Question for religious people: what do you do and why do you do it?

For people who practice some religion, I would be curious specifically what you do and what benefits you feel you are getting.

I hope the question isn't too personal to get any responses. I read many threads about beliefs, but I don't read many threads about religious practices.

reply to post by cloudyday


I pray, I always see results from prayer. I see results because I pray with a pure heart, and I don't pray for material things. I only pray for things that are needed. Many don't get answers to prayer, because they can't wait and depend on their own hand, instead of letting Father handle.

I live day to day just like everyone else, I'm humble, and respect others beliefs and don't push mine on them. I seek to help any way I can and seem to get more chances to help as I do. I see that as a hell of a benefit rather god is real or not

"the reward for work well done is more work"

I live by this quote and day after day I see it come true. I do things to help people because it is good for the soul, mine and theirs. Rather or not I even have a metaphysical soul, it's good for the mortal soul. The values, beliefs, mental well being.

Those of us that are humble about our beliefs will always be out voiced by the vocal, loud, radical people of our faiths, but that is just another trial to overcome, just another obstacle to rise above

I don't know if you are completely against religion in general, or think someone will bring you miracles to sway your opinion, or if you just seek ammunition to confirm your belief that religious people are nut jobs and quacks. I can say however that not everyone is. Some of us are wiser and realize you can lead a horse to water but can't make them drink. Sometimes trying to force it upon them does more harm than good and builds a kind of resentment.

We humans are interesting creatures and our perception of millions of people can be swayed by only a few experiences, by people whose intentions may be pure but whose methods are flawed

What benefits do I get? I'm happier, I'm less ignorant of many aspects of life and feel more empowered to make a difference with my fellow man. I have seen firsthand that people trying to be religious thinking it will give them a leg up over others only draws them further down. I've seen people that pray to be better than those around them receive the opposite and take it out on god or his true followers. I have seen the fallacious logic that "if god really existed he would've given me "x" or wouldn't have let "y" happen" and in my opinion it was because they were seeking selfish things, even if for pure intent

And I have seen people like myself uplifted and happier, have our prayers answered not because we pray for ourselves, but for others. Like Jesus sacrificing himself on the cross, the truly humble sacrifice their desires and wants to pray for others needs, and are usually answered. Miracles are everywhere, but very conveniently overlooked

I won't quote scripture or try to sway you, but just offer up my personal experience. I've seen odd things happen, things that completely defy probability and have become a better person, not because I want it for myself, but because as I become a better person I do it to benefit those that I care about, and even benefit those that attack me and see me as the enemy. I am not prejudice in my help, or my prayers.

It works for me, that's all I need to know

Prayer and reading Bible scripture.

Prayer is HUGE!

I pray daily and mostly for the health and protection of my family as well as God's will for my life. It's a good thing too. I almost forgot to say my daily prayer for my daughter today and an hour after I remembered to do it, she called me to say that she had just come down after being stuck for 15 - 20 minutes on top of a roller coaster while she's on a class trip to an amusement park today. I don't trust those parks or their rides too much any more.

In my opinion, there's nothing too small to pray about. Every time I lose something, I pray to find it and I always do. Honestly, I bet I come close to some car mishap or accident daily due to aggressive drivers, yet I've never been in an accident. Thank you, Lord.

I remember in my late teens praying for a safe journey before I left on a camping trip. Nothing big, my girlfriend got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere along the way. I set out to find someone who could help us, and when I returned, someone was already changing the flat. Turns out the person changing the flat was a minister. He directed us to the nearest repair shop in some tiny little town. Along the way, we passed a bridge that someone had spray painted "Jesus Saves" on it. By the time we arrived at the repair shop for a new tire, I had to use the tiny, dingy, single toilet restroom. Above the toilet was a picture of Jesus. Now, I have to tell you, I have never seen a picture of Jesus above the toilet of any public restroom before!

Jesus reminds me that He's always with me and to him I give thanks! (Actually, that's something I pray about daily too. I start by giving Him praise and thanks! Not only for the things that I see Him do in my life and others, but for the things I don't see too.) I particularly like it when I see God working in other's lives, even when they don't see it or recognize it....yet!

Thanks for those responses everybody. I especially like what Monsatan said about trying to help people.

In another thread someone commented that casting spells helped him refresh his spirit. That got me thinking about what motivates people to practice their various religions and the different practices they utilize.

The placebo effect is working well. Carry on ...

reply to post by cloudyday

For people who practice some religion, I would be curious specifically what you do and what benefits you feel you are getting.

From my Pagan (which means homegrown rather than institutional ) religious viewpoint I would have to say that I don't practice anything (no ritual), besides actually attempting to bring balance to the World, as per my signature.

