Atheists, Agnostics and Free Thinkers, do you see organized religion as fool's gold?

Question

For me, that is the best analogy I can come up with. I find the answers it offers are too simplistic and generally unsatisfying.

Answer 1

Nice analogy!! I like to think that it's a way of controlling the masses to achieve a personal goal.

Answer 2

some time past while adult men had no technology they seen something that should no longer be defined as mystical or supernatural. because of the fact the discovery, and progression of technology we've found large truths approximately each little thing from the air we breath to the planets interior the universe. particular, we do not have each and all the solutions yet yet a minimum of we are engaged on it. whether we do locate and teach previous a shadow of a doubt that it develop right into a organic technique that made us fairly of a deity, it does no longer rely to theists. they might basically declare that could be a lie and say that the devil develop into at the back of it. bear in mind while the known because it EVILution?

Answer 3

My honest gut reaction to religion is that it does a lot of good for a lot of people. Human nature is inherently self centered and self aggrandizing. At its base level, religion maintains social order...let's people think they understand the unknowable....gives comfort for the thought of death (even burning in hell would be preferable to not existing...at least you're able to gripe about the pain)...and shows a set of values to strive for. It also provides a community connection. The church bake sale....etc. I think a lot of people need religion. I think without the fear of hell or damnation many people would be worse human beings then they are...more selfish....more willing to harm others...etc.

The problem is that a lot of people also look at the things they want to do...and value...and then place a religious significance on it. They ordain their own belief systems, greed, desires, etc., with whatever line from whatever holy book happens to support the position they want.

I think organized religion's first priority...like any organization....is to perpetuate the organization. Raise money, gain followers, etc. The actual end product of what they do...their core technology....is secondary to the self perpetuation of the organization. This is ultimately corrupting for any organized religion.

I have not had a faith based experience. I would need a faith based experience to acquire faith. I would not call myself an atheist...because I don't think I have enough knowledge or experience to tell someone else what they did or did not experience...but I also think Marx's analogy of the opiate of the masses is fairly accurate. I also think a lot of people need that opiate. And a lot of people are made better by that opiate.

Answer 4

Maybe another analogy could be religion is like the hot asian trannies I see on the subway.

From a distence they are alluring, leasing to the eye, and seem to have everything I could want. But after getting a closer look and hearing them speak, I realize it is all an illusion and i'd be getting a lot more than I bargined for.

(Another similarity, both involve Adam's apples.)

Answer 5

It's more than that...it gives ppl simple answers that go accordance with a simple minded life..."it gets you through hard times" Gives you the "hope to see loved ones again". It gives you a false sense of justice that is non existent, good things happen to bad ppl and vise verse, there is no distinction. This is just life. You can do anything you want or don't want in this world...it's up to you not an imaginary father figure handing out "rewards and punishments".
-Kill your GOD
Amen

Answer 6

The correct quote is that religion is the "opiate" of the masses.

Dude is correct. I'm considering creating my own religion since it seems to be such an easy way to separate fools from their money.

Answer 7

It's a smoke screen for the Maufia? To keep inteligent people like yourself from finding everlasting life.

Answer 8

Definantly, I run somewhere under the category of Taoist Agnostic.

Answer 9

Personally, I see organized religion as a crutch for people who aren't brave, introspective, or smart enough to search for their own answers.

Answer 10

I see religion as a corpse. The rituals are all there, but noone knows why, so the consciousness is gone.