Religion?

The word religion has it's origin in the Greek tongue, the word literally means to bind, hold, or restrain. This can be viewed or taken in different context and literal translation, some say it is to bind as in people together, or to restrain lust and vice. These are reasonable translations, depending on the sincerity of the organization or church in question. But, history paints a different picture. Let me say this from the beginning, it is not my intention to debase, degrade, or demonize organized religion, or to attack any church or denomination. Nor is it my intent to insult anyone's beliefs, but rather, I am simply trying to inspire individual thought and investigation. I will not bore you with my own testimony, or give you the details on how I arrived at these conclusions (unless you ask). I do not think it is unreasonable to question yourself and your beliefs, to see if your faith is true. The Lord does not want a bunch of mindless fools professing his good name, and pronouncing their faith in him! Examine yourselves, and the doctrines presented to you by your chosen leaders.
Religion has been used to manipulate the minds of the people for years,... centuries! Not to mention the fact that it divides even people professing the same faith! Constantine the great meshed Christianity with paganism just to be able to employ the "villagers" in the Holy Wars against the Ottoman Empire. So you see, it has also been used for political gain. I therefore, see religion as a tool to restrain, hold down, and surpress spiritual growth. The church has excluded dozens of books from the holy texts! And why? Because they (the writings) didn't coincide with the church's teachings! So, you decide; was the problem contained in the writings, or the church?
As I said, I am not here to judge anything, just to provoke thought. Religion serves many purposes, a sense of well-being, fellowship, community, etc... Some may even need it in order to behave themselves! That's fine, what ever makes you a better person. Most importantly and foremost, it should be a constant learning process. Not just taking what you are told for face value, but investigating for yourself! To have faith is extremely important, but be sure of who, or what it is that your faith lies! Is your faith in the Word, or in the doctrines of men? Do you study, meditate, and pray? If so, and if your heart is true, you will strengthen your faith to the point of knowing indefinitely! Not merely believing! To know is the manifestation of communion between God and man, through Christ. To believe without knowledge, is foolishness! Even a parrot, can be trained to repeat words that it hears, such are many church goers. More to come...