What is a religion?

This might be an unusual question for those people who don’t belong to a religion, but for those who do, this is a question they are over-smartly confident in, and hence they hold erring beliefs. Here we are going to figure out some really important points which coerce us to be engaged with a particular religion. Let’s begin with a little illustration of the term “Religion”.

On rational grounds, a belief in the notion that’s supported with historical events is what we call a “Religion”. There might be many questions, confusions, and even conflicts about different religions, but as we look upon all the religions we hold the fact that all of them are connected and have the same “soul”.

Usually, we compare our religious beliefs with others in order to prove that our religion is superior to theirs; however, in my understanding, one common thing that serves as a backbone of all religions is that all of them stretch a fine line between “good and bad”. Therefore, it can be said without a doubt that every religion makes us abstain from wrongdoing and encourage us for goodwill to make the world a better place.

As a matter of fact, we hold religious beliefs out of inheritance and stick to those beliefs throughout our lives; so the point of accepting the norms of an alternative religion totally goes out of the question, let alone respect the other religion for spreading righteous lessons. The reason why we can’t give room in our heads to comprehend to other beliefs is that we believe in our righteousness more than the correctness of the beliefs we hold. It is firstly important that we embrace the notions on the basis of reason rather than following a belief blindly as a token of family values.

Another aspect that unites all religions in a conglomeration is that the Holy Books may have been written by different sources, but they all deliver the same ideas in their gist. A comparative study of religions also makes you deduce truth on the basis of reason as well as having a positive religious approach.

Why do we require a holy book?

A complex answer would be that we require a Holy Book so that we may know how we can lead our lives according to the principles stated in the scriptures. The answer is true. However, coming up with a simple and the truest answer, a few words would sum up the whole picture which is that; we “psychologically” need it!

Take an example of a country that runs without a constitutional system or laws, it would become a whole lot of failure. In fact, there would be no such country, lest it is some other planet. We humans have to have a tangible copy of rules that should tell us how to lead our daily lives lest we become barbarians. The same applies with religious beliefs.

Why are religions so important to us?

Till this moment, you must have understood the fact that; all religions teach us about humanity, morality, and define the way to live a successful life. But there’s another interesting fact that we need to abide by the principles of religion because we find our happiness in it. Surprised? Let’s explain this with real-life examples.

Oftentimes there comes an upset situation in our life when we really need someone to support us morally or to motivate us, suppose in such a situation, there’s nobody around us to help. In such circumstances when we feel stressful and helpless, those of us who have religious beliefs call their God/s to help them. And if their faith is strong they would actually feel comfortable because they know there’s always someone to listen to them and help them which is/are God/s.

As we pass our worries to God/s, we know that there is someone who is helping out of our problems. The notion that we are never alone and that God/s is/are watching on us gives us a sense of satisfaction and motivation which drives us to struggle and fight more effectively to get rid of our problems. As a consequence, if we endeavored enough and the problem is solved later; we increase our faith and become thankful to our benefactor. Hence, this clearly suggests that the psychological level plays an important part in whichever belief we hold.

Why do we count on our beliefs?

The answer has an analogy that would better describe my point. Consider that you’re learning car driving and there’s an expert driver sitting next to you, then obviously, you will drive more confidently instead of driving alone which will make you feel afraid and confused. Likewise, we count on our beliefs because we know that the stereotypical rules will protect us from harm and will make us feel more secure in what we do.

Why do we follow a religion?

One more amazing part of religion is that it charms our lives with a lot of religious events which are a part of almost all religions. These lively events provide a day to celebrate life and to know the calendar events even before the year starts. This helps us stick to religious values as well as have a systematic life.

So far we have understood that there’s nothing wrong about following a religion and that all religions have common aspects that deliver somewhat the same messages from the core. All religions are created to guide us. It basically depends upon our thinking and how we believe in things on the basis of the reason that we may choose the righteous path. So, there are three basis on the pillars of which religion stands:

• It teaches us about good or bad and all about humanity
• It gives us hope and confidence
• It shines through our lives with its amazing events

By Aleem Ahmed Qureshi  |   Submitted On October 21, 2015