Organized religion should be banned?

Question

Elton John said organized religion doesn't work and religion should be banned because it promotes hatred. He didn't specify a paricular religion.

I love Elton John's music, but this really ticks me off. If I choose to now boycott his music, his personal appearances and such, would that make me hateful?

Epona - may I ask why you no longer buy at Books-a-million?

I would like to clarify - this is not because of his sexual orientation, it's because of his statement.

Answer 1

It wouldn't be hateful to no longer purchase his music. It would be a way of expressing yourself in a non-violent way.
I am boycotting Books-A-Million, I do not feel this makes me hateful. I have made the choice to no longer add to their profits.

Answer 2

Man had tried to destroy religion throughout history, but he cannot succeed, because religion is the divine educational system for building an ever-advancing civilization on earth. No power can stand before the power of the One True God.
The singer is nothing more than a singer. No man is anything more than human; so you don't have to give too much importance to his words. I also love Elton's singing and I don't wish that you will boycott him. He may affects people like him, but he cannot affect the mature humankind.

Answer 3

Do you not think that he has a right to his beliefs?
Organized religion caused the burning of Witches.
Organized religion is part of the problem in Ireland.
Organized religion killed many of the Native Americans.
Organized religions have killed "Heretics" and "Savages"
Organized religion is part of the problem in Lebanon and the rest of the Middle-East.
Organized religion is bashing Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and the Transgendered.

I'm not against organized religion, but certainly, it has had it's problems. If you want to become beligerant against Elton John for holding an obviously valid position, please do; that's your right. First, though, spend a few moments thinking about all of the hatred, killing and animosity that have been the direct result of organized religion. Maybe you'll better spend your time working to prevent these sorts of atrocities from happening again?

Answer 4

Yes, you should "boycott" his music, his events, and anything that would indicate you are supporting him financially or otherwise.

We should try to make our actions match our beliefs, and this does not mean we are being "hateful." If you disagree with something, you should speak/act against it within your capabilities.

It would be worse if you did NOT respond in this case, because you would then be supressing your personal beliefs just for the sake of listening to some music of questionable quality. What is more important?

Answer 5

Banning organized religion would qualify as an organized religion, now wouldn't it. Elton John has a good point, as history shows. Just say to yourself, point taken, and take no revenge. That way, you will not fall into the hole he describes. You can love unconditionally. That's how God loves us, and we've got to at least try to do it too.

Answer 6

Well, how do you define boycott? I boycott a lot of things...not because of hate, but because they are products I choose not to recieve into my life. I do not buy condoms, because i do not have sex (i am unmarried). I do not buy pornography, because i beleive it is morally wrong. I do not hate the people who distribute this, but I choose not to recieve it. Now, if you want to arrange a large scale boycott, again, why are you boycotting? I think you will see that a boycott is very seldom used for hate.

Answer 7

We all make an idiot of ourselves from time to time. I don't agree with Elton but I'm going to forgive him. No, I don't think it is hateful to boycott his music. It is your right to do so.

Answer 8

Of course he has a right to his opinion, but I really wish he hadn’t said it.

There are so many gay young people who are struggling with intolerance, often from their own families. I fear that this sort of talk could cause a back lash that could make things much harder for these young people.

Some of these kids have been treated so cruelly by family. We need more understanding on both sides, and this can only breed more intolerance.

Answer 9

Organized religion should not be banned. That is just his opinion and he is entitled to his opinion like we all are.

It would not make you hateful, but it would keep you from enjoying his music. Just ignore his opinions you disagree with and keep buying his music, unless you really feel strongly about this.

Answer 10

I saw the quote too. Then the article went on to say that he gets cranky when he's tired. If we can forgive Mel Gibson, let's forgive Elton John as well.