What does your religion or faith give you…

[Anonymous]

OP, thank you all for the responses so far. It's interesting to me that they're so varied.

FYI, I will identify myself as OP in my posts, as I don't want anyone to think I'm challenging their answers. I really do ask in a spirit of openness and curiosity to whatever you have to offer. I think it feels like true faith has always been a huge thing that has been happening nearby -- I can almost reach out and touch it -- but it's on the other side of a curtain or something, so it's still opaque.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sixth sense, I can feel a deep spiritual connection during hiking in wooded areas without trying.
It’s not my religion or faith but using intuition.
This helps me live my life as a surfer, to harness the energy and to flow in the right direction without fighting the tide.

Are you saying that it's not religion itself, but intuition that helps you live your life?

Yes,
Intuition and alignment to the natural flow. So I try to live “go with the flow” philosophy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Realness

OP. Thank you for this answer. That's a really interesting word. I am trying to understand, so if you're willing to answer: what about your faith makes things feel more real? Is it a sense of deeper truth in a world where so much feels manufactured or performative? Is it a deeper grounding in the real experience you are having, whatever that is? Is it a sense that you are somehow more real, more concrete as a result of your faith? What would be less real without your faith?

Again, thank you. No pressure to answer, but I am curious.

Hello – I'm not the “real” poster, but I have something to say about it that the “real” poster and OP helped me to understand.

I realize that I feel more real since rejecting religion, because now I perceive the world without the false promise of an afterlife, which allows me to perceive this world as real and to realize how fortunate I am to be in it.

Sure, life could be better. I could be rich and good looking and talented. But still, life is pretty good. I’m healthy and I survived into adulthood, which is something most people born into the world over time can’t say.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Realness

OP. Thank you for this answer. That's a really interesting word. I am trying to understand, so if you're willing to answer: what about your faith makes things feel more real? Is it a sense of deeper truth in a world where so much feels manufactured or performative? Is it a deeper grounding in the real experience you are having, whatever that is? Is it a sense that you are somehow more real, more concrete as a result of your faith? What would be less real without your faith?

Again, thank you. No pressure to answer, but I am curious.

Hello – I'm not the “real” poster, but I have something to say about it that the “real” poster and OP helped me to understand.

I realize that I feel more real since rejecting religion, because now I perceive the world without the false promise of an afterlife, which allows me to perceive this world as real and to realize how fortunate I am to be in it.

Sure, life could be better. I could be rich and good looking and talented. But still, life is pretty good. I’m healthy and I survived into adulthood, which is something most people born into the world over time can’t say.

One thing I would say to you is why think of yourself as not good looking and talented? Don't limit or subject yourself. Everyone has their own "beauty", so have confidence in that. Same with talent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:…that nothing else does, or can?

Or coming at a similar idea from a slightly different angle: when you imagine life without religion/faith, what does it look like, and how do you feel?

I guess the question could be applied to atheism, too, if atheism gives something that nothing else does or can.

Just kind of seeking, I guess, and this question feels essential to even know what it is I’m seeking.

Thanks for asking.

I realize that religion is a mixed bag and very easy to exploit for unholy purposes. Hence, I strongly believe in separation of church and state.

That said, my religion gives me:
- a sense of peace that has deepened over time;
- a supportive and diverse faith community;
- a sense of reverence for the divine mystery;
- genuine friends;
- opportunities to serve others in kind but safe ways;
- a sense of cultural connection to the past;
- sacred music of very high quality;
- non dogmatic invitations to study scriptures more deeply;
- feelings of being grounded in deep ways;
- respectful relationships with non Christian faith communities;
- sense of being connected to my true creative self; and
- feelings of unity in the spirit.

Of course it is not perfect but nothing in this life is.

Thanks for asking OP and for your kind handling of responses.

[Anonymous]

To be honest, life without religion/faith wouldn't look that different.

I have drifted several times in my middle-aged life. It doesn't change how I live, or how I treat people.

After some time away, my anxiety spikes, and I return to a state of longing for some familiarity and peace. So I go back, and it makes me feel calmer and more centered.

In my mind, the walking away and coming back is all part of the journey. I could be wrong -- I might go straight to hell -- but I don't really think I will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To be honest, life without religion/faith wouldn't look that different.

I have drifted several times in my middle-aged life. It doesn't change how I live, or how I treat people.

After some time away, my anxiety spikes, and I return to a state of longing for some familiarity and peace. So I go back, and it makes me feel calmer and more centered.

In my mind, the walking away and coming back is all part of the journey. I could be wrong -- I might go straight to hell -- but I don't really think I will.

You're struggling with Pascal's Wager. Once you overcome your fear and realize truth, it will be like unplugging from the matrix.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It gives me hope and inner peace. It makes me a better person. I have more compassion for people.

How does religion do that for you?

I think about the great expanse of the universe. It is amazing. The beauty of the world, etc. I see good in most people. I understand most people who behave badly are hurt.

The bible offers great wisdom and insight into life.

[Anonymous]

It gives me total freedom from worry and anxiety, and also no pressure to achieve goals. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, including myself. This means all my energy can just be on enjoying the experience of life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It gives me total freedom from worry and anxiety, and also no pressure to achieve goals. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, including myself. This means all my energy can just be on enjoying the experience of life.

How does your religion do this for you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It gives me total freedom from worry and anxiety, and also no pressure to achieve goals. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, including myself. This means all my energy can just be on enjoying the experience of life.

How does your religion do this for you?

I’m pretty sure app was being facetious

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Realness

OP. Thank you for this answer. That's a really interesting word. I am trying to understand, so if you're willing to answer: what about your faith makes things feel more real? Is it a sense of deeper truth in a world where so much feels manufactured or performative? Is it a deeper grounding in the real experience you are having, whatever that is? Is it a sense that you are somehow more real, more concrete as a result of your faith? What would be less real without your faith?

Again, thank you. No pressure to answer, but I am curious.

Hello – I'm not the “real” poster, but I have something to say about it that the “real” poster and OP helped me to understand.

I realize that I feel more real since rejecting religion, because now I perceive the world without the false promise of an afterlife, which allows me to perceive this world as real and to realize how fortunate I am to be in it.

Sure, life could be better. I could be rich and good looking and talented. But still, life is pretty good. I’m healthy and I survived into adulthood, which is something most people born into the world over time can’t say.

One thing I would say to you is why think of yourself as not good looking and talented? Don't limit or subject yourself. Everyone has their own "beauty", so have confidence in that. Same with talent.

Perhaps I should have said more talented and better looking to avoid your attempt to make me feel better about myself. Actually, you don't know me at all. I notice you didn't challenge the "rich" part. How would you know about my financial situation?

[Anonymous]

Guidance for ethics and morality that enabled western civilization.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guidance for ethics and morality that enabled western civilization.

This is so funny. I am reading “The Shortest History of Europe” by John Hirst and it is page after page of horrific and immoral things done in the name of religion. And assuming you speak of Christianity, the Bible is also full of immoral things and endorses slavery, incest, mass murder, and scores of other atrocities. It’s a highly immoral book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guidance for ethics and morality that enabled western civilization.

This is so funny. I am reading “The Shortest History of Europe” by John Hirst and it is page after page of horrific and immoral things done in the name of religion. And assuming you speak of Christianity, the Bible is also full of immoral things and endorses slavery, incest, mass murder, and scores of other atrocities. It’s a highly immoral book.

Alright. Enjoy your life without the ethics and morality promoted by Christ.

By the way, slavery has always existed and exists today with more people currently enslaved than any other time in history. Slavery was only abolished in large scale when the white Christian men who held power decided to do so in the name of biblical principles.