Which is more dangerous to mankind: Nationalism or religion?

Answer 1

Climate change is probably the most dangerous for mankind. All the wars and religious squabbles pale into insignificance to what is to happen in the next 100 years.

Those who have faith in god will say its god's will (or some other tripe). Others will blame the nation they hate the most. And some will sight mankind's stupidity.

Answer 2

Religion as a concept is not dangerous in itself. Only nationalism separates us and makes us suspect our neighbours. The trouble with Muslims now is nothing to do with religion. Ask any average Muslim. Osama Bin Laden, et al, are only on fire because someone has set their foot on territory that happens to be administered by Islamic governments. The Catholic/Protestant conflict in Northern Ireland is all about who has the right to live in a particular area. The two biggest wars of the 20th century happened when one power invaded another's territory. Even the crusades were all about who had control of Jerusalem and surrounding territories. Who cares who our our neighbours are? People are essentially decent apart from a few rotten apples who spoil things for everyone else. It doesn't matter who rules if the choices we have are governments who can't properly look after it's citizens. Admittedly, if freedom of choice is taken away from us, we will rightly have concern. Throughout history, governments hove shown concern only for their own nationalistic ideals. If the people and their welfare fit in with that primary cause, then then they will do that job also.
I feel that it would be much better if all people were living under one government, speaking more or less the same language and viewed each other as brothers and sisters, free to travel throughout the Earth wherever and whenever they like.

Answer 3

Nice question! I was going to jump right in with a cry of 'religion!', but on thinking about it, I'm not so sure...

I'm a little biased against religion, as I have serious issues with the exclusivity of 'faiths' and the trouble that can arise purely because of clashes of religions and their members and the fact that a lot of religions seem to aim at instilling fear in those who choose not to believe, rather than promoting the benefits of believing.

But there are benefits. For all the failings, faith, whether blind or not, can be a good thing - it can bring people together, etc, etc. And this is on a global scale.

Nationlism in confined to nations (!), so the reach of any benefits (such as bringing together a community) are heavily restricted. In the same way that religion has its downfalls, nationlism does, such as fanatics - and I've got to say, I don't get it with nationalists...

Religion has some kind of higher level that its working for (whether that even exists is a moot point), whereas nationlism is based on a nation - which is a poitical set-up based on a defined piece of land. We're all on the same planet, walking on the same ground - what's the point getting worked up about differences that occur over man-made borders?

Also, there are more nations than (major) religions, so more possibility for conflict. And there's no point preaching about the more immediate danger of religion in the way it can mix within one nation with no loyalty to that region - there are plenty of people in plenty of places who feel no loyalty to the nation they live in, religious or not.

I think I've just convinced myself that nationalism is more of a threat than religion...! I'd be interested to see a discussion for the opposite...

;0]

Answer 4

Without doubt - religion.

It seems a new cult pops up nearly every week now having a bash at gay people, jews, blacks, women etc.

Kaballah, Scientolgy, Creationism, Catholicism, Evangelism - the list is endless, with each one claiming to be the only way to live life.

There's a man called Richard Dawkins who has written a book saying that the world would be a much safer place without the need for religion and God.

I agree with him.

Answer 5

If we talk about present days....i would say Nationalism! Nationalism is using the religion as excuse for all acts!Nationalsm is characteristic for singleminded ppl,there is NOThing evil or wrong..with/in some religion,if u choose to follow it in the right way!Nationalism is manipulating with the religion....thats fact..especially now!

Answer 6

Nationalism usually are one in the same as religion, and usually, nationalism is started as a religious movement.

Answer 7

More people have died over religion through out history,
long before there was a national identity

Answer 8

Carried to extreme action, both are about equal, but then everything carried to the extreme is bad for at least one man (or woman). Historically, without any facts to back me up, religion has the worst stigma. We continue to try to force our beliefs on others, often when we have little idea of what we believe ourselves.

Answer 9

Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.

Answer 10

Man is most dangerous to mankind, under any guise, be it nationalism or religion.

Question is how to channel man's propensity to hurt himself.