Why Religion?
The Kingdom of God is within you16 total reviews
Comment from Sanku
This is an excellent article about religion and its purpose .you seem to have great knowledge about different aspects of religion .Nirvana is ultimate goal and it is also ultimate realisation.
I believe a faith, adeep faith can support you like a strong staff. God i feel is a psychiatrist to whom you can speak freely without paying anything..
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2019
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This is an excellent article about religion and its purpose .you seem to have great knowledge about different aspects of religion .Nirvana is ultimate goal and it is also ultimate realisation.
I believe a faith, adeep faith can support you like a strong staff. God i feel is a psychiatrist to whom you can speak freely without paying anything..
Comment Written 07-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2019
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We only communicate with our own creation. Thanks
Comment from the13thpoet
Happy Wednesday to you Cogitator. I enjoyed your essay on religion. The quotes you were able to find from these famous and well respected people are awesome. Good job!
I recently wrote a poem on religion myself it's called Man-made division
GOD made man
Man made religion
Religion made division
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2019
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Happy Wednesday to you Cogitator. I enjoyed your essay on religion. The quotes you were able to find from these famous and well respected people are awesome. Good job!
I recently wrote a poem on religion myself it's called Man-made division
GOD made man
Man made religion
Religion made division
Comment Written 07-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 10-Aug-2019
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Religion is caused by our animal herding instinct. Thanks..
Comment from Eve Vasa
Hey Cogitator, this has been on the bonus reviewing for a while and I know why, lol
Though you put up a cogent argument for not having religion, I walk away from the essay unchanged, and wouldn't want to be without my faith in G-d. Why would I? His bounty and grace to my family is endless.
But rest assured, I have sat through hours of this sort of discussion around coffee tables, but at the end of the day, my life experiences can't deny the existence of G-d. He's just been too real to me.
But, I do have suggestions for improvement. The first is to break it up as it is very long for the average attention span at FS. And I would suggest you inject some humor or an anecdote into the writing at various stages just to keep your readers interested, much the same way you do when public speaking. A little humor goes a long way.
It is also very difficult to write these sort of essays and not sound like the font of all knowledge speaking to the sweaty masses from on high. And that's another reason for having something to break it up, because at the end of the day, this is merely opinion, your opinion, and I haven't got a clue who you are, or what you do.
And this sounds quite pompous, bloated, and bordering on nasty opinion:
'Most Christians are stuck in a childish fantasy world. Not because of their own choosing, but simply because they aren't looking for the key to get out of their prison. They are blinded to other views.'
Count me out on that one. I live in the real world and have my own opinions which are as valid as yours, and not based on fear, au contraire.
Also, I would avoid lining up your quotes at the end as you do here. Try quoting them at significant places throughout the writing (I know you have done this also, but do it more) and then reference them at the end to give the work more literary credibility, et al, lol
Apart from that, I think you did a good job of a hard task, even though I don't share your opinions on most of it, I just haven't got the strength to parry today, I will wait for the next unavoidable coffee table conversation I have to sit through for the sake of politeness. One I can't avoid. And just be careful you don't end up one of those ugly pots telling the potter how to shape clay, big boo boo!!! hahaahaha
Have fun writing and enjoy the day, Eve.
p.s. I would also suggest punctuating the poem at the start.
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reply by the author on 07-Aug-2019
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Hey Cogitator, this has been on the bonus reviewing for a while and I know why, lol
Though you put up a cogent argument for not having religion, I walk away from the essay unchanged, and wouldn't want to be without my faith in G-d. Why would I? His bounty and grace to my family is endless.
But rest assured, I have sat through hours of this sort of discussion around coffee tables, but at the end of the day, my life experiences can't deny the existence of G-d. He's just been too real to me.
But, I do have suggestions for improvement. The first is to break it up as it is very long for the average attention span at FS. And I would suggest you inject some humor or an anecdote into the writing at various stages just to keep your readers interested, much the same way you do when public speaking. A little humor goes a long way.
It is also very difficult to write these sort of essays and not sound like the font of all knowledge speaking to the sweaty masses from on high. And that's another reason for having something to break it up, because at the end of the day, this is merely opinion, your opinion, and I haven't got a clue who you are, or what you do.
And this sounds quite pompous, bloated, and bordering on nasty opinion:
'Most Christians are stuck in a childish fantasy world. Not because of their own choosing, but simply because they aren't looking for the key to get out of their prison. They are blinded to other views.'
Count me out on that one. I live in the real world and have my own opinions which are as valid as yours, and not based on fear, au contraire.