I read an article today about the "end of Western civilization" which I didn't particularly agree with enough to want to quote directly, though I did agree with one observation enough to paraphrase: "If you attempt a fair and balanced description of an obviously unbalanced situation, then you are validating a distortion of reality."

As for benefits: I find that being able to approve of myself is very healthy, therefore I avoid hypocrisy as much as possible, though sometimes role playing is helpful at times in understanding certain viewpoints, but excessive role playing should be avoided.

Originally posted by pthena
reply to post by cloudyday

For people who practice some religion, I would be curious specifically what you do and what benefits you feel you are getting.

From my Pagan (which means homegrown rather than institutional ) religious viewpoint I would have to say that I don't practice anything (no ritual), besides actually attempting to bring balance to the World, as per my signature.

I read an article today about the "end of Western civilization" which I didn't particularly agree with enough to want to quote directly, though I did agree with one observation enough to paraphrase: "If you attempt a fair and balanced description of an obviously unbalanced situation, then you are validating a distortion of reality."

As for benefits: I find that being able to approve of myself is very healthy, therefore I avoid hypocrisy as much as possible, though sometimes role playing is helpful at times in understanding certain viewpoints, but excessive role playing should be avoided.

edit on 18-5-2012 by pthena because: (no reason given)

So what are you trying to balance and how do you work towards that goal? Maybe that's not something I can understand anyway, but I'm curious.

"When the destination is found after being lost the tracks left seem to lead in all directions. " (from your signature). That describes my situation except I'm back where I started instead of at my destination.

reply to post by cloudyday

So what are you trying to balance and how do you work towards that goal? Maybe that's not something I can understand anyway, but I'm curious.

I actually meant the second part of the signature, the 2 cents part.

I'm aware that certain ideas become rather mainstreamed into current culture, some organically, and some through design (propaganda). When I notice some meme (concept as building block) has dominated discussion of issues, I challenge it.

Example: "Iran is a threat to the World, we must do something!"

Examine: Iran is not an aggressive nation (historically). Iran is signatory to Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, therefore is guaranteed the right to pursue nuclear research and development. Iran is guaranteed by treaty to not have its rights infringed or degraded.

Question: Then where is the hostility and prejudice coming from?

Probable Answer: From Israel, a non treaty entity that has nuclear weapons, has illegally acquired both materials and technologies from the United States, has applied political pressure to have FBI stop investigating these activities, and thus has placed the United States in violation of the NPT, by not stopping the flow of materials and technology to a non treaty entity.

Solution: Attempt to convince people to stop kissing Israel's butt, and start prosecuting uncovered criminal activities.

What venue?: Letters to politicians and ATS threads.

Originally posted by pthena
reply to post by cloudyday

So what are you trying to balance and how do you work towards that goal? Maybe that's not something I can understand anyway, but I'm curious.

I actually meant the second part of the signature, the 2 cents part.

I'm aware that certain ideas become rather mainstreamed into current culture, some organically, and some through design (propaganda). When I notice some meme (concept as building block) has dominated discussion of issues, I challenge it.

Example: "Iran is a threat to the World, we must do something!"

Examine: Iran is not an aggressive nation (historically). Iran is signatory to Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, therefore is guaranteed the right to pursue nuclear research and development. Iran is guaranteed by treaty to not have its rights infringed or degraded.

Question: Then where is the hostility and prejudice coming from?

Probable Answer: From Israel, a non treaty entity that has nuclear weapons, has illegally acquired both materials and technologies from the United States, has applied political pressure to have FBI stop investigating these activities, and thus has placed the United States in violation of the NPT, by not stopping the flow of materials and technology to a non treaty entity.

Solution: Attempt to convince people to stop kissing Israel's butt, and start prosecuting uncovered criminal activities.

What venue?: Letters to politicians and ATS threads.

edit on 19-5-2012 by pthena because: (no reason given)

I don't understand foreign policy. I've tried to read some books about it, but the whole "national interest" thing seems to be so vaguely defined that it can mean anything to anybody.

I like Persian food, music, culture, etc. I don't trust Israel after reading about the U.S.S. Liberty incident. Of course I don't trust Iran or Saudi Arabia either. Canada might be the only friend we have. Maybe they aren't our friend either.
U.S.S. Liberty Incident

reply to post by cloudyday

For people who practice some religion, I would be curious specifically what you do and what benefits you feel you are getting.

