The purpose of Religion

Recently, we had a debate on religion.

Someone came out with an argument-

"The basic purpose of any religion is to increase awareness"

can we agree to it?

Now, there can be many additions like- its a support mechanism etc etc.

But can all of us agree that its basic purpose is to increase awareness?

 

The original purpose? or the point of view of a priest/holy man, or just regular Joe Blogs?

I'd say I agree with you if you mean the original purpose, but the others depend on how seriously the individual takes it, or how much they've thought about it.

 

I can agree with it as the original purpose as well.

Can all of us agree on that? Probably not. But happily we don't have to.

 

religion is just a term created to describe universal consciousness. for instance paganism, which i think is a beautiful religion. but with religion like Christianity, which just takes pieces of other religions and creates its own, r just soo currupt that it leads truth astray.

 

Paganism is a gathering term,not a specific religion. Maybe you mean a pagan religion in particular? Which one do you mean when you say you find it beautiful?

All belief systems seem to have 'borrowed' from former ones it seems. I find it interesting when people automatically assume the older ones have got to be the most plausible/truthful.

 

Yes. Basic is the word I used, which may not be exact, original is precise word.

And I was expecting that someone will mention consciousness.

Again, is it same as awareness? I don't know, but seems to be.

 

What is the purpose of superstition?

 

I think, superstition is just a control mechanism. It controls the actions and thoughts.

I am not sure, if you are pointing at religion as a superstition?

 

I think superstition is at the roots of organized religion.

Spirituality is one thing, but religions by definition need a deity, and as soon as you start talking about deitys you're into superstition.

Buddhism for instance is not a religion because they have no god.

 

to clarify, ne nature oriented religion

 

I can agree on the awareness part. Cause we all should become more aware of the things unseen.

 

to bring awareness to conciousness, yes. but when some one calls it god it makes it seem like its 3rd person, like god is a seperate entity, but thats not true. we r all one consciousness experiencing our selves subjectively

 

To scare us into believing we will go to hell if we don't follow some outdated book of morality…I don't need that to be a good person,I believe in being good because it helps me to be happy while I'm alive.

 

Agreed, and so does Hinduism. They say- it is not a religion- but spiritual way of living.

Anyway, increasing awareness is the goal, ways may differ.

Exactly !

 

Awareness is overrated.I have plenty of awareness.Buddhism believes in plenty of Gods.They have a whole mystical/magical pantheon.

 

its not overrated, not one bit

 

You can be very aware in different ways. Are you sure you mean spiritual awareness that is overrated, fairlight?

 

awareness could also be likened to knowledge

 

The purpose of religion is to try and make people feel more safe, give them the illusion of more control over their lives by offering them a solution to life's problems. But the idea of an infallible God runs contrary to all of man's experience, for man is essentially fallible.

 

Ameliorate fear of the unknown. And in some cases, to hustle the filthy lucre from willing adherents.