Religion, simply put, aims to provide us a greater sense of purpose to fulfill. It also helps in developing our moral compass; to differentiate good from evil.
Historically, we conveniently used it rationalize the irrational like with Creationism, a.k.a how the world came to be.
Each religion puts us on different yet also similar quest to reach their own version of nirvana.
With Christianity, we are ultimately guided to do morally good things and are even handed the ten commandments as guide to reach heaven.
The goal of Hinduism and Buddhism, in a nutshell, is to reach enlightenment and end the cycle of reincarnation which is the source of suffering. And how is that done? By amassing good karma or doing good things.
Although they have their own differences, most religions are the same in wanting us to follow the social norms, their own version of "good", that are present in places they influence.
The religious people that I know simply need religion to make sense of the ups and downs of life, and to have a purpose. Why do all these bad things happen? God-given trials they would say. Good things? Blessing. Misfortune upon someone? Karma or Justice. Death of a loved one? God's plan.
Besides, simply ceasing to exist on death seems depressing, no? On the other hand, their religions comfortingly set them on journey that promises them a reward at the end of the line. Exciting diba? Parang sa games at movies lang, may happy ending or something to look forward to.
So let them have it. Everyone needs faith to cope and to live. The question is where do you place your faith? God? Gold? Glory? Or maybe love? Wherever you choose to place your faith on, use it to fuel your will to live.
Appreciate the satisfying food for thought. Sarap sagutin kahit pagpuyatan. Mahaba at medyo philosophical pero may sense diba?