More people have been killed in the name of religion than anything else in the history of the world.
More people have been tortured in the name of religion than anything else in the history of the world.
More people have been persecuted in the name of religion than anything else in the history of the world.
Religions are evil.
2006-09-07 07:30:25 · 31 answers · asked by A Baby Ate My Dingo 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I always feel a little awkward when someone asks a question like this and all I can do is agree...
2006-09-07 07:32:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Truthfully, I'm not sure, but you are correct in both your assertions regarding religion as contributing to violence and also to the persecution through the ages. God, Allah, Jesus, Buddah, etc, belief in them is not the direct issue, the establishment of an administrative, dogmatic authority (Religion) is. Sad but too true.
Now as for Brother Micheal and his assertion: "Unless you can provide valid statistical evidence to support your claims, I take it as opinion. Check out the stats on Stalin(atheist), Mao(atheist), Hitler(atheist), Pol Pot(atheist), the Caesars(atheists, polytheists) and Genghis Khan(atheist).
Sin as brought about the misery of this world. "
Mikey, get your facts straight, Stalin, Pol Pot and Mao yes Atheist, but Hitler born Jewish, raised Christian, practising occultist, Ceasars were Pagan not Atheist (do you even know the meaning of the word), and finally Genghis Khan was a Doaist as was Kublah Khan. Now, as for the assertion the statements made are mere opinion: Fact, during the Dark ages it is chronicled that more than 12 Million died from the Black Plague, now you're probably wondering how that works into this, well the Vatican and the Church believed cats were evil because witches may use them, thus with the cats being killed, the real evil, the rats were left to multiply and carry more disease. A Plague was allowed to spread because of religious superstition and ignorance. I won't bother with all the death from the Crusades, you do, Michael, know about those I presume. Let's not forget the inquisition which lasted long enough to kill, by the Vaticans' own estimate, approx 1 Million people over the 20 years of terror. Let's see, what else, oh yes lets not forget the Witch trials, throughout Europe and Asian, as well as America (granted, the US murder were small in number but I'm sure you get the point). Now at this point please note I have only offered some Christian atrocities, others have been committed and continue to be in the name of Islam for one. Also, the question raised was in regards to religion, not Christianity. As such given the beliefs of the Babylonians towards Hebrews, Hebrews towards Cananites, Rome towards the know world at the time, all of these conflicts were primarily about their belief that their God or Gods' promise of power on earth. So, Religion is, whether Christian, Jew or whatever like it or not, a great evil in the world.
Note also, that Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot were atheist also is valid as condemnation, but Religion continues to be the bane of man's existance, that need only be seen on the nightly news.
One final note, Religion is NOT Faith, so please no statements that this is an attack on anyones faith.
2006-09-07 07:35:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
People have caused more misery in the history of the world. Don't blame religion. From the beginning of time people have used anything and everything to advance their selfish ambitions - even religion.
2006-09-07 07:47:33 · answer #3 · answered by Big Blue 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Christian, not religious, so I would tend to agree with some of your statements. A Christian deifies Christ, places Him in the center of their life, studies His Word, and follows His teachings. Religious people, on the other hand, follow man made traditions, twist scripture to suit those man made beliefs, have an agenda that does not preclude the use of violence, and judge everyone and everything.
Remember what Jesus did, when the woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Him (John 8:3 through 7), He saved her life, when Jewish law demanded she be stoned to death.
The part of your question that I disagree with, is your presumption that all people of their respective beliefs are religious.
Grace and Peace.
2006-09-07 08:22:35 · answer #4 · answered by Not perfect, just forgiven 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Really? The three largest mass killings and overall devastation in world history had little to do with religion.
Stalin
Mao
Hitler (although without the ground work of Christianity, Hitler would have had a harder time making the list)
2006-09-07 07:37:13 · answer #5 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear Babe,
Religion is something that tells us the right way. I believe human would be like wild animals with out religion, I mean if we as humans follow the most righteous religion that can tell us the way we can live peacefully side by side then conflict could be out of this world. So try to compare the religions exsisting in the world then you will find the right religion.
2006-09-10 08:24:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
What a load of ignorant bovine fesces!
Try reading up on the actual death-counts caused by ATHEISTS.
You know:
Stalin - 46 million
Mao Tse-tung - 37 million
Hitler - a paultry 20 million
Try learning some history before you trot out these tired old arguments.
2006-09-07 07:41:18 · answer #7 · answered by jbtascam 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Has anything caused more misery in the history of the world than religion?
Yes.
2006-09-07 07:32:41 · answer #8 · answered by whynotaskdon 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Most religions are evil...because they were put in place by the devil who is trying to "steal, kill and destroy" God's people. If you are a true Christian, who actually believes and lives by the Bible...and the whole bible, not just the parts you like, then you are more than likely living your life to save people, love them and help care for them. Find some true Christians, try to be openminded and perhaps your opinion will be more altered to a positive note.
2006-09-07 07:35:54 · answer #9 · answered by nic_tammyscott 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Although I don't agree with your conclusion, I will say that the thing that has killed, maimed, destroyed cultures more than religion is
Greed
2006-09-07 07:35:49 · answer #10 · answered by words_smith_4u 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you can provide valid statistical evidence to support your claims, I take it as opinion. Check out the stats on Stalin(atheist), Mao(atheist), Hitler(atheist), Pol Pot(atheist), the Caesars(atheists, polytheists) and Genghis Khan(atheist).
Sin as brought about the misery of this world.
2006-09-07 07:35:12 · answer #11 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