Question to religious people: why do you believe?

I grew up in an orthodox jewish family in Toronto. We strictly followed all the laws of judaism such as pray daily, keep kosher and observe sabbath. When I was growing up, we were maybe a 7 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being fanatic. The minutia of rules lived in every moment of every day. There were specific blessings to say when you ate, slept, went to the bathroom. Rules about what women may not do, say, be. Rules for men too, but much less limited.

For me, it was too much. I defected from that world 20 years ago. (It was hard.) My parents and siblings have only become more fanatical as the years go by, they’re all at a 9 by now. We do speak to each other and get along OK.

But I have trouble understanding how they or anyone can truly be happy in that life.

So I ask, why do YOU believe?

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toodlepip

No offense but I think organized religion is juvenile.

You do not need to prayer in a particular building at a particular time, wear certain clothing, hide your hair, GIVE YOUR MONEY TO RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS to be a good person. All these things are man made rules. God does not care about that. He has one rule: Love others as you love yourself. It's amazing how so many people who are quote "religious" fail to understand that simple concept.

God resides in all of us. When you look into to the face of another, you should see God.

Meditation is my church and the world is my congregation.

LadyGrace ·

@toodlepip

No offense but I think organized religion is juvenile.

Well a lot of people are religious, but that doesn't mean they're juvenile. Everyone has their thoughts about these things but I think the important thing to think about, is that nowhere in scripture does it say that any religious denomination or select group will get us to heaven. Jesus didn't die just for a certain group, but for the whole world, as seen in John 3:16.

You said: God resides in all of us. When you look into to the face of another, you should see God.

I don't believe God resides in all of us because if he did, we wouldn't see all the evil in this world and people killing each other. God said that he will abide in those who come to him and accept him as their Lord and Savior. Criminals don't do that.

toodlepip

@LadyGrace

The only person who should sit in judgement of another is God Himself. You are not a child of God -- you subscribe to man made rules established to create discord with others. God has one rule : Love one another. Christians, like yourself, enjoy spouting scripture but when it comes to creating a harmonious world filled with understanding, acceptance and love your gospel preaching ilk fall short. Like I said, religious individuals are juvenile. Anyone can memorize scripture, it takes a mature mind and humble heart to set those intentions into meaningful action.

LadyGrace ·

@toodlepip Well you really don't know me, so you can't judge me. I suspect I know who you are, but that's okay. I know I was sincere and that's all that matters.

LadyGrace ·

@toodlepip Oh I see now. Just another troll with no posts entered. Ok.