How does organized religion/faith benefit the world? Can we get rid of it? Should we?

[Electric Mayhem 35]

The time for striking fear into the hearts of man with the threat of being banned from a pleasant afterlife is over. The only benefit that seems to come from the major churces in my eyes is to unify those that want to do good under a banner of common beliefs.

 

Those that use their religious teachings as a weapon or an excuse for ignorance have no place in the advancement of humankind and the goal of peace on Earth. Unfortunately, most major religions still insist that their ancient texts hold the keys to a mystical fairy-tale ending to the lives of those that blindly adhere to their words like a cake recipe.

 

Why do we need it? The basic tenants of religions are simply a guide on how to live. They are a stepping stone of morality and a suggestion of what rules we should follow when making decisions in our lives. The Torah is supposedly the words of God as directly spoken to Moses. The Bible tells of how it rained for 40 days and nights, and a guy built a big boat that somehow held 2 of every species on the planet and kept them alive until the rain went away. And somehow the meat eating animals lived without eating anything (since they couldn't wipe out a species by eating the last two of anything) and managed to re-populate the Earth. The Book of Mormon is just ridiculous. Scientology? Please.

 

It's obvious that we as a race are trying to do away with the old faith-based views. The are so many offshoots of religions that cater to those that want to cherry pick certain points and disregard other that no one can really be a true ANYTIHG anymore. it's just people's way of realizing that they want to believe in SOMETHING, ANYTHING even though their intelligent, logical side tells them not to buy into the all or nothingness of the major faiths.

 

What happens if the population decides to unalign themselves completely? Why can't we make faith something that some people decide to keep and hold to themsleves, and focus the on the MORALITY issues that are the foundations of what the ancient books are based on? It's time we stopeed looking to God as a law making ruler. Let's look to ourselves and our peers. For those that think leading a good life will ultimately unite them with a supreme being - fine. But to define that 'good life' by the teachings of one man or one priest or one book or one parent or one Pope or one prophet is just too easy. It's too convenient. We are seperated from the animals because we can REASON. So why do we refuse to use that reasoning when we determine how to live? 90% of those that follow a faith do so with less thought and criticism than they used to determine what they would have for breakfast - they simply choose the faith that they were shown by their parents or peers without question.

 

Do religions have their good points? Sure. Christian charites and groups do a world of good for those in need. They give those without hope a reason to go on. They give a backbone to those that have nothign else to lean on. But those supports and hopes and good will missions do not need to wave a cross or cite a book in order to continue. We can still do good deeds in the name of mankind. We can still provide hope to those with none. We can provide support to those with nowhere to turn. But we should be doing it because we as individuals WANT to do so - NOT because we were TOLD to do so. Not because the alternative would mean being black balled from a higher plane of existance - but because not doing so would mean you looked inside yourself and wanted to be selfish or ignorant or biased and could live with the personal emotional and societal consequences that derived from that decision and accept them.

 

Does faith have a place in society? I don't know. If that faith continues to seek confomity to one view of the world - than I say absolutely not. If faith can be an individual's inner strength and drive and give them a needed light at the end of the tunnel of existance, than it may be necessary for certain people in order to go on and enjoy the time they have here.

 

Does God have a place in society? Until we find a concrete answer to the origins of life and the universe - there is a place for God as an alternative to the Big Bang theory and the other suggestions as to where we came from. No one can say there is no 'Creator' until proven otherwise.

 

People ask me why I care about religion so much and want it gone. They say it is not driven down my throat. They say it doesn't affect me and if I don't want to belive I don't have to. The reason why I want thigns to change and voice my opinoin is that I see the state of the world today and I think to myself how we are just running in circles and somethign has to change in the core view of humankind before everyone can let go of their personal agendas and work towards a better society. I see religion as the primary obstacle in that goal.

 

I probably shouldn't even put this out there, but fock it. It took long enough to type.

[NewbieJr 541]

Without getting into a God or no God debate, the prospects of a world where no one thinks they have any higher power to answer to, frightens me.

 

If no one believed in a God or God-like master, the world would be filled with criminals, thugs, and people who stick up for guys like Barry Bonds.

 

If religeon is really all bullshit, but it keeps some of it's believers from leading a life without morals, than I'm all for it.

[Toro 3]

I think that taking away the belief that people will pay for the bad things they did, imaginary or not, will make the world a better place.

 

Look, I understand where you are coming from, but I can say, at least IMO, the reason the world is becoming the place it is directly speaks to the loss of God in people's lives.

[Medicated 0]

It doesn't, its a net detriment. Yes. Yes.

