Some people need religion, and some people don't. The good thing about having so many religions is that they cater for different people's tastes. The bad thing is that people can cling onto them too dogmatically. It's like a form of security for most folk, but people within a particular religion tend to get narrow minded, and ignore other people's views.

In my view, the basic premise of our religions - that a higher power or God exists, and that all is not death and finality - is correct. When our religious revelations are merged together, we can find a fuller picture of ultimate reality. (The Qu’ran, for example, like the Bible describes the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, the Qu’ran states that the Garden of Eden is actually Paradise-Heaven, rather than a place on earth. Adam and Eve were driven out of Paradise in order to taste the fruits of evil and pain. To me, this Islamic doctrine is more on the ball than Christianity’s claim that Eden is a long-lost Paradise on earth.)

Even though our religions can be useful, I'm not sure if they're "needed", as such. We could get along without them.

We have seen churches become corrupt, are they the guides we need?

The Church has become too much like politics, in my view. It easily loses touch with the Spirit of God and of humanity, and focuses much of its energies on the dogmatic ‘framework’ of religious matters, as opposed to the deeper heart of the matter. It doesn’t always have to be this way, however, and I’m sure the Church will continue as a strong establishment. Hopefully the Spirit will blossom within its walls again.

Bump

That was a great post, Bailey. Very insightful and well thought out. This is a topic I've pondered often. If you take it further, how has religion in general helped better civilization? There is the obvious response of charity, but in all reality, how much have they helped, instead of kept to themselves?

I respect the right of others to believe as they wish, that's there call. It's only my own opinion, and the path I choose to walk.