Is religion to control the masses?

Question

im agnostic , and i personally dont belive in religion, i dont see the use of it,
but i am curious of what you think of religion,

Answer 1

Yes, that's right, to control the masses.

Answer 2

Yes, I think that religion plays an important role in the evolution of human society. Religion helps to make a more stable society. Firstly, religion makes people happy. When people are happy, there are less conflicts between them. Second, there are many moral codes in religion that are beneficial to society as a whole. For example, religion teaches people not to steal, and not to kill. Obviously, a society would be chaotic if people steal from one another and kill each other without remorse. Third, religion unifies a community under its influence. When people hold the same beliefs, they find common ground and mutual understanding. These three points are a few examples that support the idea that religion is a factor in the evolution of human society.

Answer 3

I personally don't believe it is.
Im Catholic, but not a big fan of organized religion.
Relgion unites people as much as it divides them.

I would want to say that It is something that drives people..the only way i can think it would "control" them, is by knowing there are Eternal consequences for ones actions (e.i. breaking the ten commandments).

I always seem to get into these religious discussions with people (Which doesnt both me, I'm always open to other viewpoints) but because I'm in an inter-faith relationship.

I think spirituality works best for more people, at least it does for me. I'm highly spiritual and I believe that Jesus is my savior, I try and live a good life though i will be the first to admit I am not perfect and I sin on a daily basis. I think the difference though is that I ask God for forgiveness, sincerely, and know that If I ever had to chose between living and denying my savior, or dying for what I believe in..I'd choose death..

Kinda went on a random tangent there..just wanted to share my thoughts with you!
Very nice question I might add..obviously thought provoking, to say the least!

Answer 4

Karl Marx was the one who characterized religion as the "opiate of the masses". He wrote his book on the oppression of the working class, "Das Kapital", with the help of a cook and a valet. Various religions can have a socializing effect on large groups of people, but abandoning all religion isn't the answer. Truth is where you find it, and the Judeo-Christian ethic has been the source of our moral codes and laws, especially in the West. So I guess it's about whatever you mean by "control". It's not necessarily a bad thing.

Answer 5

I think It depends. if you're not allowed to question the philosophy, the teachings, Yes. it becomes (and it has become) a nice tool for people in power to reign over the masses using the "you can not do it because I/God says so".

If you take a closer look at other non-dogmatic religions like Buddhism or Taoism for example you won't anywhere find the "you have to believe", "have faith" (blind), but the whole opposite, you will also find practical wisdom to use it in your life, or to be in control of your emotions and/or your body through certain martial art trainings embedded into them

Can you use these philosophies to control the masses?, may be, but the moment you do it, you're not anymore a true follower. Buddha himself says: "Do not follow anybody, question everything, including what I am saying to you right now, find the truth of reality for yourself, I can only tell you about my experience". The Tao has a similar tenet when it says "Do not take anything so serious, including the Tao". See my point?, there's always room for criticism and improvement within.

peace!

Answer 6

Religion originally functioned as an explanation for phenomenon early man couldn't understand (why did Grog successfully hunt the cave bear yesterday? Because he painted its picture on the cave wall the day before!).
It then turned into a behavior control (don't forget to pray, or the bear god will punish you!). This happened at around the same time each society formed laws, so rules that just plain kept a society together (thou shalt not commit murder, thou shat not steal) also became societies' laws.
So yes, religion controls the masses. That's why atheists can obey the rules of a society without obeying a ridiculous religion.

Answer 7

I believe that religion is a way to control masses. But, some people need to believe in something. Religion answers most of life's questions. Who put me here and the like.

Answer 8

Religion can be used as a form of structure for society, but it is weakened when it is not held by the majority of the population, just as any other system. Religion can be used to examine the possibilities to questions people have about life or death, although it may not give definitive answers.

Answer 9

Basically religion in the old days was a set of rules used to control people and prevent anarchy from holding sway over the world much the same as our modern day laws do.

Answer 10

I think controlling the masses is a byproduct of religion but not really the purpose. At the individual level, the purpose of religion is to help people add meaning to their lives. Me, I don't need religion. I think that life is essentially meaningless, and that doesn't bother me.

Answer 11

Social control is definitely a part of most religions. Since some measure of social control is necessary for a society to function this aspect of religion is intrinsically necessary if often badly constructed.