[Strike 6,023]

Without getting into a God or no God debate, the prospects of a world where no one thinks they have any higher power to answer to, frightens me.

 

If no one believed in a God or God-like master, the world would be filled with criminals, thugs, and people who stick up for guys like Barry Bonds.

 

If religeon is really all bullshit, but it keeps some of it's believers from leading a life without morals, than I'm all for it.

 

You don't think people are capable of being good people without the fear of a higher power?

[Bert 1,128]

The only benefit that seems to come from the major churces in my eyes is to unify those that want to do good under a banner of common beliefs.

 

That's what they say. The same why the timeshare sales people say it will be a short presention with no hard sell.

 

The fact is it is all about the money with "organized" religion.

[Sho Nuff 720]

You don't think people are capable of being good people without the fear of a higher power?

 

Some are...not all.

 

Hell,, some are not capable of being good people with the fear of a higher power.

[NewbieJr 541]

You don't think people are capable of being good people without the fear of a higher power?

some, yes.

 

As far as believing in God or not, I do. I'm not sure in what capacity, but I have faith that we have a creator.

I file my religeous beliefs in the same folder that I filed my belief in the Curly Night accident. If, in the end, it turns out I was wrong, I still think it's a good reflection on me as a person, to say that I believed.

It doesn't hurt me one bit, or cost me a thing, to believe in God.

[supermike80 2,082]

Without getting into a God or no God debate, the prospects of a world where no one thinks they have any higher power to answer to, frightens me.

 

If no one believed in a God or God-like master, the world would be filled with criminals, thugs, and people who stick up for guys like Barry Bonds.

 

If religeon is really all bullshit, but it keeps some of it's believers from leading a life without morals, than I'm all for it.

 

I find fault in that in this sense. Ok, I agree, people can't always be trusted to do the right thing, but why does this "higher power" have to be some mystical figurehead watching all our moves?

 

Can't we have a very strict set of laws that will punish those that do wrong?

Much as I hate extreme Muslims, I like some of their punishments(cept those related to sex and women).

But if you are caught stealing, off with your hands...executions are swift and not always painless....

I WOULD NOT steal if I knew my hands could be cut off.

[Sho Nuff 720]

I find fault in that in this sense. Ok, I agree, people can't always be trusted to do the right thing, but why does this "higher power" have to be some mystical figurehead watching all our moves?

 

Can't we have a very strict set of laws that will punish those that do wrong?

Much as I hate extreme Muslims, I like some of their punishments(cept those related to sex and women).

But if you are caught stealing, off with your hands...executions are swift and not always painless....

I WOULD NOT steal if I knew my hands could be cut off.

 

Yeah...just throw away that Constitution we have..... like say the 8th amendment.

[edjr 6,898]

EM

[jerryskids 7,085]

Cool, a "religion sucks" thread!@#

[Electric Mayhem 35]

If no one believed in a God or God-like master, the world would be filled with criminals, thugs, and people who stick up for guys like Barry Bonds.

 

That is a horrible thought, and I think this is a window into your own personality. If you think that the only thing keeping people from being honest, polite, friendly individuals is the fear of God, then you must think the worst of everyone you meet a until they prove otherwise - like a guilty until proven innocent attitude.

 

Let's try to think what would happen if someone proved 100% without a doubt that there was no God.

 

I think at first there would be mass confusion, followed by a rash of hysteria, suicide, murder and anarchy after lives turned upside down and they didn't know how to handle the situation. After time, I think people would realize that they only have a certain amount of time here on Earth, and in order to make the most of it they themsleves have to make good choices and look inward to be happy. But that's just me I guess.

[edjr 6,898]

Another thing I laugh about when it comes to religion.

 

In a court room they make you put your hand on the bible and swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 30 seconds later they lie their ass off.

[supermike80 2,082]

Yeah...just throw away that Constitution we have..... like say the 8th amendment.

 

Ugh....Dood this isn't a discussion about that. I asked why the higher power always has to be this god figure.

 

 

Go roll your eyes somewhere else simpleton.

[Electric Mayhem 35]

Cool, a "religion sucks" thread!@#

 

How does organized religion make your life better? Not your faith... the actual organized religion. Could you still lead the life you lead and keep your personal fiath and discuss issues of morality and how to be a better person if it weren't using the strict teachings of a book under the name of a specific sect? I think so.

[Riddlen 1]

Honestly, I forgot to develop guilt as a child so if it werern't for my belief in Christianity I would be a total law breaking d!ck.

[Sho Nuff 720]

Ugh....Dood this isn't a discussion about that. I asked why the higher power always has to be this god figure.

