Is religion a cosmetic that is applied to make symptoms appear better without addressing  the real causes?
340647
nowadays, I don't think that religion is something acceptable by anyone.\nIt is not even a cosmetic, it is just a tranquilizer for the symptoms while they remain.
937621
Not really.\n\nMost religions use an external belief in a 'God' or 'Jesus' to develop love and morality in their minds.\n\nBuddhists believe it is up to the individual to develop these traits. That's why Buddhism is sometimes called 'mind training' or a philosophy and not a religion.
513462
anythng that does good to ur skin, health, body... watsoever pleases the creator... the bibles teaches us how to take care of the REAL temple of the holy spirit--- thats our physical aspect...
667875
Yes, it is.  My religion does not preach this, and it's one of the reasons that I chose to believe what I do.  Actions have consequences.  People should be made to deal with them, even if it's just a guilty conscience.
551170
I have often wondered this, too. I found a pretty good article on the subject, if you would click on the link below. It doesn't really promote it, but it doesn't condemn it either. It, basically, lets you take a look at the reasons in your heart for doing it, and where you stand with God. \n\nThe Bible warns us against getting wrapped up in our looks, but it also says that we should try to make ourselves look good for our husbands (different words of course).\n\nIn response to Catlins Playhouse's remark, sin is sin. I say that because of her comment "do you think God is going to be mad at you when all these other people..." God will judge us based on His laws and the convictions He places in our hearts. If you go to have cosmetic surgery and you feel the Holy Spirit urging you not to, but you do it anyway, you will be judged on that. \n\nI'm not telling you not to do it. I think you should pray about it. God will let you know.
400286
no, it actually helps prevent cancer, but it will leave permanent callasis that could one day cause issues with sensations, especially if there is nerve damages. and may cause blindness.
301226
Kinda makes religion seem like a bunch of nonsense doesn't it?
617580
No.\nIt's just as believeable as the "Praying trees" farce.\nPeople can make any pattern look like anything they want it to look like. It's just a few overzealous faithfuls who want to spread the name of God and His works.\n\nJenova\n(d.yuffie@gmail.com)
880458
In short, yes. But it also enslaves people to irrationality and denial.\n\nOne thing I have learned about most religious people is that, facts, reality, commonsense, rational thinking, and the like, have no place in their lives. You can not reason with them - it's the great mystery of human behavior.
1036306
Currently it serves as a crutch to people afraid of having to be resonsible for their own actions.  Religion takes away the guilt, because everything happens because of god.  It is an illness.  Mental illness is no laughing matter and we need to help the religous become cured of their ills.
429779
Well, it doesn't. But apparently praying makes people feel better, even though it doesn't really do nothing. . .
874110
People manipulate religion to what they want it to mean
1002202
Princess - when you post these kinds of questions, unfortunately you will get inane and irrelevant answers from religious fanatics who do not believe human problems have organic origins.  I am just surprised that this time it was a Muslim instead of someone in one of the many "Christian" sects that also denigrate psychology and psychiatry.  Oh, well, religious fanatics are essentially the same, no matter which "holy book" they read.\n\nNow to the meat of your query.\n\nYou got many sound replies above.  Anti-depressants have variable results according to the individual.  They also have variable results according to the dosage - for example, a big dose of Zoloft can produce different consequences than a lesser dose.\n\nI am surprised that you apparently have not been under a regimen of monitoring by the doctor(s) who diagnosed you.  It is typical when a patient begins this treatment to be checked frequently to monitor the effectiveness of the medications, and if they do not work right, to be changed.\n\nAs a side statement, be aware that you can't really drink if you have depression, and especially when on medications.  Alcohol IS a depressant.\n\nAlso, anyone diagnosed with acute depression (as I presume is what they said of you) should be placed under the direct care of a psychiatrist.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained in these matters and the use of medications as an element of treatment.  They do not always require a patient to undergo intensive analysis and theray.  Today's psychiatrists are inheritors of Freud's work, but they are much, much different from the old-fashioned concept of egg-head analysts.  \n\nAny mental health problem produces behavioral consequences, however,  And these can persist beyond the effect of chemical sources of the problem.  Depression is not entirely a chemistry problem, usually, and to think that medications alone will resolve depression is to miss an opportunity to go after the things that cause or contribute to the problem.\n\nWe are ALL mixed-up folk.  There's nothing whatsoever wrong with getting un-mixed-up if we get the chance.  Go back to your doctor, milady, and get a referral to a psychiatrist you can trust and work with, and keep your appointments.  By the way, my experience suggests that a psychiatrist who embraces "gestalt therapy" methods is the most effective.
612671
Nope.\n\nBut man using religion as an excuse sure is.
915267
Not really. It shows all that is wrong with religion.
615565
Okay, if it would make you feel better, I don't follow any ORGANIZED religion.  Is that better?
769012
Yes. Some Eastern religions like Taoism or Chinese folk religions discuss something call the Chi, which is the term for one's spiritual life energy. When Chi is out of whack, through stress and/or negative thoughts, certain treatments can bring it back into alignment and harmony, thus improving health and relieving pain.