Religion: A social thing?

Is your religion more of a social thing to you?
Are the social "benefits" of subscribing to organised religion the reason you do it?

I don't really have much more than that to say at the moment so that will do for now

Don't have stats or references to support my position, but in my opinion the social 'benefits' of any structured organization (religion, or otherwise, 'any' structured group) is a huge factor. Mingling with those who have common interests with you. Whether it be: sports, music, education, games, computers, fashion, religion, family, and aon and on to infinity, the social factor is huge.

Nope. My religion, if you can call it that, is personal and for me and only me. I don't feel the need to share it, discuss it, or promote it. I don't go to church. If I went to a church, it would be strictly to learn about the customs and beliefs of that church.

I dont think most people would admit it but I see it alot. Thats alot of my reasoning for not taking part in organized religions. Most churches have turned in to some big social event come sunday morning. but thats just my opinion.

even politics is 60-70% + social. It's not just religion.

true. nor do I take part in any of that.

lol, do you plan to live a very sheltered life then?
Even the structure of a relationship/cohabitation is more for socialization benefits,
than any of the other benefits derived from the relationship.

What I understood from the topic was that he was asking if people choose to be apart of a religion more for the social benifiets. I was commenting that I do not take part in organized religions because thats all they seem to be. and I dont take part of any worldly goverments because of the religion I follow. Dont worry Im rather social.

Good to hear that! Have fun with life, you're only young once! I'm just pointing out to all viewers of this thread, that the social benefits thingie is not only about religion. imho.

In this thread we are discussing it in relation to religion, so the others don't matter and shouldn't need to be mentioned.

I'm not religious but I'd say that socialising is a definite factor for some believers. My grandmother is an atheist but chooses to go to Church so she can socialise with the other ladies who go there and keep up to date with the goings on in her village. I guess it's still kind of a community based thing.

At my church there's also a great emphasis on little groups and off shoots of the church (probably more so than smaller churches because it's a cathedral and so they want to make it appear to be less daunting) to encourage people to get involved.

For some it can be one of the few times they're out, for others it may just be about having connections and using the church to gain a reputation (much like attending a certain school if that makes sense).

Funny I should just notice this now. Yesterday at church, we were asked a similar question "Why did you get up this morning and come to church?"
I think some younger people may have said something about their friends being there. Primarily, we go to learn about God's Word, encourage and be encouraged by other believers and to worship corporately (not like a business, but as a body).

My personal answers to your questions are no and no. I go to the quarterly potluck for a social thing.

My 'religion' is not. But then I've not met anybody that has the same belief system that I do.

However I do think that organized religion is a social thing.

Yeah religion is a social thing, just make sure your kid isn't left alone with a priest or pastor for a lengthy period of time if you know what i mean!!