Is there a Luck Factor in Religion?

@josie_ In our world it is only temporary, religion is a guide to life so that we are not on the wrong path while in the world.

True. But I am often amuse when people try to convince me that becoming a member of their church will bring me good fortune and material wealth.

@May2k8 _If religion was only about living a moral and ethical life, why the need for religious symbols and images that act as a kind of talisman?

I have ask myself what is the reason why people are attracted to religion. Maybe it's because religion offers hope to the hopeless, comfort to the grieving and the belief that justice will be done if not in this world then in the afterlife. There is also an insurance policy of redemption of sins and a guaranteed all expense paid everlasting vacation trip to a heavenly tourist spot.. But I don't think those reasons could attract such a huge fan base. There must be a rewards incentive now and not after we die, to provide for comfortable and better living conditions. So when a religious recruiter tells me, "Join us and I promise our God will "bless" you with a brand new car, bigger house or a high paying job. It's not surprising that desperate people are attracted.

@josie_ Do you remember Karl Marx? "Religion is the opium of the people" he intended that "Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions.". Of course they hope that what preachers and recruiters tell them is true. If they will not have all this on this earth, they hope they will have a better life in Heaven. I can understand this.

@LadyDuck _Karl Marx was accusing the elites of using religion to placate the masses. He believed that organize religion serves a purpose in society by creating an illusion of a heavenly father watching over us, thereby easing the sufferings and encouraging the poor and downtrodden to continue living their miserable lives while ignoring the structural defects of society which favors the rich and powerful. Religion serves to maintain the status quo.

@josie_ I don´t know to be honest as I rely on faith an innner knowing I don´t know how else to describe it. Its fun to have lucky things but I don´t put my faith in them at all.

One curious thing I noted in this post and a previous related post is that no one who believe in religion would express an opinion about whether they agree or disagree that religion acts as a kind of lucky charm and protection from bad things. Perhaps because it would downgrade their faith into the level of superstition?

@josie_ Einstein was a very smart man, of course. I also do not believe in fairy tales.

It is interesting you credit good health and emotional stability to religious belief. Religion offers guidance on how we live and interact with others although it does not have exclusive claim to the teaching of morality and virtue. We should also credit luck for winning the gene pool lottery which decides our physical, mental and physiological characteristics

@josie_ Thanks for your input. I am not that religious, but I do pray at night before bedtime, and every now and then I meditate when my mind is busy. In addition I treat people as I wished to be treated, so that's my philosophy in life.

@jvicentevalera _Prayers and meditation are good practices. It helps to focus our mind, relieves stress and has a calming effect.

Religious people often attribute their success in life to their faith. It's a positive reinforcement to their attitude.

@josie_ Absolutely without faith I don't think I ever nurture my belief in God especially in likening His words to my way of life.

I like to think of "karma" as a kind of cause and effect system that is amoral or unconcern with "right" or "wrong". The idea of a vengeful God who sits in judgment and exact retribution is also a concept I have abandon together with my religion.

@josie_ Or simply, "It was God's will."

There is a greater chance of success if one works towards it rather than rely solely on divine providence.

Another way of saying this, "Man propose, God dispose"

"Luck" in a way is about being prepared and having the skill set to use when opportunity comes knocking. I believe in work but do it in a smart way.

Atheist do not believe in religion yet can believe that something beyond their control like luck can affect their lives. Why not also "God"?

There are people who had a heart attack when they made a big win in gambling. But the odds of being hit by lightning is greater than the odds of winning the lottery.

But some people are luckier than others and they believe it is because of their religious beliefs.

@josie_ Very simple, see if some thing particular, preserved for you, then it will definitely comes your way. Then the term 'deserving' determined by the deeds done by us. If we did good things then it will come to us by multiplying.

@Sreekala _If religion has nothing to do with luck, why do people keep religious images and symbols on their selves and in their homes like some charm amulets, if not to ward off "evil" and bring good fortune?

How does one "deserve" luck?