Religion when practiced as intended is really nothing more than meditation.

[cherokeeprogressive]

It's about making yourself a better person. It's definitely NOT about the pose you strike when something in your life goes as you had hoped it would... immediately OR long term.

Meditation, in some instances, is shedding whatever outside influence might affect your upcoming performance and relying upon your own inner strength to lead you to the finish line.

Religion, in some ways, is nothing more than shedding whatever outside influences could possibly affect your upcoming performance, and relying on your adherence to a set of values to lead you to the finish line.

Both rely on your own inner strength.

[Mariana]

1. As intended by whom? nt.

[Skittles]

2. you don't need religion to have a "set of values"

[nomorenomore08]

3. The real purpose of faith (ideally) should be self-improvement. Not ordering others around.

[tecelote]

4. Isn't it more powerful without religion?

Own it.

No excuses.

[raccoon]

5. Great post! nt

[ChosenUnWisely]

6. Then perhaps the religious should meditate more instead of say killing non-believers

but I don't see it stopping anytime soon considering for oh the last say 6000 years or so the religious have been killing in the name of religion/god and it still happens today everyday all over the world.

[Hari Seldon]

7. Religion is the opiate of the people

when administered as intended.

[Pacifist Patriot]

8. I wouldn't suggest trying to use that definition in a sociology or religion department.