Problem with Christianity

[Roark]

Christianity, like most other religions, are nothing but a powerstructure used to oppress people.

I reject this notion, given the extensive charity work that goes on under the Christian banner. Conveniently ignored?

The church that I was raised in as a youngster never tried to oppress me, nor am I aware of anything like this going on in the mainstream denominations.

Perhaps your knowledge of Christianity is limited to the medieval/Renaissance periods, and to the Catholic church...

The entry of democracy will in the end remove the religions as they will loose power and become outdated.

Again, I don't find this to be accurate. The vast majority of Christian nations have been democratic for some time now...

Church attendance is falling, but I don't see a link to democracy.

[bmolsson]

I reject this notion, given the extensive charity work that goes on under the Christian banner. Conveniently ignored?

The church that I was raised in as a youngster never tried to oppress me, nor am I aware of anything like this going on in the mainstream denominations.

Perhaps your knowledge of Christianity is limited to the medieval/Renaissance periods, and to the Catholic church...

Not at all. Devoted Christians are not always evil, most of them are actually good people. But this doesn't change the fact that Christianity is a religion, which strives for political power and have always done so.

Again, I don't find this to be accurate. The vast majority of Christian nations have been democratic for some time now...

Church attendance is falling, but I don't see a link to democracy.

There is a direct link between increased secularism and democracy. It's quite obvious actually.

[Papewaio]

...a religion, which strives for political power and have always done so.

A religion that does not gain political power often finds itself at the mercy of one that has gained power.

Hence there has been a wittling away of virtually all faiths that do not have political clout. Even internal sects will get removed if they fall prey to a stronger ones political moves (Templars).

In the end the more political faiths will increase in frequency while those less fit will die out.

[Adrian II]

There is a direct link between increased secularism and democracy. It's quite obvious actually.

Please elaborate, because to me this isn't obvious at all. How does it apply to the United States, for instance?

[bmolsson]

Please elaborate, because to me this isn't obvious at all. How does it apply to the United States, for instance?

US faces a decreased democratic process, where lobby has a far larger power than before. This results in less participation in decisions by the voters. Also to note is that US is a democratic republic and not a democracy.

[Adrian II]

US faces a decreased democratic process, where lobby has a far larger power than before. This results in less participation in decisions by the voters. Also to note is that US is a democratic republic and not a democracy.

True or not true -- where is the link with 'increased secularism' that you spoke of?

[bmolsson]

True or not true -- where is the link with 'increased secularism' that you spoke of?

US have a decreased secularism, it's Europe who have the increased secularism.....

[Adrian II]

US have a decreased secularism, it's Europe who have the increased secularism.....

I know, I know, but what is the connection with the development of democracy? It is time to prove some of your statements, BMolsson.

[Albino Gorilla]

There is a direct link between increased secularism and democracy. It's quite obvious actually.

What about Athens?

[bmolsson]

What about Athens?

Greece is pretty secular and democratic I would say.... The womens are a bit emotional though....