Author Topic: Is religion a good thing? (Read 1488 times)

GtoRA2 · « **on:** August 28, 2002, 01:47:27 PM »

Well is it?
Think of all the problems is has caused?

The crusades?
many wars?
The Spanish inquisition?
Witch hunts?
Other cultures being wrecked by it, (missionaries coming and converting)
Much of the terrorism in the world is in part from one religion seeing the rest of the world as evil and wanting to kill them?

What good has come from it?

I do not want to start a flame war I just want your thoughts.

Rude · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2002, 01:58:17 PM »

A relationship with God is a good thing....Religion is manmade.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2002, 01:59:55 PM »

Rude,
What does your relationship with God do for you?

ra · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2002, 02:10:26 PM »

Despite the claims of secular humanists, monotheistic religion was the basis of human scientific curiosity. Before monothesism, people believed in multiple gods, or in animal spirits, which controlled the world. In such an environment man did not attempt to make sense of the world around him, as he believed that all things were subject to the whims of whatever the gods or spirits decided to do. With monotheism, man became curious to find out how the one god had designed the universe. This lead eventually to scientific thought.

Wars and slaughter come out of human nature, they happen whether religion is involved or not.

Many enlightened secular types, like communists, believe that religion has out-lived its usefulness, and that it is holding mankind back. To me, saying that without religion mankind would find peace is like saying that by eliminating red and blue clothes, the Crips and the Bloods would stop fighting.

ra

SirLoin · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2002, 02:17:10 PM »

I have no comment.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2002, 02:29:40 PM »

Ra, it may be human nature to start wars, but Religion has added a hell of allot of fuel.
If it is human nature and religion has no bearing on it good or bad, what good is religion now.

What do you take from your beliefs?

Monotheism may have started science but many religious people throw away science now and hold on to old and foolish beliefs.

midnight Target · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2002, 02:36:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by ra
Despite the claims of secular humanists, monotheistic religion was the basis of human scientific curiosity. Before monothesism, people believed in multiple gods, or in animal spirits, which controlled the world. In such an environment man did not attempt to make sense of the world around him, as he believed that all things were subject to the whims of whatever the gods or spirits decided to do. With monotheism, man became curious to find out how the one god had designed the universe. This lead eventually to scientific thought.

Wars and slaughter come out of human nature, they happen whether religion is involved or not.

Many enlightened secular types, like communists, believe that religion has out-lived its usefulness, and that it is holding mankind back. To me, saying that without religion mankind would find peace is like saying that by eliminating red and blue clothes, the Crips and the Bloods would stop fighting.

ra

What a load of crap! Sorry, I mean I disagree sir.

Science as it is currently defined was invented by the Ionian Greeks about 600 B.C.
While the Egyptians and Babylonians undoubtedly developed mathematics and astronomy, the Ionians began the scientific method that has been used to this day.

Religion, especially Christians tried to squash this knowledge and were almost completely successful. Read about the burning of the library of Alexandria someday. Religion has not assisted scientific knowledge except as a way for poorer folks in the Dark Ages to get a free education by joining the clergy.

You are almost completely wrong in this ra.

Fatty · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2002, 02:39:41 PM »

I will agree with Ra on one point, religion satisfies the apprehensions of the ignorant by providing explainations to the unknown. That's hardly limited to polytheism though.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2002, 02:43:23 PM »

Tah Gut
Good reply!

Hey email me at Gtora2@hotmail.com so we can talk about good times for me to get ahold of John.

Thanks again!

Kieran · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2002, 03:05:46 PM »

Gto-

So you admit you'd really made up your mind when you posted?

Tired topic, same participants, same tired viewpoints, same conclusions. I'll save you time.

Believe if you will, don't if you don't. You don't have to insult the other viewpoint in the process

funkedup · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2002, 03:07:59 PM »

This thread is officially retarded.

midnight Target · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2002, 03:13:55 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by funkedup
This thread is officially retarded.

See!

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2002, 03:15:29 PM »

Who did I insult?

I have a problem with Christianity and organized religion, I admit it. I am not trying to insult anyone or just find out what you all think?

Funkedup
You don't like it don't post.

Kieran · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2002, 03:20:22 PM »

The royal "you".

Of course, blaming every bad thing that ever happened in civilization on religion could be construed as insulting by someone that is religious- I find it so- but I am so tired of arguing the point here I think I'll just let that slide. It's the same people that claim to be enlightened talking down to the same people that believe and will believe no matter what. Nothing is accomplished.

GtoRA2 · « **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2002, 03:29:44 PM »

"The royal "you". " Maybe I am being thick but I don't understand.

I am not saying every bad thing is caused by religion. Nor am I trying to accomplish anything, I was just looking for peoples thoughts.

I am not trying to say I am better then you cause I do not believe the same thing nor am I saying your are wrong for what you decided to believe. Again I just want to know what people think.

It's a forum for discussion, that's all I am trying to do.