Unraveling mysteries of nature, contemplation of God, moral instruction, preparing for after-life and acquiring mental peace are some purposes of religion.
Religion is as old as humankind. Yet the purpose of religion has varied from time to time and from place to place. Even at the same time and place, different groups have had different expectations from religion.
One of the oldest purposes of religion was to explain the mysteries of nature. In a sense this purpose still exists. Only the mysteries are now more mystifying. In A Brief History of Time Stephen Hawking elucidates, “Why does the universe go to all the bother of existing? Is the unified theory so compelling that it brings about its own existence? Or does it need a creator, and, if so, does he have any other effect on the universe? And who created him?”
Religion exists because God exists and one of the purposes of religion has been to contemplate and revel in the magnificence of God. Verse 14 of Canto 1 Chapter 2 the Bhagavata Purana reads, “Therefore should one with a one-pointed mind constantly hear about, glorify, remember and worship the Supreme Lord, the protector of the devotees.”
From time to time religious leaders have provided moral and ethical instruction. The best example of this is the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai.
All religions preach some form of life after death, whether eternal heaven or hell or rebirth. Religious teachings also chart out the path to be taken so that one’s after life is happy.
In today’s hectic and tense life style, the most sought after commodity is peace of mind. Many people turn to new preachers of mainstream religions. Deepak Chopra and Sri Ravi Sankar (of the Art of Living fame), who base their methods on Hinduism, have a large following. Other people have turned to alternative spiritualities like Soka Gakkai of Neo-paganism.
I have put up a poll in my topic Hinduism to determine which of these purposes is most meaningful to members of the Suite101 community. Please do drop in and cast your vote. The final count will be in on the 10th of December.
