Why is religion so awful?

Question

When religion has been responsible for much more death and human suffering than anything else, how can people say it is anything other than awful?

We don't need it anymore, it's miles out of date - the Westboro Baptist Church is proof that religion is awful.

Edit:

People say religion doesn't instigate violence?

What about "Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war" ???

Answer 1

WAR

Answer 2

Your first premise is a faulty assertion. I would modify it a bit to be more truthful.

1) People die every day all day long every day of entirely natural causes, like old age, disease, accidents etc. The totals from that alone outweigh any other source of death.
2) While it is certainly true that many have killed in the name of religion, it is equally true that supposed "Christians" who did this did so in clear violations of the commandments of God. Their "religion" was not responsible for this, rather a twisting and abandoning of their religion.

Your second assertion, if it proves anything, only proves that the Westboro Baptist Church is awful, not that all religion is awful. Would you use them as an illustration of the awfulness of Buddhism?

Your logic is non-sequitor, but you're no enemy of mine. Consider emailing me at [e-mail]

Blessings!
Tom

Answer 3

You only think that religion is awful and your going up against a big group of people by just saying this. No one will turn away from their religion even if you ask a question such as this. Religious individuals hold dear on to their beliefs and now half the world doesn't like you, because you just said something that was disrespectful.

Answer 4

Christianity doesnt preach death or suffering. It preaches love peace, and helping those who are less fortunate then us.The reason why you see more death in the name of religion is because of non Christians trying to tell us we are wrong and that we are not "politically correct". Well if being a Christian makes me "politically incorrect. I will wear the name of Christian proudly. And I will stand up for my beliefs till my dying day

Answer 5

People really should understand that its not religion which is killing people, its the followers. No religion asks its followers to go out and kill. You can't just put a stop to religion when the majority of the world's population still follow a religion of some sort.

Answer 6

It's not awful for those who believe. Some people need something to believe in to help them get through life. And there's proof that belief in something helps to heal, among other things. The problem is that every one thinks their way is the only way, and that they have to get everyone else to believe what they believe.

Answer 7

Well people are always going to need something to believe in. It would be nice if they stopped being sure they knew the answer already and just took the world for what it is a place to learn, and it would be nice if they stopped believing whatever they're told to believe and started thinking for themselves, but I think that that may be too much to ask.

It would be really nice if people didn't go around convincing stupid people of their psycho babble. Don't we already have enough psychos.

Answer 8

I find it weird that religion would tell it's followers to expect to be persecuted, and to feel like they are always falling short of God's glory.

Not too mention the wars, and the murdering done in religion's name.

Answer 9

People like you are so closed-minded. I see rapists, murderers, career criminals as a good source of death and human suffering. Open you eyes a little more. Those things happen because people are selfish and only think of themselves.

Answer 10

The religion is not the problem sport, it's the people ! You are still going to die one day and you will still need the Savior if you want to go to heaven. If you don't believe in Christ that is your right, but you will pay the consequences for rejecting God's gift for you, hell for eternity.

Answer 11

Religion is the best way to control and divide the masses.