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Religion.
There
are many definitions for religion. However, the elements are as follows:
Belief
in a higher power or force.
A
system of beliefs or doctrines.
Certain
rituals or practices.
The
origins of the word come form the Latin which means reverence for the god or
gods.
Most
religions have a higher being, god or gods. Some have one god, like Islam
while others like Hinduism have literally thousands. Most that have
multiple gods or deities have a system of order in the hierarchy of gods.
Many forms of Buddhism do not have a high God at the centre of its system,
although they do have spiritual beings as part of their beliefs.
Most
Christians that I know are confused by the term and many would say that they are
not "religious". Some site the word of James which basically
says that true religion is looking after the poor and the widows. If religion
was this practical in terms of it assistance to the weak and powerless then it
is something we should all embrace. However, this verse is somewhat of an embarrassment
to many Christians as it distracts them from other religious pursuits.
Although this is said to be a significant element to faith it is a practice that
takes a distant second place to the empire building in most churches.
If
the money spent on arms in the USA was used to educate, sustain and improve the
health of the poor it would be virtually eliminated. It should also be
said that the wealth of the church, in its various forms, could also play a
significant part in easing this suffereing too.
DO
you have an opinion on what I have said?
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