How i think about religion

**The Stranger** · 05-17-2005, 08:26

Originally Posted by Uesugi Kenshin

Would religious people still do those good things without religion, if so religion is in a practical way more trouble than it is worth. In my opinion fanatical devotion to a religion, especially a religion with militant roots, is far too dangerous to make up for it with the gtood things done by some religious people.

By dangerous I mean harmful, oppressive and such not that religion threatens me or anyone in particular as a concept.

but the religions is invented by people to still there hunger for might. the bible is written by people to make people think what they're doing is good, cuz it is written in the bible.

so in some way yes religions are dangerous, but are gods dangerous, i don't think so. people use gods as excuse to do things that aren't right. people use gods to explain things they can't understand. now we all know where lightning comes from, and why it rains and stuff. but when religion was invented they didn't. so the used rituals to make the gods happy. so are now the gods dangerous or the people who follow the people that want might, and use the religions as a excuse to do so.

**Uesugi Kenshin** · 05-18-2005, 03:17

If religion is just what makes you feel overwhelmingly happy/at ease I have not found Jesus. (Jehova's witness reference for those without the door to door "Have You Found Jesus?"ites.)

Back when science was in its infancy and religion was the main source of answers I would probably have been an ardent deist of some religion, but today...

Well I have never had faith and the contradictions inherent in almost all religions are just another reason for my enthusiastic Atheism.

I never siad gods are dangerous, though if they existed they would be. But I think religion is definately dangerous and in some ways I hope that it will shrivel up and die, though I would never make any action towards this end because I respect other's beliefs. I think it would reflect much better on humanity if we did not require religion anymore to tell us to look out for our neighbors and be responsible and helpful members of society.

**The Stranger** · 05-18-2005, 03:27

but how do you know they don't. i mean if your child is the one that makes you live your life, and makes you happy, she is your god. does she not exist. a god doesn't always has to be a religion. THE GOD is only one god outa millions. and everyone has a different one and a different view about things.

and because you don't believe in a religion, doesn't mean that there is no god for you. if atheist means not believing in religions you're a atheist and i'm too. cuz i don't believe the bible or the pope, but i do believe that there are gods. they can be close so close that it could be my brand new FERRARI outside the door (not that i have one)

and tell me why are gods dangerous if they existed (as you claim they don't)

**Uesugi Kenshin** · 05-19-2005, 03:32

Think about it, an overwhelmingly powerful being. How is that not dangerous? No matter what that amount of power is dangerous, it may not be harmful if used correctly but vast amounts of power is always dangerous.

If I used your definition of gods I would not have one because no one thing makes me feel that way.

What you call a god is more like the greatest and most beautiful aspect of your life. I have no idea what word I would use to describe that, but I think that sort of thing can exist, though it be difficult to find and harder still to obtain. I also doubt it would be material possessions for most, but you never know.

**The Stranger** · 05-19-2005, 16:25

i agree, (btw it was just a example). you actually comfirmed what i said, cuz it is not the gods that are dangerous but the people that use the gods to gain power. that's why religion is pretty bad (only good thing are the holidays) but the gods aren't.

**Fragony** · 05-19-2005, 16:43

You would probably like pre-christian european mysticism, it basicly says that no religion can be bad because the upperbeing presents itselve in a way that the people can identify with, every saint or god is part of the same being, yet it choses a form to communicate with it's respective followers. So it is not religion that is bad, just the claim on an ultimate form/truth, because it is all part of the same thing.

**The Stranger** · 05-19-2005, 19:58

true, definitly true.

**AntiochusIII** · 05-20-2005, 02:13

Originally Posted by Fragony

You would probably like pre-christian european mysticism, it basicly says that no religion can be bad because the upperbeing presents itselve in a way that the people can identify with, every saint or god is part of the same being, yet it choses a form to communicate with it's respective followers. So it is not religion that is bad, just the claim on an ultimate form/truth, because it is all part of the same thing.

That sounds like Hinduism to me.

**Steppe Merc** · 05-28-2005, 19:53

I respect the founders of many religions (Jesus, Mohhamed, Buddha), as well as more recent religous people (Martin Luther King Jr., Gandhi). That said, I don't believe in any sort of religion or God, but I respect many spiritual people, and their overall message. I think that religion has been used by too many power hungry people for it to be "good".

**Uesugi Kenshin** · 05-20-2005, 01:48

Religion is dangerous, if only for the power that it holds and the fanaticism with which people will follow it. Unlike almost any other concept, group, motive and so on, religion is followed with extreme undying fanaticism. This makes it more dangerous than other powerful institutions and due to its very nature it is likely to discriminate and ignore new ideas.

**The Stranger** · 05-20-2005, 15:41

Originally Posted by Uesugi Kenshin

Religion is dangerous, if only for the power that it holds and the fanaticism with which people will follow it. Unlike almost any other concept, group, motive and so on, religion is followed with extreme undying fanaticism. This makes it more dangerous than other powerful institutions and due to its very nature it is likely to discriminate and ignore new ideas.

democracy is pretty dangerous to