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Greg Smith

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Why Religion is Needed (#0135)

2010/08/25 By Greg

Oliver Thomas recently wrote an interesting opinion piece for USA Today: Why Do We Need Religion?  In the article, Thomas suggests that religion’s greatest contribution to society is that it “makes us want to live.”   He continues:

Alas, many of us have discovered purpose for our lives through religion. Inside America’s churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and ashrams, we wrestle with the great questions of life. And with due respect to my atheist and left-leaning friends, most of those questions are not amenable to the scientific method.

Why are we here?

 What does it all mean?

 How should we then live?

So What?

How would you answer the question Why is religion needed in a postmodern world?  How well does your faith tradition enable its adherents to do that which you identified in your answer to the previous question?

Thomas offers a suggestion to American clergy: “Keep your eye on the ball. It’s not so much about this doctrine or that, Mass or the Lord’s Supper or even Ramadan or Yom Kippur. It’s about purpose, meaning and whether I ought to get out of bed in the morning.” 

  • Do you agree or disagree? Why? 
  • How important is orthodoxy (right belief)? orthopraxy (right action)? right purpose/meaning?

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church. He has served ten congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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