My Two Cents' Worth on Religion

What is Religion? The Dictionary defines it as 'the belief in a God or Gods who made the world and who can control what happens in it' ~ Oxford Dictionary of American English.

The sociologists and anthropologists see religion as an abstract set of ideas, values, or experiences developed as part of a cultural matrix. There are almost 21 types of religions in our known world today, excluding the various denominations in each religion. Which religion do you deposit your faith?

Do Religion play an important role in our lives and to what extent? Some might define or judge those who go to the church or temple everyday as an Extremist. However, from my point of view, it is one's belief and faith in God and his love to share with others. A simple word, Love. I go to church because I acknowledge His existence in this world and not because I am a staunch Christian. I read and study the Bible because I want and need to understand His will to walk in His path. I sing Hyms to praise Him. Do we need to proof to others what our beliefs are? In my younger days, I used to have a good ethnic mix of friends & neighbours who are Malays, Chinese and Indians. As I know, Muslims pray 5 times a day and go to their mosque on Fridays (for men). I do not think they are extremists. It is simply because that is a basic doctrine of their religion that they are required to keep up with. Just like schools, we have to abide by rules, and there are Dos and Don'ts. Do we ever question these rules that we have to keep in school?

I think there is an objective behind every religion. Have we achieved the objective? Do we ever know our purpose being here in this world? Is there a mission for us in our brief existence? How do we find the answers?

As we all know, communication is very important in our life. It carries our important messages that we want others to hear. In this century, do people even talk about communicating with God? Yes, I talk about it but with only my church members. It is because most of my friends are not really open to religious matters and I do not want to end up imposing my religious opinions on my friends. Do we share our religious issues with friends, colleagues, relatives, etc.? I think we (Malaysians) are still not open to discuss religious matters. I wish that we will be more open to engage in discussion about religious matters so that all of us will have a better understanding and respect for one another.