direction and instruction from our creator isn't to blame. It is the gross misrepresentation of individuals and/or groups who claim to be religious.