Go roll your eyes somewhere else simpleton.

 

Dood....you stated...

 

Much as I hate extreme Muslims, I like some of their punishments(cept those related to sex and women).

But if you are caught stealing, off with your hands...executions are swift and not always painless....

I WOULD NOT steal if I knew my hands could be cut off.

 

Yes...it is about the Constitution when you advocate for that type of punishment.

 

SO I will roll my eyes at you.

[Isotopes 1]

If it weren't for organized religion we wouldn't have this

 

Who-Dey Jesus

 

I drive by this all the time on my way to Cinci. It is hilarious.

[jerryskids 7,085]

How does organized religion make your life better? Not your faith... the actual organized religion. Could you still lead the life you lead and keep your personal fiath and discuss issues of morality and how to be a better person if it weren't using the strict teachings of a book under the name of a specific sect? I think so.

Since I currently do that, the answer is yes. I've said before I'm not terribly religious.

 

That being said, the hypocracy of positions like yours continue to amaze me. You look down on "religion" and think you are smarter, more analytical. And yet, you see only the bad stuff that comes from it (bad news tends to make the news more, if you hadn't noticed) and completely ignore the good. Every week, hundreds of people in thousands of churches get together with their friends, find peace, cleanse their minds. For every whack job money grubbing preacher, there are hundreds who love their congregations and help people through problems. For every child abusing priest, there are hundreds who dedicate their life to good works.

 

To say the world would be better without religion is ignorant.

[KSB2424 3,173]

After time, I think people would realize that they only have a certain amount of time here on Earth, and in order to make the most of it they themsleves have to make good choices and look inward to be happy. But that's just me I guess.

 

You have way to much faith in the human race.

[Strike 6,023]

To say the world would be better without religion is ignorant.

 

I have to disagree with this statement. Certainly you're entitled to disagree with someone who thinks religion makes the world worse, but suggesting that such a position is ignorant is wrong IMO. I'm on the fence on the issue but I can certainly see why someone would think that. A huge amount of the conflict in the history of mankind has been a result of religion.

[edjr 6,898]

Why are we bothering to fight the war on terrorism? Won't god protect us?

[schaef2k 0]

You have way to much faith in the human race.

 

Being an athiest, the statement you are refering to pretty well describes my moral view. I'm not answering to a higher power and not doing things out of fear of punishment.

 

If I only get one shot, why go through life with a ###### attitude, you need to make the best of things now.

[phillybear 366]

Athiests are getting too condescending and snarky nowadays. I think it's time to cut their focking heads off. Every religion will get behind that program.

[Electric Mayhem 35]

Since I currently do that, the answer is yes. I've said before I'm not terribly religious.

 

That being said, the hypocracy of positions like yours continue to amaze me. You look down on "religion" and think you are smarter, more analytical. And yet, you see only the bad stuff that comes from it (bad news tends to make the news more, if you hadn't noticed) and completely ignore the good. Every week, hundreds of people in thousands of churches get together with their friends, find peace, cleanse their minds. For every whack job money grubbing preacher, there are hundreds who love their congregations and help people through problems. For every child abusing priest, there are hundreds who dedicate their life to good works.

 

To say the world would be better without religion is ignorant.

 

I have to assume that you didn't read what I wrote then and just jumped in with a rolleyes.

[Big Blue 06 196]

What gets me is people, such as yourself, who believe that religion is false. If it is such a lie, why are you in such a hurry to rid the world of it? What does it matter to you, one way or another? I'm certainly not trying to start a war of words with anyone here, but I'm really curious. There are more threads on this website condeming religion than promoting it. So what is the problem?

[RLLD 4,275]

Religion is poison, the opiate of the masses.....

[Hairy Larry 0]

I think that taking away the belief that people will pay for the bad things they did, imaginary or not, will make the world a better place.

 

Look, I understand where you are coming from, but I can say, at least IMO, the reason the world is becoming the place it is directly speaks to the loss of God in people's lives.

yeah..the Islamofascists agree with you..

[Electric Mayhem 35]

What gets me is people, such as yourself, who believe that religion is false. If it is such a lie, why are you in such a hurry to rid the world of it? What does it matter to you, one way or another? I'm certainly not trying to start a war of words with anyone here, but I'm really curious. There are more threads on this website condeming religion than promoting it. So what is the problem?

 

I adressed that. I truly feel that because of religion the world is spinning its wheels. When I see that we are not advancing towards a better place it concerns me and I want it to change. I actually want to make a difference.

