Where did religion come from and why should I participate in it?

Question

I'm a firm atheist but feel it's logical to give every idea a chance to prove itself. So let me know what you got in support of your views/beliefs and let me see some sort of proof for them.

thanks.

Answer 1

im saying and guessing reglion came from mans inability to have all the answers so i.e along comes god(S) to fill in the unknow the suns a good example of this as it has been worshipped for a long time and has traces in almost all of the reglions young or old

Answer 2

Religion came from man.  It is a system of rites, traditions, practices, etc.  

What I know is there is God.  The same God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  He is the One who sent Himself as the Son, Jesus.  Jesus bridged the gap between God and sinful man.  Now, all have the opportunity to have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe.

As to how some worship God and practice certain rites and traditions is of little difference.  What makes the difference is acknowledging that we are sinners and we have no way to get to God except through Jesus Christ.  Then, by accepting the atonement that Jesus made for us and having Him be Lord of our life, that is what saves a person.

There is Christian religiosity.  But, religion aside, Jesus is at the center of it all.  Without Him, it doesn't matter if you are a Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian or Catholic.  Without Jesus, you can be as good a person as you want - even follow the Ten Commandments.  What God wants is our hearts, not our attempt to earn our way toward Him.  For that matter, if we could earn our way, Jesus' death means nothing.  Furthermore, our good works are nothing compared to the holiness and righteousness of God.

Proof?  I pray that God would reveal and prove Himself to you.  

Answer 3

2 Peter 1

16We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."[a] 18We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

19And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Answer 4

Proof in religion?  You're barking up the wrong tree my friend...Be ready for a lot of bible verses and why their religion is better than the rest...

Answer 5

because if not, Chuck Norris will give u a roundhouse kick to the head!

*EDIT*

fellow atheists, you shouldn't discount the evolutionary reason behind religion: not only does it explain, but it also serves to cement cultures and divide people from outsiders.