RELIGION IS REALLY THE QUEST FOR THE TRUTH, BUT JUST LIKE SCIENCE IT IS TAKEN OVER BY PROMOTERS OF MANMADE IDEOLOGIES. Instead Of People Being Taught Truth, They Are Taught Symbolism That Is Really Of No Value To Anyone Other Than Those Who Use It To Manipulate The Masses. Just as true science is about discovery and application of realities, so too true religion is about discovery and application of the realities of what is required to enhance relationships today and not possibilities that might occur in the future.

With hundreds of other religions in the world, what is it about yours that makes it right?

Happy Riches answers question by anonymous 

First consider how religion is defined.

American Heritage Dictionary definitions:

a. The belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers, regarded as creating and governing the universe: respect for religion.

b. A particular variety of such belief, especially when organized into a system of doctrine and practice: the world's many religions.

c. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.[1]

Collins Dictionary definitions:

1. belief in, worship of, or obedience to a supernatural power or powers considered to be divine or to have control of human destiny

2. any formal or institutionalized expression of such belief: the Christian religion.

3. the attitude and feeling of one who believes in a transcendent controlling power or powers

4. (Roman Catholic Church) chiefly RC Church the way of life determined by the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience entered upon by monks, friars, and nuns: to enter religion.

5. something of overwhelming importance to a person: (football is his religion.)[2]

A definition from the Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary:

A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usu. involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code for the conduct of human affairs.[3]

None of those definitions clearly state the following:

Religion is the quest for the ideal eternal life, which involves three phases:

1. The ideal
2. The practices required to obtain fulfillment of the quest.
3. How the quests relates to the surrounding environment.

The Bible teaches us that eternal life is attainable, but we need to realize where it is found in order to know which direction we should travel.

• Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

The way to life eternal is via the truth. Truth is not something we like to admit about ourselves but this is essential if we are to enter into life. Jesus basically said that a wise man would do anything to enter life eternal rather than be satisfied with a temporal life governed by death.

• And if your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into the hell of fire. (Matthew 18:8-9 )
• And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:16-24)
• And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal habitations. (Luke 16:9)
• No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24)

The way to life is through the truth. The way to the truth comes through desiring to be wise. The wise acknowledge that death is not life, and people have no peace on Earth. Therefore if there is a reason for existence, by seeking the rationale for existence on Earth has to be the way to the truth.

Understanding the rationale for being born only to die and having to suffer has to set us free from the ignorance of not knowing this fundamental reason for the futility of our current existence.

Since only one person has been attested to having risen from the dead after paying the price for the existence of evil among humans, not to seek this person out would be unwise.

The Way To Life Is A Matter Of Desiring A Better Hope Than Being Born To Die

Footnotes

[1] http://merican Heritage® Diction...

[2] http://Collins English Dictionar...

[3] http://Random House Kernerman We...