What does your religion do for you?

For the sake of this thread we will define religion as "any system of belief and/or worship, involving a code of ethics and philosophy." Under this definition even atheists have a system of belief -, i.e., they believe is that there is no belief (in a higher power.).

I should also point out that this thread is open to peoples of all faiths, not just the Christian, but of course Christians are most welcome to reply as is the agnostic or atheist.

I guess I should start the ball rolling. I am a Buddhist. My religion gives me a feeling of peace, and makes me more tolerant than any religion I have found. Much of my anger, frustration and bitterness towards life has been removed. Much of my fears have been put in their right perspectives. My fear of death has been diminished. My interactions with other people has improved. I see all people's (and religions) as having a value. I feel I am a better person than I was. I still have a way to go. I am not perfect but my imperfections do not consume me.

So, how is it with you?

Under your definiton of religion I still do not qualify no matter how you phrase it but I will put forth my 'beliefs on this subject.
I have no faith, no beliefs in a higher power but I am at peace with myself and others. I look at religion as a tool use by the powerful to dominate the weak. There are only marginal benefits from religion. I believe like John Lennon and others that a world without religion would be a better world. I don't fear death because it is outside my control. I love people not because they think like me but simply because they are human beings to be cherished and respected. I don't aspire to be perfect because it is an impossibility. I accept me as I am but still try to improve myself each day. I still possess all the human emotions from pain to pleasure and everthing in between. I try to treat everyone with respect. All of these traits I possess and yet I do not believe that gods exists.

There is a major difference between someone who does not believe in gods<non-religious> vs one who does not believe god exist<atheist>.

You stated your position well. The Buddha, when he met someone on the road would ask, "How is it with you?" (Meaning their religious life, or perhaps the lack of it.) If they responded that all was well. He would reply, "good, I have nothing to tell you." It seems I have nothing to tell you. You seem to be getting on fine!

I am fascinated! There have been 27 (so far) views of this thread and the only person who knows what his system of belief (or non-belief) is, is an atheist! It says something about our religious life.

:o

But I am serious about this. I want to know!

Is the question not worthy of an answer???:confused:

My belief in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross does allot of things for me, so many that I don't think I can fit all of it in here. I will give you a few.
Here goes:

The Cross:
This is the basis and the foundation of my faith and that of many other believers. The Cross tells me that God would spare noting, not even His only Son to save my life. This removes the fear of death from my life and keeps me focus on His will.

The Sacrifice:
Christ taking my place on the cross tells me that I am loved by someone so much that He is willing to die for me even when I don't deserve it.

The Resurrection:
The resurrection of Jesus gives me hope to know that if I die I will rise again as He did. Because of the resurrection I have confidence that my God cannot die and I will never be alone. The resurrection gives me a purpose and a reason to live because Jesus is alive. Because He lives I can face tomorrow.

The Bible:
This is my proof and my peace.
It gives me courage and wisdom.
The Bible tells me the past, present and future.
Because of it I know who I am, where I am, where I came from and where I am going. As simple as that sounds, many cannot say the same thing and believe it.
I don't have to guess through life; I know!

And there is allot more.....

Thank you Delroy. A very good statement.