[BB_Eye]

I think it would be an understatement to say organised religion doesn't play much of a part in our lives today. Do you think this is the reason we are so unsure of ourselves and our place in the world?

Ever since the church's sphere of influence has shrunk, it seems people have tried to look elsewhere for the happiness religion offered them once upon a time. They needed new idols. In the 19th Century with the advent of romanticism and the creation of the nation state, many people strongly identified themselves with their country of origin. There is a particularly strong undercurrent of nationalism in the music of this time (Wagner in Germany, Chopin in Poland, Tchaikovsky in Russia) when so much of the music that came before it was religious in theme. Elsewhere, the anarchists and Marxists insisted that although there was no afterlife, a future utopia on Earth was possible. The unfortunate end-result of these idealistic worldviews were the horrific excesses of fascism and communism.

In more recent times, such national affinities have been replaced by celebrity and brand worship. People identify themselves by what kind of consumer they are. Our self-image is fragile and poorly defined as a result. We live among a generation of consumer drones. Our 'quality of life' (or wealth per head) for the past few decades has been better than ever, yet society at large is less happy with themselves. Why?

The last century proved fertile ground for existential philosophy. We hadn't the luxury of having our values laid out infront of us to follow like medieval Christians did. Sartre thought we were a blank slate and had to build our own values and discover our own essence. It was a means of combatting the sense of emptiness we are left with once we take God out of our lives and become aware of how truly alone we are.

Another existentialist Kierkegaard sought to bring people back to the Christian religion in a secular world by teaching his readers to take a 'leap of faith', rather than arrive at Christian beliefs through reason. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Nietzsche attempted to smash the Christian world's entire moral edifice and insist the world undergoes an fundamental 'revaluation of values'. One wherein, perhaps, weakness is frowned upon rather than cherished. In my opinion, his famous 'parable of the madman' still resonates today with the confusion and self-doubt of modern society.

TL;DR If there is no room for God in our lives, what do we have to put in his place? What makes you tick and what is it that you can honestly say you are living for?

[Livia]

Very interesting question, if a little Christian-centric.

I'm not sure that there is a "God-shaped" hole in our hearts... but I would agree that there is a hole. The reason that I'm not sure that the hole is God-shaped is that I don't believe religious people have the monopoly on morals, peace, goodness and happiness. I know plenty of relgious people who are hypocritical, unforgiving, self-centred and bitter.

I think that people (generally) have no respect for each other any more, and if they do it's mostly based on what you've got and/or how you look.

Personally I am living because I realise that I am here on this amazing planet despite massive odds, and I owe it to myself to experience every moment of it. I believe there is something after this life and what that is depends on what kind of person you've been and the life you've led. I can't believe that you can have a wonderful life made possible through the suffering of others, and not be made to pay for that.

Cool robot, incidentally.

[Niamh.]

I think, people need to believe that there is a God or atleast something after to keep them going, to make them think there is a "point" to this life and also to help them to carry on when they lose someone they love.

[lostalex]

I'm not religious, but i do believe in a higher power, and a greater order to the universe which humans have no say in.

I do believe there is a greater order to the universe, and that human science is no where close to understanding it completely.

[Lee.]

I don't believe there is a god and so far I have never felt I have needed some higher being to turn to..
I try to be as selfless as possible, I appreciate everything I have, never feel envy, I try to see good in everybody and am in constant wonder at the world around me.
To me, if a person can be good on the inside, have good morals and a good heart and soul, they are just as good as the person who goes and sits in a church once a week.

I try to live my life by this:

Spoiler:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble,

it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

[lostalex]

well arn't you special.

[Lee.]

Originally Posted by lostalex

well arn't you special.

You know? I think I am very special!

[lostalex]

[Lee.]

[Benjamin]

Originally Posted by happyland

I don't believe there is a god and so far I have never felt I have needed some higher being to turn to..
I try to be as selfless as possible, I appreciate everything I have, never feel envy, I try to see good in everybody and am in constant wonder at the world around me.
To me, if a person can be good on the inside, have good morals and a good heart and soul, they are just as good as the person who goes and sits in a church once a week.

I try to live my life by this:

Spoiler:

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble,

it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I love that poem.


And I do not believe in God, but have no issue with those who do. I just have no need to believe in the religious stuff as it holds no meaningful relevance to me.

[Lee.]

Originally Posted by ukturtle

I love that poem.


And I do not believe in God, but have no issue with those who do. I just have no need to believe in the religious stuff as it holds no meaningful relevance to me.

Yeah.. I'm the same. I have complete respect for others beliefs and religions. The only time it becomes a problem for me is when I am preached to.. I won't ever be converted!