Originally posted by Sai1
Is it me or is this the reason most people belive in God (or try to makes themselves do so).Heaven sometimes seems to be the shiny carrot tied to a stick and waved in front of people for incentive to belive. That or Hell is used to scare people from disbelieving. But who knows.
Re: Religion : Why do you?
Since no one's actually answered the questions for a while, I'll attempt to get us back on topic:
If you believe in some form of religion: Debatable, primarily since I feel that labels limits us in our understanding of humanity. I'll never be a part of a 'religion' but do have beliefs that would normally be considered 'religious'
Why do you WANT to: Most of what I believe (or don't believe) I have some empyrical (i.e. non-blind-faith) way of being able to justify my point. I can't "prove" any theory in religious matters, but I don't believe anything without a strong rational justification for it.
Why do you CHOOSE to: Currently, my hot-button religious issue is whether or not everything we do is determined. So I'm actually on the fence as to whether or not we actually "choose" anything, or whether it's all chosen in advance, either by some higher power or simply by the laws of natural physics.
Why do you WISH to: Meh, it's fun. I can't go through life being vaguely 'spiritual', a popular word for those who wish to believe in something but are too lazy to find out what it is they believe in.
Why do you LIKE to: So that I can acheive some form of enlightenment (or God, to some understanding), whether it is in this life, or one of my future ones.
Originally posted by Regret
Thank you for the answer, I believe this your reason for your beliefs. If I may I will probe deeper. I do this with you because I have had less exposure to Muslims than I have those of other faiths, do not think I am attacking you due to the difference.As far as compared to other religions, it seems that most claim the same thing. It makes sense that if a set of beliefs, no matter which set of beliefs, maintain morals and cleanliness aspects, as well as social conduct guidelines, the people that follow it will achieve success. What is it that separates Islam from other religions? Is there something it has that other religions do not claim?
The thing that separates Islam 4m all other religions of the world mite just b the blief in 1 God.God is 1.He is the Almighty,the Alpowerful.He is the only 1 who shud b worshipped.If u want anythin,ask Him.Islam means surrender 2 God.HE knos in wat pain u r n that pain n sufferin is a test.Thank God in all conditions cuz u kno it's a test.N when u start ssein all the worries of this world as a test ,half the load is off ur shoulders.N if u do rite in this world even if u hav 2 endure pains,u kno that u hav done somethin that has brought u close 2 God so when u'll leave this world u hav a better 1 comin.This satisfaction of success in both worlds n the belief in 1 God makes ur life easier, in this world as well as the other.
Hope I answered ur q.
Originally posted by maham
Well it is.Otherwise y wud any1 do go or refrain 4m sins?
How about becasue people might actually want to be part of productive society, if not at the very least avoid being a hindranace to it. Are you telling me that if for argument's sake, there definately was no god, heaven, or hell you would go around sinning as much as you liked?
Originally posted by maham
Well,I m not smart but I'll try 2 answer ur q.The thing that separates Islam 4m all other religions of the world mite just b the blief in 1 God.God is 1.He is the Almighty,the Alpowerful.He is the only 1 who shud b worshipped.If u want anythin,ask Him.Islam means surrender 2 God.HE knos in wat pain u r n that pain n sufferin is a test.Thank God in all conditions cuz u kno it's a test.N when u start ssein all the worries of this world as a test ,half the load is off ur shoulders.N if u do rite in this world even if u hav 2 endure pains,u kno that u hav done somethin that has brought u close 2 God so when u'll leave this world u hav a better 1 comin.This satisfaction of success in both worlds n the belief in 1 God makes ur life easier, in this world as well as the other.
Hope I answered ur q.
I believe you answered what I was asking adequately enough.
Digi Mark, I thank you for your response. It was formed exactly as I requested and answered the questions.
I have come to a conclusion about my questions.
If a person has a stance on religion it will be either logical or unthinking as to the reasons for it. More frequently religious people are unthinking, and will only make the basic claims of that religion. Even if the claims would not sway an outsider the claims are clung to. I believe people, for the most part, do not rationally decide on a stance for religion. No matter the religion a similar statement will likely occur when asking a person their reasons for being that religion, "Because it is true." This simple claim shows a lack of personal reflection and/or a lack of rational consideration of personal belief. I would never respect a person's beliefs if their response was held without some personal reason. They are either lying because the reason they would give is foolish or somehow might be in conflict with their beliefs or they are simply naïve and without consideration of alternate solutions. Both are poor positions to trust.