What is your opinion on this?

Question

Religion breeds fear. Fear breeds hatred. Hatred breeds ignorance.

Please support your opinion with evidence if possible.

Please don't be rude and bad mouth anyone. I simply would like your opinions.

To rebut myself, Religion can also breed hope.

I heard this in class today and was pondering this all day after.

lol yes, Yoda was very wise

Thanks for the answers.


PS. These are not my own words.

Answer 1

I think it's a good idea to study other religions. You gain knowledge of how and what they believe, maybe not to a full extent, but at least an idea. However, I would say I have learned more by actually speaking to those who follow other paths than I have by reading. It is ignorance of other cultures and other faiths that breeds fear: it is fear that breeds hatred, and hatred that breeds ignorance. It is our job, as people, to break that cycle and push for even greater integration and desire for learning of our brothers and sisters.

Answer 2

Religion Breeds Fear:
Religion tells its subjects to do as they say, or fear death. Without folllowing their instuctions, you will die and go to a very bad place for eternity. Most religious principles about behavior are very good for the group as a whole, based on health concerns and genetics (i.e inbreeding). Some religious pricipals are controlling and fear-based - especially in the context of the modern world.

Fear Breeds Hatred:
If a child misbehaves, an effective parent doesn't punish or use violence, they use teaching and listening. A child who is punished or beat-up learns to obey out of fear of the retaliation (belt, paddle, or slap), not because the misbehavior is wrong. Over time, anyone who is kept down by fear comes to resent the authority figure. Think of a boss who constantly tells you "If you don't like working here, there are 5 other people willing to work here for less money." Fear of the authority figure, rather than the consequence of your own actions breeds resentment and even hatred.

Hatred breeds ignorance:
I might be inclined to say that ignorance breeds hate, rather than the opposite. Not knowing about something can be scary and intimidating. Fear often comes from intimidation, so hate is really a product of fear. Hate is a belief that is held by the hater, not the person that is hated. Understand? In other words, if someone hates my color hair or skin, that is 100% their issue, not mine. The hater is the only one that can change their viewpoint.

Answer 3

First, the argument has no conclusion, just 3 premises.

I believe your premises are attempting to allude to a conclusion such as

"Therefore, Religion breeds ignorance"

If this is the conclusion that you were intending on communicating then your argument would be considered logically sound. But, your premises are all opinions which are not supported by any evidence. When you make a generalized statement such as "Religion breeds fear" you must consider that if, at any time, religion does not breed fear, then your whole argument becomes False. Such a general statement like "Religion breeds fear" would be very difficult to prove. The amount of empirical data and level of control would require years of research and repeated studies done on many random sample populations. I think you are upset over something religious and this is your outlet. It is not a good idea to generalize. There are almost always exceptions.

Answer 4

Can't agree.

Most religions are based on love of God.

Love and fear are two different things.

Fear of doing wrong and having to face your maker is a benefit you should receive from religion.

You may be confusing established religions with newer versions that have been altered to do all the wrong things.

Catholicism, for centuries, was the cornerstone by which everyone felt an obligation.

Having been torn apart and changed to suit the new breed is showing it's disatrous results.

Loving God is what we should all do, no matter what religion we adopt.

Understanding what it means to violate the Ten Commandments is something everyone should be made aware of.

Once people start knowing their conscience, then whatever religion they believe in is of second nature.

It's the heart that counts the most.

Being a religious fanatic, or a loyal follower with no ability to understand what religion is trying to convey....doesn't make for truly God fearing people.

Respecting every other human being and all of God's creation is what makes for a truly God fearing person.

Answer 5

I think Ignorance breeds fear, and fear breeds hatred.

the religion thing - um that depends on the religion -and which of all the members are getting the most media coverage.

I think for the most part,most religions produce people that are trying to be something better than they are.

Answer 6

While I agree in principle, I'd rearrange some of the relationships.

I think ignorance creates fear, because we desperately fear the unknown. Like fearing the dark and fearing death...

I truly believe that religion is a direct result of the fear of death, because without religion many people would literally shut down, if they didn't believe there was a "reason" or a "path".

Religion creates a faith, but it's often without understanding, leading to blind faith. And a faith without introspection is nothing more than self-righteousness. It's rare that the devout follower of any religion is willing to examine the dogma they follow... So because of this rigidity, they have no choice but to hate those who have a different point of view.

So my progression would actually be...

Ignorance leads to fear. Fear makes religion a necessity. And the combination of ignorance and religion create hatred. Like a spark in the dry grass...

But religion, in and of itself is only as bad as the people who follow it without truly understanding it.

Answer 7

My opinion is that the connections are flawed throughout. Religion does not breed fear; it breeds security in the knowledge of a just reward at death. Fear does not necessarily breed hatred either. Fear can be the end in itself.

Answer 8

People who use fear to project onto others have no power. If I don't react to fear then they don't know what to do. The opposite of fear is love. Most people know how to give better than receive. Having never received love then what resource can they draw from? Receiving takes risk. When I put up a wall I am defensive. Yet, I attract what I radiate. As if people are in my life to help me deal with something I see in them. Hate is learned. Ignorance is an excuse. I have religious zeal and fervor.

Answer 9

Fear breeds hatred, hatred breeds ignorance, religion breeds understanding,understanding to enlightment,enlightment to love= Peace

Answer 10

My thought is that religion isn't the problem, I would say that dogma is it. The unquestioned rules and teachings of any religion is dangerous. I think it breeds Ignorance. Ignorance breeds fear and fear breeds hated.

Dig the question though!

Blessed Be.