By Dr. J. Das

The majority of people in the world belong to one religion or another. Since religion is such an important activity in the lives of so many people, I feel it is pertinent to ask why there is a need for religion?

Perhaps, most people belonging to their respective religions, do not question why they belong to their religion, and what need is there to belong to it. Some who have asked questions such as these, and not having found adequate reasons, have become agnostics or atheists. Some people are on the fringes of religions, and they can either take it or leave it.

Others are very committed to their religions and will be regular in their attendance to their churches and to their religious functions. Perhaps, this latter category represents only a small number of the religious people of the world.

If people were asked why they follow a religion, they may give several reasons, which may differ depending on which religion they adopt, and its value systems and teachings. Generally though, we can attempt to formulate some reasons why people belong to religions. I will list a few reasons for your consideration. I am sure there are other reasons you may find which I have not covered.

Some people adhere to a religion out of habit. They have gone to churches, temples, or mosques, or to other religious places as children. They grew up in that atmosphere, and have continued to follow their religion. Another reason could be tradition. It can be said that the parents and forefathers belonged to a certain religion, so descendants will continue to follow that religion. These people did not see the need to change their religion. Often they are not exposed to any other religion, and their teachings. Perhaps, some people follow their religion in the expectation of obtaining heaven or salvation. This is often preached in many churches. This may form the corner stone of many people's religious beliefs and practices. But people of some other religion might ask the question: Salvation from what? It is likely that some people follow a religion because of guilt feelings, or for some wrong-doing (or sin) they have committed. Religion promises a safe haven with the promise of the forgiveness of God once they repent.

How about religion being used as a pastime? To these people religion is only a superficial activity, and they may partake of certain religious activities because they have nothing better to do. Perhaps, socialization is another reason, similar to pastime. We all know that attending religious functions, or going to church, etc., allow people to meet and socialize.

Often the socialization becomes more important than the religious observances. In such a case Satguru Kabir said the preacher is wasting his effort. Could some people be following their religion because of obedience to parents, or to injunctions of their church? Some parents and churches will enforce obedience in the young. They try to mould the mind of these young ones to follow a certain path, often without questioning. There are, undoubtedly, some people who belong to their religion for the purpose ofidentity and obtaining support either material, moral or spiritual. They find their strength in belonging to a particular religion, with the identity and support from their particular group. This shows that they do not have enough self-assurance and inner strength, so they "lean" on their religion

Then there are people trying to court God's favour by trying to be religious. Such people may make promises to God that if certain conditions are fulfilled, then they will do certain things for their church, and for their religion. These people are like business people driving a bargain with God.

Some people find meaning and purpose in life by using religion. Life lived purely for its material pursuits seem to have no real significance in the long run. We die and we leave everything here. Why did God create us? Is there some ultimate purpose for which we are destined?

The above are some of the reasons that have come to my mind that I felt are pertinent to be discussed. This discussion is not meant as a criticism, but as a starting point for trying to understand what motivates a person to belong to a religion. Once being motivated, how sincerely does he or she adhere to that religion?

It, probably, goes without saying that if all people lived up to the teachings of their religions, that the world will be a happy place. Since 75% to 80% of the world's population believe in some type of religion, it is unfortunate that there is so much tragedy and violence perpetrated by people against other people. One may ask then: Have the followers of religions lived up to their religious injunctions?

Religion, truly, is in the heart and manifests as love, forgiveness, kindness, humility, charity, honesty, reverence, etc. Unless people practice these virtues by making them a part of the personality, they do injustice to their religion and scriptures, to their temple (church), and to saints and prophets of their religion, and an injustice and an affront to God. Unless people develop these virtues, and live them in their everyday life, they would behave like hypocrites. Can hypocrites be religious?

If people would examine themselves, sincerely, and understand the true meaning of religion, they would likely find themselves in the category of hypocrites. I mean this in all sincerity, because we need to examine ourselves and see if we are truly religious. If we find ourselves wanting, what do we do then?

Dr. J. Das is a Surrey-based writer and spiritualist