My institutional form of religion that I was brought up in is Seventh Day Adventist, so I am used to the idea of a Sabbath. How I practice this is by refraining from doing things like going to the market on that day, and some other things like starting work projects, and try to focus on more spiritual things. I remember when I was young and my older brother though he should go surfing on the Sabbath, and I thought he had a good argument though my parents thought otherwise, without having any sort of argument that I can remember. I think for myself, now, kayaking would fit the same sort of thing that he was advocating.
My opinion of what a sabbath might signify has recently changed to where it might be the recognition that the universe was created for us to live in it but we are now bound to the physicality of it and must recognize that we have to abide by natural laws, like getting a proper amount of rest to be healthy.

My daily sort of religious practice mostly involves reading books related to religion, or more specifically, about the Bible, and then sharing insights I may have found from that reading. The benefit derived may be as simple as having a better perspective on what is important, and what may not be so much.
I recently ordered some new books to read and am looking at a little pile of them I just got (by way of USPS and FedEx) in the last few days (including, the last of them today). Here's a list of them:

Temptations of Jesus in Early Christianity (Academic Paperback), by Jeffrey Gibson

The Old Testament between Theology and History: A Critical Survey, by Niels Peter Lemche

Daniel (Old Testament Guides), Philip R. Davies

Revelation 19 in Historical and Mythological Context (Studies in Biblical Literature), by David Andrew Thomas

Apocalypticism, Prophecy, and Magic in Early Christianity: Collected Essays, by David E. Aune

Prophecy, Poetry And Hosea (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies) (Library Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies), by Gerald Morris

reply to post by jmdewey60


Thanks, that is the kind of information I was curious about.

I would especially be interested to know what non-Christians do for religious practice (e.g. Buddhists, Hindus, New Age, pagans, etc.). I lived in an apartment many years ago where a neighbor woke me up early every Saturday with what I assume was some kind of Buddhist meditation music. It sounded like somebody beating on one note of a xylophone - dong, dong, dong, dong, dong,... Usually I had a hangover and I always wanted to find that person and give him a piece of my mind.

I think practice is probably more important than beliefs, but most books and discussions focus on beliefs. Imagine a future archaeologist trying to understand Christianity with nothing but the Nicene Creed.

When I used to go to church, I tried to read a little bit from the Bible every day and I tried not to eat anything until afternoon or evening. Fasting helped me feel a little more serious about Christianity, but I was always breaking my fast and feeling guilty or fasting too hard and becoming cranky. Other things I tried like the Jesus Prayer were not helpful. I tried to go to church every Sunday but I never felt like it helped me.

I used to think that going to church, paying tithes, singing songs and listening to someone read the Bible and give their interpretations was "worshipping" God. Today I no longer belong to any man-made religion or attend any sect services as I believe the kingdom of God is within. My spiritual practice is to be still and know...

I have also found this website helpful in providing some good resources for spiritual practice:

www.hallvworthington.com...

Originally posted by Innerlight
I used to think that going to church, paying tithes, singing songs and listening to someone read the Bible and give their interpretations was "worshipping" God. Today I no longer belong to any man-made religion or attend any sect services as I believe the kingdom of God is within. My spiritual practice is to be still and know...

I have also found this website helpful in providing some good resources for spiritual practice:

www.hallvworthington.com...

Thanks! I notice that website has some recommendations for reducing sleep, fasting, etc. which I will definitely read.

Originally posted by cloudyday

Originally posted by Innerlight
I used to think that going to church, paying tithes, singing songs and listening to someone read the Bible and give their interpretations was "worshipping" God. Today I no longer belong to any man-made religion or attend any sect services as I believe the kingdom of God is within. My spiritual practice is to be still and know...

I have also found this website helpful in providing some good resources for spiritual practice:

www.hallvworthington.com...

Thanks! I notice that website has some recommendations for reducing sleep, fasting, etc. which I will definitely read.

Another good resource is the little book called, A Guide to True Peace, compiled from the writings of various 17th century mystics. You can find it free online if you google it.

Originally posted by Innerlight

Originally posted by cloudyday

Originally posted by Innerlight
I used to think that going to church, paying tithes, singing songs and listening to someone read the Bible and give their interpretations was "worshipping" God. Today I no longer belong to any man-made religion or attend any sect services as I believe the kingdom of God is within. My spiritual practice is to be still and know...

I have also found this website helpful in providing some good resources for spiritual practice:

www.hallvworthington.com...

Thanks! I notice that website has some recommendations for reducing sleep, fasting, etc. which I will definitely read.

Another good resource is the little book called, A Guide to True Peace, compiled from the writings of various 17th century mystics. You can find it free online if you google it.

Thanks, I added it to my Amazon wish list. The excerpts they provided looked very good.