In a recent thread, there was almost a discussion of what is the purpose of religion. I say almost, because mo said that religion "serves to meet the needs of people." jlb didn't like that assessment, but didn't really say what he thought the purpose of religion is (or if he did I missed it and, if so, I apologize for that). So I thought I'd put the question out there.

I see one purpose of religion as helping people get through rough times like death of a loved one, or serious illness.

People have a fondness for rituals, and belonging to a group, so can play a role there. So can collegiate and professional sporting events, but I digress.

I actually think mo's assertion was a good one. Religion serves people's needs. Anybody else have any comments? 

"The important thing to remember in the spiritual life is that religion is a means, not an end. When we stop at the level of the rules and the laws, the docrines and the dogmas - good guides as these may be - and call those things the spiritual life, we have stopped far short of the meaning of life, the call of the divine, the fullness of the self.

Joan Chittester

May 4, 2012 -- 10:55AM, ted08721 wrote:

"The important thing to remember in the spiritual life is that religion is a means, not an end. When we stop at the level of the rules and the laws, the docrines and the dogmas - good guides as these may be - and call those things the spiritual life, we have stopped far short of the meaning of life, the call of the divine, the fullness of the self.

Joan Chittester

I like Sr. Joan (no surprise there, huh?). 

Sounds like she's saying that the contemplative aspect of religion is just as important as, or maybe more important than, the rules. I think a person can lead a contemplative life without religion, so that still leaves me with, "what is the purpose of religion?"

But thanks for pointing out that religion can encourage spiritual practices and deepen one's contemplative life.

As one old fart once said about the leadership of all organised religion: 

"Boundless conceit masquerading as utmost humility"

I think organized religion can have a positive effect on a person’s spirituality, I agree that one does not necessarily need it to grow spiritually.
Sometimes going it alone can be lonely especially if those surrounding you have no interest in the spiritual journey.
But I do believe people that you meet through organized religion can be a positive,  just as people here have contribute to my understanding and growth over the years.
For those that might remember a few years ago I mentioned I was giving organized religion one final shot, I started reporting about the churches I had visited.
I was very lucky in finding the parish I am at now and feel in the past 3 or 4 years has been a very positive experience on my faith/spiritual journey.
It is the people in the community that you gather with to celebrate the Eucharist on Sundays that is important.
So it is not so much the institution of the religion but the people of the religion(God) if that makes sense.

I also suppose it matters where you are in your spiritual journey, I feel I have grown so much over the past three or four years I could survive on my own but being in my present situation and the interaction with those in my community being so positive and I am absorbing more all the time why would I want to break that off.
News, hopefully this answers the question better .  ted