FAITH vs RELIGION
Faith is a huge part of any Religion. Yet Religion without Faith is nothing. So why does Religion or having a Religion matter so much? Isn't having Faith enough? It's like, if you don't have a Church or Temple to name that you go to on certain days your purpose in life is clouded or something like that.
I'm at a point right now, where I'm at a crossroads with my beliefs when it comes to religion. Or more specifically, MY own religion. I'm Roman Catholic, baptized and raised. I went to Catholic School on Saturday mornings for my First Communion, Reconciliation and Confession. Basically the initiation into the Catholic Church. And my family and I still go to Church on Sundays religiously. No pun intended.
This all makes me sound like a hypocrite, questioning my religion and all. But at the same time, still attending Church every week. -__- To tell you the truth, I feel like it's a chore to go; I only look forward to after mass when we go out to eat and have family bonding time. I really don't see the point in going to Church when reading the Bible is the same exact thing minus the Collection Baskets. And no one is standing in front of you preaching the "word of the lord" in their own interpretation of what the word of the lord is.
I've noticed people use religion as a way to identify themselves within their community, as an individual, etc. And I see nothing wrong with that, I just find it irritating when people start thinking they are better than others BECAUSE of their religion.. Or the fact that they go to Church, Prayer Meetings, Bible Studies, Retreats and other forms of religious activities. It doesn't make them any better than someone who goes to social gatherings just to be able to say that he/she went. And sometimes it gets worse, people start worshiping themselves within their religion and begin thinking others beliefs are wrong, just because it's not the same as theirs.
That's not what should matter. It's your own personal connection and relationship with God that's important. No need to be labeled a certain religion. I have faith in the fact that I know HE is there watching over me. Not only that, but I think being a good person in general, being family oriented, having close friendships, knowing right from wrong/fair and unfairness, having strong moral beliefs, and being humble are also very important. It's religion that's not really necessary. Faith is what's so necessary.
I'm at a point right now, where I'm at a crossroads with my beliefs when it comes to religion. Or more specifically, MY own religion. I'm Roman Catholic, baptized and raised. I went to Catholic School on Saturday mornings for my First Communion, Reconciliation and Confession. Basically the initiation into the Catholic Church. And my family and I still go to Church on Sundays religiously. No pun intended.
This all makes me sound like a hypocrite, questioning my religion and all. But at the same time, still attending Church every week. -__- To tell you the truth, I feel like it's a chore to go; I only look forward to after mass when we go out to eat and have family bonding time. I really don't see the point in going to Church when reading the Bible is the same exact thing minus the Collection Baskets. And no one is standing in front of you preaching the "word of the lord" in their own interpretation of what the word of the lord is.
I've noticed people use religion as a way to identify themselves within their community, as an individual, etc. And I see nothing wrong with that, I just find it irritating when people start thinking they are better than others BECAUSE of their religion.. Or the fact that they go to Church, Prayer Meetings, Bible Studies, Retreats and other forms of religious activities. It doesn't make them any better than someone who goes to social gatherings just to be able to say that he/she went. And sometimes it gets worse, people start worshiping themselves within their religion and begin thinking others beliefs are wrong, just because it's not the same as theirs.
That's not what should matter. It's your own personal connection and relationship with God that's important. No need to be labeled a certain religion. I have faith in the fact that I know HE is there watching over me. Not only that, but I think being a good person in general, being family oriented, having close friendships, knowing right from wrong/fair and unfairness, having strong moral beliefs, and being humble are also very important. It's religion that's not really necessary. Faith is what's so necessary.
"Faith is often blinded by Religion."
