by James Dreyer

Created on: January 19, 2010   Last Updated: January 20, 2010

What is the purpose of religion?  Who is God?  What are you searching for?

We are all searching for something to give meaning to our lives.  Some search for it in organized religions.  Others search for the one, true God.  They are not necessarily one in the same. 

Most organized religions focus on a single entity that is worshipped as a god, but not necessarily the God that is the focus of Christianity.  Some religions worship a variety of gods, each with its own special power or area of influence.  To try and address  any number of organized religions and God in depth goes far beyond the scope of what we are trying to accomplish here.  We are trying to determine what is most practical for us, organized religion, or God?

Why do each of us seek a religion?  There are as many different responses to this question as there are various religions to choose from. 

God, who is He?  Once again, a myriad of answers to choose from.

Deep down each of us seek answers pertaining to our purpose in this life.  We look for clues as to the origin of the universe and the birth of mankind.  Questions arise as to whether or not there is a single divine power that created the Earth and its inhabitants.  These questions lead to other questions:  are we alone in the universe; did the same God create all of the planets; did we evolve or were we truly created?

We seek answers.  Organized religious groups contend that they have the answer to that which we seek.  Each tries to earn our trust and attempts to draw us into their congregation and to worship the God or gods they worship and to religiously live by their doctrine, whatever that might be.

There are many choices, but what it comes down to is this:  what are we looking for? 

Christians worship one God; they worship the God who created the universe and man and who gave His Son as our redeemer. 

Is Christianity a religion?  No, it is a belief, or belief system.  It is quite possible to be a Christian without being religious, just as it is possible to be religious without being a Christian.  Many religions have been created to help perpetuate the Christian beliefs, but Christianity itself is not a religion.

God is the center of the Christian set of beliefs.  He is the creator.  He sent His Son to save us.  He is the Grand Architect of the Universe.  He is real.

Organized religions may come and go, but God is forever.  What are you looking for, something for that is short term or something that will always be here.  The choice should be simple.

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