Day 3 – What exactly is religion? What does it mean to be a part of a religion? Does it define me? Does it dictate what I do or do not do?
According to Dictionary.com religion is “a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.”
So yes, a religion affects everything about you, as well as what you believe. If you truly practice your religion, it will determine what you do, as well as what you do not do.
It will affect where you go, and whom you go with. It can even affect where you work or what career path you choose. It is a very big deal.
Some religions will dictate how many times per day you pray, or meditate. Some Christian denominations do not believe in dancing, cursing, or gambling, so if a person of this faith is caught doing any of these things by another member of their church they could be scolded, or perhaps even reported and eventually excommunicated.
Sometimes a religion can help a person to be more loving and compassionate, but in some cases, religion can cause a person to become hateful and judgmental. Sadly, sometimes fundamentalism can even lead to hate and deadly violence.
Meditation for today: I should choose my religion carefully, and consider what Christ did on the cross, and what happens to those who die without Jesus.
Prayer for today: God, help me to be a loving person, not just religious and robotic.
Steve Holder 