Religion is a topic that can bring people close to form unusually strong bonds and could, as well, result in hatred and animosity beyond limits. So, writing this column is like stepping into a minefield... With that in mind, let me "step in."
Looking at the greatness of the universe around us and the precision in which it functions as well as the magnificence of the human machine and brilliance of its unique functionalities and skills is a sign for me that this vast system is not an accident or a fairytale story. It is much more serious than we can ever imagine.
I believe I am here on this earth for a serious function. This universe did not just "happen" and my role as a human is not a trivial one. To me, this is where religion comes in, providing a base to relate to "the purpose of life and our purpose in life."
So, what can I tell you about religion that you don't already know? Isn't it amazing that when it comes to religion, we are all scholars? Even those who make the claim that they don't have a religion or are not religious have a religion and are religious. The fact is that each one of us believes in a system of "values" that influences his or her own life.
In searching published definitions of religion, I came across "a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor (vigor/zeal) and faith," and "a pursuit or interest followed with devotion." The term comes from the Latin word for religion, which means obligation or reverence. Searching my mother tongue of Arabic, the word is "deen" with the root word of "dana" which means, (guess what?) debt and obligation and commitment.
Hence religion implies obligations - call it worship, call it belief, call it commitment - it is an obligation where we commit ourselves to something, someone, some entity, some ideology, that we end up enslaved to, driven by, or overwhelmed with. It is what we choose to submit to and follow "religiously."
Thus, we all have religions and we are all religious, and each one of us has his or her own custom or customized religion. Some of us claim that they did not customize their religions but rather have the original equipment manufacturer (as in parts for your car built by the original dealer, not generics) religion. However, the majority can't deny that they deviate to some extent from the brand they label themselves with.
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I consider this to be a beautiful article touching upon a very important issue. The article, of me, ends rather abruptly, suggesting it to be part of a running series. I look forward to part-II and III of the same!
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The author uses the word 'religion' where it doesn't belong. The definition for religion from Dictionary.com, choice #1, includes the phrase "superhuman agency". Every sensible definition of the word includes some similar concept. If it doesn't appeal divinity or the super natural, then it isn't a religion. I have principles, values, morals, etc., but I do not have any belief in anything super natural. I do not have a religion. Please stop saying that I do.
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I agree with Eric. I have values and beliefs, absolutely, but none of them are held on faith alone and I do not hold any beliefs regarding the supernatural. We can argue the semantics of "religion" all day, but for the sake of clarity it is much more sensible to say that I am not religious. In fact, I would consider it dishonest of me to claim otherwise.
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