If, as some atheists say, that organized religion is evil and unnecessary to our world, then how?

Question

does it continue to exist? Do you think John Lennon was right when he says of Christianity, that it will "shrink" and die? Why do you come to this conclusion?

Answer 1

How does it still continue? People still are superstitious and afraid. That's how.

I think Christianity will eventually fade into the shadows, yes. Of course it will inevitably be replaced by something no doubt much more foul and intolerent... but that's how it works, unfortunately.

I come to this conclusion because, like I said, that's how it works. A certain faith or belief comes into the limelight and it enjoys its 15 minutes or 15 thousand minutes of fame, but however long it burns bright... eventually it burns out.

Answer 2

To answer your two questions:

"If, as some atheists say, that organized religion is evil and unnecessary to our world, then how does it continue to exist?"

Because those who attend public religious services obviously differ in opinion. I, for one, prefer private prayer to organized religion, but I can't speak for everybody.

"Do you think John Lennon was right when he says of Christianity, that it will "shrink" and die? Why do you come to this conclusion?"

In Western countries, Christianity's popularity could diminish. However, Christian missionaries are spreading the gospel to "untapped markets" around the globe. According to several sources (see link below), Christianity is actually growing by 2.3% annually and is projected to continue growing in the future. So I don't see it dying out anytime soon. If there was one point in history that it could have died out, it was prior to Emperor Constantine's rule... when Ancient Rome was a largely pagan society and Christians (a minority at the time) were persecuted.

Answer 3

Egyptian mythology existed for about 3,000 years. I read here that Greek mythology lasted for about 1,000. Xianity got it's beginning with an emporer who heard about a monotheistic religion and he wanted to be the lone ruler of the Roman Empire (Constantine). He legalized the religion and promoted it but it went and stayed in power for a long time b/c it's defenders were better at killing off the competition.
Now, Christians busy themselves preaching that 'God is love' but since they can't decide what they all believe, they're breaking off into a lot of different denominations. I know it's having a major 'boost' in public opinion right now but I think reason will still make it fade more & more as time goes by. It just takes a while.
As for the rest of the world and their organized religions, I don't know enough to comment but I would think more exposure to other cultures and beliefs and/or philosophies will probably weaken any.

Answer 4

Firstly evil is a Judeo-Christian concept so atheists do not waste air repeating such terms. Secondly not even the "organized religions " trust they are organized! Thirdly religion has been substituted for superstition for so long young neophytes are confused at puberty as to what to believe! Makes it easy for criminal minds to prey on them! Fourthly the Judeo-Christians are split on what their purpose is so how can they exist let alone be necessary! It is Not about religion! IT IS about GOD!

Answer 5

Organized religion I am sure has it's place where it is actually done in accordance to God's will and the people genuinely feel like they are part of a Christian family. However, I have yet to visit one. The one's I have attended, of varying faiths, have tended to be either too far removed from the bible's teachings and Christ's actions that I personally cannot fathom joining something I do not think is true. I have my own religion, which simply consist's of me, my bible, my family , and God....not necessarily in that order.

Answer 6

As long as people stay close to the spirit of Christianity, there won't be any funeral any time soon. Organized religion has done more good than harm in the world. If you are worried about division and unrest in the world, I would look at the bloody, atheistic ideologies that make up much of the 20th century: Hitler, Stalin, Mao Zedong, Pol Pot. I worry more about big government than anything.

Answer 7

Religion was formed to serve God. People who converge together to offer services to humanity believe they are doing those things to serve God. There are times that even with the very best of intentions, evil will always have its way to get in. Their leaders become so powerful and influential and use the growth as a means to control a larger area of community. They started as advisors to ruling monarch and leaders of nations. Of course their power was no longer limited to spiritual strength and development of people, they are already have have used their strength to decide on political choices as to who can help them stay in power. When organized religion start to grew and proliferate, outside forces also start to wonder how they become big, and envy may have created them to start looking for something to bring them down in the guise of finding the truth. Then religion starts to depend themselves and become dogmatic about their practices.

Answer 8

It continues to exist because there are many who are too weak or unwilling to deal with their own problems,so they turn to some imaginary force,which really only means they let other humans tell them what to do in the name of that imaginary force. There are also those people who simply don't know better because they are brainwashed into their religion,I personally think religion should be treated like cigarettes,none until the age of 18 when they might be able to make an informed decision based on reality.
It is evil because those who run it are power hungry and evil,they are in their environment feeding on what makes them happy,control over the lives of others.

Answer 9

Although I consider myself non-religious, I don't see religion as an evil thing, unless mixed with already evil intentions, and it provides a sense of meaning and comfort that some people seem to need, or at the least really really want. And that is why I think it continues to exist and thrive. People want there to be something greater than what they see. It gives them comfort to know that there is an ultimate arbitrator of justice and bringer of order to the universe. Otherwise, the universe and our existence in it could be seen as a meaningless series of random tragedies and our lives and deaths would be largely inconsequential. I guess I differ from most in that I can accept that.

Answer 10

It continues to exist because it's supported by millions of dollars, and by the extreme power of its hierarchy. And I don't know if Christianity will ever shrink and die, but even if it did, it will take a really long time, longer than our natural lives.