Independent investigation is a crucial aspect of religion.
It must not be the case that simply because our parents accepted a religion that we follow it. We must be able to find what is true religion and move toward it by justly analyzing every detail and arriving at a conclusion.
The word "justly" is important. When we look at something we should look at it with our own eyes and not through the eyes of others, we should see facts and weigh both sides and see which is better or more probable.
Many people call themselves religious but never follow the rules of their faith, we must also be truthful towards ourselves.It is also our duty to investigate what the truth is, we must not become absorbed in the "vain imaginings" of our worldly passions and instead try to find a way to connect the dots in the world and answer deep questions.
This can be done empirically or rationally, by looking at things around us, it is not difficult to see that a better world could be made if we all followed certain principles. Most people agree on these principles, the argument is with where we shulod draw the line. Most people also mainly disagree with following principles because it would interfere with their temporary gain. Therefore, it is not a problem with the principles themselves. Empirically, love makes everyone happier, (true love) and a lack of love makes people discontent. In this sense we should strive for happiness.
I have been trying to find a "pattern" of sorts to understand everything in the world. For example a type of very simple formula which is the answer to the universe. (Hitchhikers guide to the universe) But this is of course impossible with our limited knowledge.
Far too often there is a lack of investigation and people jump to conclusions. There is an influx of aethists, who are essentially evolutionists and believe that evolution and science is the key to our life. But the argument of the "Unmoved mover" can be used in this case. The fact that science disproves many religions should not mean that religion is "wrong". Science and Religion should be intertwined like the two wings of a bird rather than opposing forces. Because if they oppose, then religion will definietly lose. But through rationalization we can understand that religion, if supported by science is a compelling force which can change the world.
The there is also agnosticism, which is in a sense, being unsure. The key to this is further investigation, for we should investigate for the truth like (paraphrase)"we are wandering in a desert finding water to quench our thirst."
Then, thirdly, religious groups should also be aware why they are in a certain religion and be aware of other beliefs that people have, and why other people are of a different religion to themselves. Only through this constant rationalization can we try to come one step closer to the truth.
True Religion must work for the betterment of humankind, if a religion causes disruption and social and economic chaos, then it is not a true religion or is not followed properly.
My family believe in Buddhism but we have never truly been strict in following it.
ReplyDeleteI call myself a Buddhist mainly because I agree with their teachings. I don't dedicate myself as much as some other Buddhist because I know that to be a real Buddhist takes a lot of time, dedication, and sacrifice. That is a path that I cannot, and currently unwilling to, wander.
So on one hand, I can be called a Buddhist and the other, an atheist. I disagree with your point that atheist are essentially evolutionists who oppose religion. I don't oppose religion. I just believe that one should balance and accept one another.
Speaking of which, Buddhism doesn't conflict with the scientific comings of evolution. Buddhism does not explain the origin of life and Siddhartha (before he became The Buddha) himself was also a mere speckle of life. And how this life began, it doesn't really matter. Hence, believing in Buddhism allows me to support evolution too.
Buddha, to us, is not a god. Buddha is simply the Enlightened one who we admire upon for his achievements. He used to be a normal human just like every one of us, but he had the strength, the will and the determination to see the world in a different light. Hence, he was enlightened and is now Buddha. We don't beg for power, strength or anything else from him. We only seek guidance to see the world as he sees it.
Also, typically in Buddhism, we try not to crave for things. The Four Noble Truths in Buddhism claims that: 1) Life means suffering 2) The origin of suffering is attachment/crave 3) It is possible to put an end to this suffering 4) and the way to do so is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path -- which basically dictates kind doings such as right speech, right intention, right view, right concentration etc. By following this Noble Eightfold Path, Buddhists believe that suffering will cease and if it's practiced perfectly, one becomes a Buddha (The Enlightened).
ReplyDeleteDue to this, it's actually quite hard for normal people to follow Buddhism. Why? Because a true Buddhist only eats vegetables, don't harm, don't lie, don't steal and perhaps the hardest of all, don't love. Monks are not allowed to have any attachments and have families. People with families who want to become a monk must change his name and forget his family.
But that's only if you're a strict follower of the Buddhist philosophy. I don't. This doesn't mean I don't follow the Buddhism guidelines. When I need guidance, I still do.
Anyways...enough of Buddhism. But my point is, it's hard to generalise about religion as a whole as every religion is different.
I'm not so knowledgeable on other religions but it's not up to you to say what people should start believing in. For example, you say that
'Empirically, love makes everyone happier, (true love) and a lack of love makes people discontent'.
While I do agree with that, some people might not take that as well as I do. Real Buddhists will probably say that happiness comes with suffer and the world will NOT be a better place if everyone's happy because everyone will also be in pain.
I retract my comments. Buddhism does believe in love. More specifically, unconditional love. If everybody loved one another unconditionally, nobody would be in pain.
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