Also, I would avoid lining up your quotes at the end as you do here. Try quoting them at significant places throughout the writing (I know you have done this also, but do it more) and then reference them at the end to give the work more literary credibility, et al, lol
Apart from that, I think you did a good job of a hard task, even though I don't share your opinions on most of it, I just haven't got the strength to parry today, I will wait for the next unavoidable coffee table conversation I have to sit through for the sake of politeness. One I can't avoid. And just be careful you don't end up one of those ugly pots telling the potter how to shape clay, big boo boo!!! hahaahaha
Have fun writing and enjoy the day, Eve.
p.s. I would also suggest punctuating the poem at the start.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2019
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Giving credit for our life to some imaginary friend simply means surrendering our power to think. Thanks for your input...
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No, you don't get it. I understand what you're saying, but if Nietzsche tried to talk me out of my faith he would not succeed because I have had too many experiences to the contrary. I have family witnesses also. I've been recording my dreams since seven, they're so full of Jewish and Christian symbols, and I have had an Angel visit me both times I was in a car accident, came to my window and asked me if I was okay three times. Absolutely beautiful, and I also see sick people because they appear a different color and I have also had enormous weights on my spirit and knew something was about to happen. I foresaw Princess Diana's death, again, I have witnesses for that. I also have had so many experiences that can't be explained. Photos face down on the floor when nobody has been in the house, etc. And witnesses to it all. So, I don't consider that I walk by faith as I have had too many real events, and if you had them, you would believe too. When I get into a situation that feels beyond me, I fall down and pray out loud and then I write the problem on a bit of paper and stick it in the bible, and God is incredibly fast sometimes when he answers these problems and grief. But I will tell you one thing, 'by wisdom they knew not G-d', that is G-d speaking from his word and I see it all the time, especially with men, their intellect gets in the way of faith. And you will not find answers with your intellect. I suggest you muster what faith you can and ask Go-d to reveal himself to you. Like Peter who said, 'I believe, help my unbelief.' I am sorry that you have no experience of God, and I will pray for you, but it won't help you if you don't reach out yourself, no one can believe for you. Hope that helps, and be a truth seeker with the faith of a mustard seed and G-d will help you. (I won't explain anymore as it isn't profitable toing and froing in this sort of discussion, but that is my real-life experiences.) Eve
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And ?. what I've told you is the tip of an iceberg.
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Truth is already inside all living things, (including us). Religion is simply our animal herding instinct. Thanks...
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Herding instinct, is that the best you can do? It's a laugh. Don't die wondering when you don't have to, Eve.
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To each his own
Comment from LisaMay
I can see why your pen name is Cogitator. There is much to cogitate upon in your thoroughly well-reasoned dissertation. Much of it parallels my own views on ethics, moral living, overlapping belief systems, who's your Daddy? etc. I am a universalist myself, with spirituality ingrained into me through DNA. Many people fight against their own DNA, to subvert their spirituality into 'religion' - to something competitive and ultimately harmful rather than supportive and caring as it should be. Live and let live I say.
I think your long text could benefit by the addition of bold subheadings, to break it up a bit and give people with short attentions sound bites as to what the following paragraphs will contain.
I think it is an excellent write. Challenging for sure, but very worthwhile. I liked also the wonderful quotes by illustrious people as a summary.
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2019
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I can see why your pen name is Cogitator. There is much to cogitate upon in your thoroughly well-reasoned dissertation. Much of it parallels my own views on ethics, moral living, overlapping belief systems, who's your Daddy? etc. I am a universalist myself, with spirituality ingrained into me through DNA. Many people fight against their own DNA, to subvert their spirituality into 'religion' - to something competitive and ultimately harmful rather than supportive and caring as it should be. Live and let live I say.
I think your long text could benefit by the addition of bold subheadings, to break it up a bit and give people with short attentions sound bites as to what the following paragraphs will contain.
I think it is an excellent write. Challenging for sure, but very worthwhile. I liked also the wonderful quotes by illustrious people as a summary.
Comment Written 06-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 07-Aug-2019
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Thank you much...
Comment from Iza Deleanu
Very long essay, in my humble opinion, that let me with a question or dilemma: Is this story about religion or against religion? If you believe in something are you religious or not?
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Very long essay, in my humble opinion, that let me with a question or dilemma: Is this story about religion or against religion? If you believe in something are you religious or not?
Comment Written 06-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Thank you...
Comment from erspring
I believe this is a very serious informational text. Unfortunately, the length of the text will not allow all readers to grasp the messages that are being presented.
