Why can I see so clearly that religion is a con, and so many others can't? Am I missing something?

Question

So far...It's interesting. But, no christian has convinced me on what I'm really missing. You are preaching the same old preachings which I know is not true.

Paul Dan...And others who are still blinded by the 'FEAR OF GOD'...Can't you see that by fearing god; you are being held to ransome?
I can see clearly that religion only benefits the heads of these sects. Nothing changes for the poor people at the bottom. Notice how long some people have been praying to be equal in the eyes of god. Is god sleeping then? Why are they still praying? Can't they see that prayers are not working to their benefit? Why can't they see the bible stories for just what they are?
FICTION!

Answer 1

It is also clear for a very large proportion of the population (recent census almost 40%) that it is a con.
Fear drives people to believe, fear that humans are not special (they want to be special, they want their live to have a purpose and not just be), fear of death (the idea of not being when you die terrifies them) and lazy thinking. It's easy to put the god stamp on things, it takes a bit more thinking and work to understand the world in its beauty and complexity.

Answer 2

The societies and culture that are the most aligned with religion tend to be in decline. Look the Black culture. I drive through these communities and you can find a church on just about every corner.

There are many people that would like to offer real help to the Black community but Blacks only listen to religious leaders. This should be a big eye opener for the religious leaders but of course they would not want to give up their status for a better perspective. Religions have no integrity and the leaders will lie to keep their power.

Answer 3

I agree with you. I do believe that there is something out there, although it may not be the "God" some people believe in. Churches get their money from donations, and I have heard dozens of stories about scandals involving churches. And you know, those people that love their religion deeply and go to university and special schools just to study it, often end up not believing in it after a while, because it just doesn't make sense anymore.

Answer 4

You don't have to choose Christianity. Religion may seem odd, and not true, but you don't have to believe those thing. Believe only what feels right to you your self. And yes you are missing something, believing Ina god gives you hope, and faith, and make you feel loved always. You don't have to believe in the same god as Christians, or you can believe in the same god but believe different things. At least if you believe there is something more, in the darkest of times, you will know there is ligate at the end of the tunnel, and you know that the divine is right there holding your hand!

Answer 5

You see only with your eyes...not with your heart. No one can come to God with their mind alone.

I am the first to admit that much of what the Bible states is illogical and can not be proven by scientific methods.

However, I also know that God is very real as is Jesus and the Holy Spirit from my personal experience. I can't prove that to you either. A few years ago I felt as you do but then God called to me and I opened my heart in hope...

He took it from there and I am so glad that he did. Perhaps someday He will call you also. If and when he does...I sincerely hope you answer him. You honestly don't know what you are missing. (and I am not talking about going to heaven)

Answer 6

No, you're not missing anything. Lots of people think the same way you and I do. Religion started as a way to obey some basic - and I mean extremely basic - human 'rights'. As generations pass, more and more people are leaving religion behind as knowledge of the world becomes greater. Legal debates often turn into ethical debates and ethical into religious. However, that cycle is slowly breaking down as many religions are collapsing onto themselves because of their poor leadership and foundation. I think those in urban areas often view religion differently that those in rural areas - assuming becuase of exposed views on individual differences. Those that are not exposed to anything other than their religious beliefs often lack the drive to want to know more, and ask 'why?'

Answer 7

I'm not overly religious i believe in morals and principle but no, religion in general isn't a con its a belief system and is there to help you in times of need. However, the people who run religious enterprises often con you. Remember the saying " Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. People that ask for money in return are conning you. Money doesn't buy you a place in heaven. Let your conscious buy you peace.

Answer 8

Yeah, you are missing Jesus. Unfortunately most all the high profile black preachers are fakes-just in it for the money. Many of the white also.
But Christianity is real-and Jesus is real. Put your trust in Him, not some religion or person. Don't look at crooks like Rev. Jessie Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Henry Lyons, and judge God by those fakes.These people "are" cons, don't trust them. Millions of black people do.

Answer 9

Insofar as religions contradict each other, they are either all wrong or only one is right. I know it's we who are supposed to be doing the answering, but might the questioner kindly explain why they are absolutely sure ("I see so clearly") that all believers are wrong?

Answer 10

For you the reality is that religion is a con. For people who believe their reality is that religion is the only true way. There is no definitive reality - live and let live. Everyone's reality is equally valid.