Religion is action, not belief

One man believed God was on his side. He often lost his temper, hurt people, and did more harm than good. But he believed that what matters is what’s in his heart, since God will forgive his actions and see his good intentions.

Another man was full of doubt but followed the rules of his religion. He stopped to pray five times a day, and donated to charity. He was calm and kind to everyone, no matter how he felt. He was never sure about his beliefs, but kept that to himself, since what mattered were his actions.

What is the point of beliefs if they don’t shape your actions? It’s easy to see the point of good actions without beliefs. It’s easy to see which is better for the world.

Someone can practice a religion while questioning its beliefs, or believe its beliefs while not adhering to its practices. Notice the difference between religion and belief. Ideologies like capitalism, stoicism, and feminism are beliefs. Religions have behaviors, practices, and organization. Zen Buddhism is a religion with basically no beliefs.

There was no word for “religion” in most Asian, American, African, and Australian languages. The idea was introduced by Europeans. Before that, their word for spiritual practices was “law”, “duty”, “righteousness”, or “the way”. Even the Latin root of “religion” (religio) means “obligation”. Following a religion means doing, not just believing.

Each religion is defined by its opposition. Protestants are not Catholics. Shias are not Sunnis. Christians, Muslims, and Jews are not pagans. Every religious believer knows other people believe something else. Therefore, no religion’s beliefs are true, since conflicting beliefs exist. (Remember, “not true” does not mean false, but just not the only answer.)

But we can’t say religions are not true, because that would be like saying dinner is not true. It’s something you do. It’s action and organization. Religion is not just in your mind.

People argue that their beliefs are true and other people’s beliefs are false. But if they focus instead on the practices — the actions — they might find they actually have no problem with other people’s religion.

Beliefs exist to guide your actions. If you’re not acting in alignment with your beliefs, you’ve missed the point of beliefs.