Religious practices and customs have been around for as long as we have records of human beings on the planet. Religion sets out to answer the big questions: why are we here, what is life about, where did we come from, where are we going? Over 90% of us here on planet Earth believe in a supreme being or higher form of life in one form or another, and I believe there is something to that. It’s because there is something out there, not because almost all of us are under some sort of mass delusion. If there isn’t, then none of our lives matter. It is my firm belief we are not meant to wander in existential uncertainty and doubt.
There are four major religions in the world: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Adherents to these religions account for approximately 6 billion people. There are lots of others too, and even a cursory list would include Judaism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shinto and various folk and new age religions.
What I want to address, and to ask, is something that can be very challenging to some. What do you believe? Why? I had someone on Reddit ask me once, after I had expressed my beliefs, “so, are all the other religions in the world wrong then?” As many have said over the centuries, not all the religions out there can be right. I think that’s obvious, but it’s not the point.
Consider that if there is a God or a Higher Power, and there is a purpose to our existence at all, shouldn’t we find out what it is? In the absence of experiences with God one can doubt the existence of God. So, put yourself in a position to begin having experiences with Him. Don’t take anyone’s word for it. Get off the sidelines and get into the game. Start looking into the major religions (or any others for that matter), read the sacred text, attend the meetings. See how it feels, see what you think. Do the work required to find out. Not all religions are right. But there must be at least one that is.
For Christianity, the traditional book is the Bible. The Book of Mormon is comparable to the Bible and testifies of Jesus Christ also. My recommendation is to start reading one of them, pick a Christian denomination and attend a church meeting, learn the doctrine, meet the people, see what it’s about. Start wherever you want, but start. Those who are already Christian should realize that one of the most important things Jesus did was organize a religion. Religion is His idea, both before He came and after, and it’s necessary.
For Islam, the book is The Quran. If you’re interested, start reading it! Learn about the Five Pillars of Islam, go to a Mosque, meet the people, learn the doctrine. It’s the second largest organized religion in the world, it seems like an obvious choice if you are looking for truth. Check it out if you like. Again, find people that are Islamic, talk to them, see what it’s about.
For Hinduism, the books include the Vedas and Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, the Ramayana, and the Āgamas. Pick one and start reading, learn what the deal is. Find a place where Hindus gather, such as a temple, get to talking to those who have Hindu beliefs and ask questions. Go see what it’s about.
For Buddhism, there is not necessarily a consensus as to what constitutes scripture. Learning the Sutras is important for almost every Buddhist, but the greater recommendation here is to visit a monastery or temple. All you have to do is Google it, I can all but guarantee you there is one within driving distance. Go see what it’s really about!
There are lots of religions and lots of beliefs out there. They can’t all be right. What have you done to discover what is right? What are you willing to do? Remember, if there is any real meaning to our lives other than just these few decades we have, then it’s the most important thing, ever. Don’t you have time for the most important thing ever?
If you sense that your life could have more meaning, a higher purpose, stronger family bonds, and a closer connection with God, please, come, join with us. If you seek a community of people who are working to become the best versions of themselves, help those in need, and make this world a better place, come, join with us! Religion, faith, spirituality, they can provide a moral center to your existence. They can help you grow up and mature. You can become what God wants you to become. God can make a lot more out of your life than you can!
Those who have been following my blog know regarding my religion as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I can testify that both the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon are true. The Book of Mormon is a holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with the anxiety inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fullness of the everlasting gospel. I can witness it is the only true and living church on the face of the earth.
I invite everyone everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in your heart the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. If you pursue this course and ask in faith you will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. You will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.
If you’re interested in knowing more, please check out my past blog posts under the Spiritual Topics tag, or go to www.comeuntochrist.org.