(December 16, 2018 at 5:51 pm)Libertarian God Wrote: Why is there religion in the first place? Aren't we all the same? Can't we all speak to God? I mean that is what the bible says. Why is it someone has to be an "authority" when it comes to religion? Why do they need followers? Why do they need money? Isn't the relationship with god between God and yourself? i.e. 1 on 1? It also seems there A LOT of rules when it comes to religion. I grew up in the Mormon faith, and I can tell you there were sooo many rules. Like does God honestly care with what you put in your body?
Sorry about the mormon thing..
Religion is a tool. A tool that does two things quickly, but if not used properly it is a tool that can also be used to destroy one's faith as well.
The first thing we us religion or the church for as a place where the weak or the young in the faith can find what they need to grow strong. And yes after acts 2:38 We have been given the option to speak to God directly. The second the church is used as a store house to reach out and help those who are in need. which should answer why it needs your money.
I go to a church where on the back page of the sunday worship pamphlet every dollar is counted from the week before and it shows where every dollar goes. then I know of churches where they claim poverty even if their cup over flows..
Stuff like that/corruption or the sin of man disillusions people which is how this wonderful tool will destroy everything it has built.. but here's the thing. the church is not God it is not perfect it is a simple structure where sinful man come together to give and offer support till God returns.
Religion's primary Goal SHOULD be to put you in contact with the holy Spirit. However most religions don't or have forgotten how. which is why the church is in decline. However anyone asking for the Holy Spirit and seeking for it no matter where the truth takes them and are determined to find him no matter how long it will takes Find the Holy Spirit in fairly short order.
A relationship with the holy Spirit in not for the faint of heart. there is a cost, but there is greater reward. Rewards come in the way of spiritual fruit at first which grow into Spiritual gifts, and greater gifts as you mature. But know the cost is for the one who knows the Spirit must also share the Spirit which is at best an impossible mission, as none believers "have tried and failed" thus assume there is no God rather than they were so far off God could not help them. Like wise with modern religious types most are taught the holy Spirit is a thing of the past or an invisible friend and if you come in speaking of your interactions they too want nothing to do for you.
So if you ultimately follow the Spirit where ever He may take you and you will be rewarded for your service and over time these rewards and your gifts become so great so apparent God had done in you things you could never have done for yourself it will be hard for an honest heart to deny God is not fulling your life.
