The Importance of Religion
Chris Gieseke
Issue date: 11/27/06 Section: Editorial
For many, religion along with support networks (often found through their religion) help tremendously in dealing with emotional pain and trauma.
It also can assist in daily anxiety such as in the form of quiet meditation or daily prayers. As someone who is a Deist, I have participated in the religious ceremonies of many religions. What they all have in common is a very deep anxiety reducing effect. An example is for me, the traditions of Christmas Mass in the Catholic Church where myrrh and frankincense are burned. The aroma along with the beautiful music evokes very deep, warm, and soothing emotions in me. In a similar fashion, participating in the beautiful group chanting of Sufi Muslims known as dhiker produces an almost trance like state of tranquility and a feeling of closeness with the creator through love.
Finally there is the simple fact that none of us knows with 100% certainty what will happen to our consciousness after we die. Religion offers hope that this life is but one stage of existence.
If all that sounds like a bunch of romantic nonsense and self-delusion, then indeed perhaps it is. But for those of us who believe in a religion (or like myself who love all of them) they provide us with a feeling of contentment and hope that nothing else in this world provides. For that reason, I don't see religion disappearing anytime soon.
It also can assist in daily anxiety such as in the form of quiet meditation or daily prayers. As someone who is a Deist, I have participated in the religious ceremonies of many religions. What they all have in common is a very deep anxiety reducing effect. An example is for me, the traditions of Christmas Mass in the Catholic Church where myrrh and frankincense are burned. The aroma along with the beautiful music evokes very deep, warm, and soothing emotions in me. In a similar fashion, participating in the beautiful group chanting of Sufi Muslims known as dhiker produces an almost trance like state of tranquility and a feeling of closeness with the creator through love.
Finally there is the simple fact that none of us knows with 100% certainty what will happen to our consciousness after we die. Religion offers hope that this life is but one stage of existence.
If all that sounds like a bunch of romantic nonsense and self-delusion, then indeed perhaps it is. But for those of us who believe in a religion (or like myself who love all of them) they provide us with a feeling of contentment and hope that nothing else in this world provides. For that reason, I don't see religion disappearing anytime soon.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 19
Ricardo
posted 11/29/06 @ 4:53 PM CST
Also some more benefits of religion are that it helps to control people, and countries as a whole. In some places Religion is a simple reason to kill and destroy. (Continued…)
Jc
posted 5/18/08 @ 12:42 PM CST
Good article
Prum saravuth
posted 5/25/08 @ 7:59 AM CST
Here from meliving in Cambodia. I just want to know about religion in Cambodia. Furthermore, Cambodia is the country which is believed in Buddhism. Therefore, What is the most important things part of the Cambodia culture that relevant to Buddhism?
Lindsay
posted 7/01/08 @ 1:43 PM CST
Religion = control. Religion is another form of government and few if any protest religion because if you do you are heretic, a non-believer, an infidel and your soul will burn in hell but not before you are burned (honor killing), maimed (flogged), raped (you are most likely a woman, and therefore not human even though without women there is no life, only death) or done any number of other horrible things in the name of some "invisible man in the sky"
If there was ever such a benevolent God, he or she has long since abandoned or has never given a shit nor quite frankly she he or she. (Continued…)
Raymond Dorwie
posted 7/04/08 @ 4:59 PM CST
Hi,this work on religion is very true,it has helped me greatly in my studies.Keep up the good work.Ray.
Randy
posted 1/15/09 @ 10:53 PM CST
I think its so funny that everything you guys are saying about how God doesnt exist its just for people to feel secure is in the Bible. God said in the Old Testament that Satan will get people to believe that stuff. (Continued…)
Nancy Johnson
posted 3/17/09 @ 1:01 AM CST
Thanks to author! I like articles like this about , very interesting.
Courtney Bailey
posted 3/17/09 @ 3:24 AM CST
Great article. I agree totally.
Gillian Kerr
posted 3/17/09 @ 7:43 AM CST
I thought this debate was about them, as opposed to featuring them. Whoops.
Andrea Godolphin
posted 3/17/09 @ 3:56 PM CST
A think this new storie have some mistakes.
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