This is an exceptional piece of work. It would be better received if it we're presented in parts as separate informational texts.
If you had the time, it would be better if the piece was broken down and presented in a different format.
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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I believe this is a very serious informational text. Unfortunately, the length of the text will not allow all readers to grasp the messages that are being presented.
This is an exceptional piece of work. It would be better received if it we're presented in parts as separate informational texts.
If you had the time, it would be better if the piece was broken down and presented in a different format.
Comment Written 05-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Thank you much - will edit...
Comment from CrystieCookie999
Fairly exhaustive essay covering quite the range of religious statements and philosophies here and there. I rather liked that spirit and something about the universal mind comes into play. I guess another question is whether or not it is possible to over-think religion as well. Thank you for reviewing quite a few other points of view.
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Fairly exhaustive essay covering quite the range of religious statements and philosophies here and there. I rather liked that spirit and something about the universal mind comes into play. I guess another question is whether or not it is possible to over-think religion as well. Thank you for reviewing quite a few other points of view.
Comment Written 05-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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I needed the edit
I needed input to edit. Thanks...
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Well, I am probably not the best one to do a lengthy edit of religious commentary, since I think my mission in life is to help make religion comprehensible even to a two-year-old. I am a big fan of scriptures which are 3 lines or less. And I have been working on designing quiet books for young children with both a Bible and Book of Mormon theme. On the flip side, I used to answer as something of an apologist on answers.yahoo.com when people came up with rather difficult questions about the Bible and Book of Mormon, but it's been at least 10 years.
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That was a long one, Cogitator, but very interesting. I agree with much of what you say, religion is man-made, all religion. How many are there? All of them can't be THE ONE, but that's what each member of each faith believe. I think of the men and women in war, all fighting for a just cause, and all asking God to help THEM. Who will He choose? As I'm ageing, (at a very fast rate now) my thoughts automatically stray to my mortality in the 'after-life'. I do so hope there is one, I do so hope I'll meet my loved ones again. None of us will really know until we die. If there is nothing, we won't know about it. If there is, what joy! You give us much to think about, my friend, and I enjoyed the lesson as I do all your words. Well done. :)) Sandra xx
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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That was a long one, Cogitator, but very interesting. I agree with much of what you say, religion is man-made, all religion. How many are there? All of them can't be THE ONE, but that's what each member of each faith believe. I think of the men and women in war, all fighting for a just cause, and all asking God to help THEM. Who will He choose? As I'm ageing, (at a very fast rate now) my thoughts automatically stray to my mortality in the 'after-life'. I do so hope there is one, I do so hope I'll meet my loved ones again. None of us will really know until we die. If there is nothing, we won't know about it. If there is, what joy! You give us much to think about, my friend, and I enjoyed the lesson as I do all your words. Well done. :)) Sandra xx
Comment Written 05-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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It is the family feeling we seek through religions. Thanks
Comment from LeftHandedScribe
You raise some really valuable points, and I must say that fear is what I believe guilds all organized religion no matter what one believes. A really detailed and intriguing piece.
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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You raise some really valuable points, and I must say that fear is what I believe guilds all organized religion no matter what one believes. A really detailed and intriguing piece.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Many thanks...
Comment from juliaSjames
Cogitator, I followed your essay up to a point. But I have found that I cannot absorb too rich a meal in one sitting. The words, like the food, lose their savour.
However, in my opinion, you are dealing with the larger issue of belief systems, of which religion is a part. All belief systems bring comfort. All belief systems are flawed because they are created and interpreted by human beings. So we change from one to another, as you have, until we find a new temporary fit.
How wonderful the path with all its twists and turns, valleys and uplands. And how wonderful when we meet congenial companions at each stage who appear as if by magic.
Thanks for sharing your views, my friend.
Blessings Julia
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Cogitator, I followed your essay up to a point. But I have found that I cannot absorb too rich a meal in one sitting. The words, like the food, lose their savour.
However, in my opinion, you are dealing with the larger issue of belief systems, of which religion is a part. All belief systems bring comfort. All belief systems are flawed because they are created and interpreted by human beings. So we change from one to another, as you have, until we find a new temporary fit.
How wonderful the path with all its twists and turns, valleys and uplands. And how wonderful when we meet congenial companions at each stage who appear as if by magic.
Thanks for sharing your views, my friend.
Blessings Julia
Comment Written 04-Aug-2019
reply by the author on 06-Aug-2019
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Kinship is religion...Thanks
