The Questions of How and Why

[Vladimir]

Since many threads were recently locked due to normal bashing, trolling, I'd like to take a different approach. I’d like to address the questions of How and Why. This has to do with the fundamental nature if the issue itself; the How and Why of religion. Someone else can address a specific religion in a separate thread.

I am a firm believer in spirituality, religion, and ritual. I see the development of religion, next to eating meat, as the most important development in our history. Religion resulted from the development of the questions How and Why.

As early man became more cognizant of his surroundings, the first question had to be: How did this all come about? This and other questions like “why are we here” created the foundation for religion. Most religions (if not all claim to) seek to know truth. Therefore, the fundamental nature of religion is positive and beneficial to humanity. The greatest danger comes when we stop asking these questions.

Ritual and spirituality are important as well. While I often find repeated rituals or routines boring, most people need them. This is a good thing as it reduces stress and allows us to focus our energies. Spirituality is important as well. Believing in a higher power and that there are things more important than ourselves is a good thing. Forgetting that leads to selfishness and base corruption.

I say that those who don’t have a religion, aren’t spiritual, and criticize those who are represent a step backwards. They live out of fear, based on precedent, that those who believe will attempt to assert those values on them. Yet instead of resisting those efforts they revert to their baser instincts and attack the individual; again, a regression. If believers stop asking How and Why, they deserve criticism. However, those who refuse to ask, and believe, and rely on others to provide the answers are no better.