richard dawkins: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6690702357039658996&q=the+root+of+all+evil+dawkins
2006-07-24 07:38:43 · 40 answers · asked by Smegma Stigma 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If we believe absurdities, we shall commit atrocities.
"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction." Blaise Pascal
2006-07-24 07:49:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No its not evil, its a way of life.Man gave the name religion,ous;etc.Bottem line its only right for all ppl.What would it look like a bunch of arrogent think they know it alls who dont practice something and they try 2 run the world.We wouldnt have 1.Cause in the eyes of pple the average human believes they r always right.So then r thoughts r not Gods thoughts thats why By leaving God in control and not man The world wouldve been consumed.We cant even agree on whos safe and who isnt.So how could u say religion is evil.Without religion or some peace put into our choices of living and let live their would beEvil worst than what it already is
2006-07-24 07:48:41 · answer #2 · answered by VooDooQueenWitch Docter 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, athiests do evil things as well.
It's the root of a lot of evil, and the worst part is that the people doing the evil acts always think they are doing something that is good for others because they are doing it in the name of their religion.
2006-07-24 07:42:44 · answer #3 · answered by mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 Timothy 6:10 from the Bible says,
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
If by religion you're referring to a constant passing of the collection plate to maintain the lavish lifestyles of the leadership and keeping the people of a wanting, suffering world at a distance, then I agree with you. But real religion isn't about what divides us, it's what makes us distinct in this wanting, suffering world -- not in an arrogant way, but in the desire to reach out to help others.
When we lose perspective on religion, on money, on the environment, on any resource in creation, we're guilty of idolatry, placing someone or something before God in importance. And by the end of that verse above, we see that ultimately those who lose perspective and act on that loss will hurt themselves in the end.
What does religion by the standards of God really mean? Check out James 1:26-27 below.
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from [re:corrupted by] the world.
2006-07-24 07:52:12 · answer #4 · answered by ensign183 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, the nature of man is the root of all evil. Religion provides a convenient excuse to rally the troops.
2006-07-24 07:41:45 · answer #5 · answered by Kenny ♣ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES. Religion divides more people than anything else. Why can't people just admit that we'll never really know which religion is right? I think the world would be a better place without religion. Live for now, not the after life.
2006-07-24 07:46:35 · answer #6 · answered by Ken Kaniff from Connecticut 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Great documentary.
I would nuance it a bit though, and say the root of all evil is dogmatic allegence. Whether religious or politicial, it is among our human societies most vicious and terrible behaviors.
Since the stakes are alledgedly higher with religion, you simply see the dogmatic following a bit more fervently.
2006-07-24 07:42:30 · answer #7 · answered by QED 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wrong. An absence of religion is evil.
Want proof? Look at communist regimes such as the former USSR. Communism has killed at least 100 million of its own people. Its official religion is atheism.
That's not a coincidence.
2006-07-24 07:41:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Or is the root of all religion evil?
Or is either really a root at all, or more of a fruit?
2006-07-24 07:41:29 · answer #9 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are really ignorant. The root cause is desiring to acquire more wealth than you possess now or really need it. And it is always in comparison to your peers or people of your age / social status / type. This induces dishonesty sooner or later. (I dare say that 99.99% of rich people are or have been dishonest).
Once you are necessarily a liar (dishonest), everything evil follows.
2006-07-24 08:00:27 · answer #10 · answered by nodoublespeak 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Religion invented the concept of evil, so literally, that's a true statement, even though bad stuff would still happen without religion.
2006-07-24 07:42:57 · answer #11 · answered by lenny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