Do you think that religion is the "opiate of the people"?
Is believing that there is no "god" a belief in itself?
2006-06-27 03:50:29 · 9 answers · asked by buzzfeedbrenny 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In general, religion is a good thing. It gives structure and a moral framework for those who need these things. To say it is an "opiate of the people" is to misrepresent religion. That statement is usually read in the pejorative sense, and true religion is a beneficial thing, not only to those who seek it, but also to the sustainability of a society. A problem occurs when religious people fail to recognize that the moral framework they follow is not unique. Sometimes people falsely believe that in order to be moral, or have a value system, one must believe in a supernatural being. So to condense my answer, no religion is not an "opiate of the people", but people can become slaves to their beliefs.
"Atheism,... is not a belief; it is the absence of belief ... An atheist is not a person who believes that a god does not exist; he does not believe in the existence of god." This is subtle yet powerful statement. So the answer to your second question is no.
2006-06-28 02:00:59 · answer #1 · answered by Ryan S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believing that there is no god is a belief. Just because we're athiests doesn't mean we don't believe in anything.
And, yes, religion is the 'opiate of the people'. But religion is different from believing in 'god'. Many people believe in god and don't believe in religion. Religion was created as a device to control people back in the day. Just because religion is bad doesn't mean a belief in god is bad.
You're really mixing two entirely different subjects with your question. It's hard to break it down simply.
2006-06-27 10:56:46 · answer #2 · answered by CarlaCCC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is religion the "opiate of the people"? No, it's more like severe head trauma, like what you see after a car and a freight train get into a pissing match.
Believing there is no god is not a belief unto itself. Would you call disbelief in Santa a belief?
2006-06-27 11:42:10 · answer #3 · answered by I.Am.The.Storm. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is the opiate. How about phrasing it like "Believing that people make up false deities and write books about it is a belief in itself"
2006-06-27 10:54:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well . . .religion is a way of maintaining and controlling people, usually without their knowledge, so its not really an opiate.
even junkies are aware (from time to time)of their addiction
I don't possess a belief there in 'no god' I just don't believe in the things people say about their own god, to me its very much like hanging up on telemarketers. I guess it was the best job they could get
2006-06-27 10:58:01 · answer #5 · answered by mike c 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Question 1: No, but it does certainly waste a lot of money that could be used to feed needy people!
Question 2: Yes. It's not a fact, I just believe it.
2006-06-27 10:54:24 · answer #6 · answered by Person #8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and yes.
2006-06-27 10:58:01 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and yes.
2006-06-27 10:54:02 · answer #8 · answered by Ashley 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok Karl Marx what else.
2006-06-27 10:59:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