[schaef2k 0]

Athiests are getting too condescending and snarky nowadays. I think it's time to cut their focking heads off. Every religion will get behind that program.

 

I'm sure they will.

 

But I don't see any athiests calling for religious people to be beheaded. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

 

 

What gets me is people, such as yourself, who believe that religion is false. If it is such a lie, why are you in such a hurry to rid the world of it? What does it matter to you, one way or another? I'm certainly not trying to start a war of words with anyone here, but I'm really curious. There are more threads on this website condeming religion than promoting it. So what is the problem?

 

How many wars have been faught in the name of religion? How many in the name of atheisim?

[phillybear 366]

But I don't any athiests calling for religious people to be beheaded. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

 

Not really. They are mostly a bunch of pussies.

[schaef2k 0]

Not really. They are mostly a bunch of pussies.

 

Nice. Maybe they are just smarter

[supermike80 2,082]

Dood....you stated...

Yes...it is about the Constitution when you advocate for that type of punishment.

 

SO I will roll my eyes at you.

 

Ok, let me state this a little more simply for you.

I was discussing, again, why it is necessary for the higher power to be some mystical force from above. I asked whether another power, such as a strong discipline system, could supplement, or take the place of, this god being, whatever that is.

 

This thread is not a discussion about the constitution or whether this system could be implemented in the USA, it was just asking if that is a suitable replacement. OK?? Do you understand what I was getting at now?

[Brad GLuckman 519]

Most atheists I've met in my life are good moral people, even without the fear of a higher power. I have noticed on this board however, there are quite a few people who enjoy degrading people's beliefs simply because they are not the same as their own.

 

This made me think about a conversation my brother and I had just yesterday...

I wonder if you guys are as outspoken about your hatred for religion in real life, or if you are like most atheists...who just don't believe in God and aren't bothered by the mention of it. But on a message board, you feel the freedom to express what you really want, without people you know calling you an a$$hole. Sure a bunch of random internet people you'll never meet might, but who really cares?

[Strike 6,023]

Most atheists I've met in my life are good moral people, even without the fear of a higher power. I have noticed on this board however, there are quite a few people who enjoy degrading people's beliefs simply because they are not the same as their own.

 

This made me think about a conversation my brother and I had just yesterday...

I wonder if you guys are as outspoken about your hatred for religion in real life, or if you are like most atheists...who just don't believe in God and aren't bothered by the mention of it. But on a message board, you feel the freedom to express what you really want, without people you know calling you an a$$hole. Sure a bunch of random internet people you'll never meet might, but who really cares?

 

It depends on the person in question. If I met Toro in real life I'd call him a focking religous hypocritic, just like I do on the bored, because he is one. If I met Fumbleweed in real life I'd be completely respectful of his beliefs because 1) He doesn't push the crap on anyone and 2) he walks the walk.

 

I have no specific problem with religion, although I do feel it adds a lot to the world's problems. But I also feel that most religions teach good morals; it's the fringe people in each religion that create most of the problems. Except the Catholics but that's another topic. But what I do have a problem with is the fact that a large percentage of religous people are extremely hypocritical.

[jerryskids 7,085]

I have to assume that you didn't read what I wrote then and just jumped in with a rolleyes.

I thought I did. Your point seems to be "we can have all of the good in religion without religion." I listed a series of examples which would not exist without a belief in God.

 

Also I inferred that you believe you are mentally superior because you have figured out that there is no God. I could be wrong I suppose.

[edjr 6,898]

IF GOD IS ALL MIGHTY AND ALL POWERFUL, WHY DO CHURCHES NEED MONEY? WHY DOESN'T GOD GIVE IT TO THEM?

[jerryskids 7,085]

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J

IF GOD IS ALL MIGHTY AND ALL POWERFUL, WHY DO CHURCHES NEED MONEY? WHY DOESN'T GOD GIVE IT TO THEM?

[schaef2k 0]

Most atheists I've met in my life are good moral people, even without the fear of a higher power. I have noticed on this board however, there are quite a few people who enjoy degrading people's beliefs simply because they are not the same as their own.

 

This made me think about a conversation my brother and I had just yesterday...

I wonder if you guys are as outspoken about your hatred for religion in real life, or if you are like most atheists...who just don't believe in God and aren't bothered by the mention of it. But on a message board, you feel the freedom to express what you really want, without people you know calling you an a$$hole. Sure a bunch of random internet people you'll never meet might, but who really cares?

 

Just like religious people. I get bashed for being an athiest because my beliefs are diffent from someone elses. Pesonally I don't care what anyone believes as long as it doesn't effect me.

 

Intollerance goes for both groups.