How many people believe that religion is for controlling the masses?

Answer 1

It used to be religion, now media controls the masses.

Answer 2

I don't think religion in itself is controlling the masses but rather our Idea of what religion is is controlling the masses. The difference is the "real" truth of religion-which most people can't recognize because although we have revelation, revelation doesn't tell the whole story; and our "perception" of the truth of religion- which varies and most always is extremely confusing.

Answer 3

I believe that it is so much easier to believe than not believe.
It, religion, of course, may be the greatest hoax ever perpetrated upon mankind, but still the followers are much happier than non-believers. Truly ! The old adage maintains privilege here, "there are leaders and followers," therein lies the academy of the masses. Most of us want to be controlled to some degree. In fact, it's a necessity for most. Thank God ! !

Answer 4

Religion is an invention of desperation and serves as an opiate for the masses.

How easy it is to believe that if one is "good", one will go to "heaven" where all is perfect and some omnipotent father figure will assure your serenity for eternity-and all your "sins" will be forgiven by "father". Who wouldn't like that? Now you can do anything you want without fear of retribution.

Then there is the "hell" part. If you don't tithe enough, do all the "father" asks you to do, live like the "father" wants you to - off to "hell" with you where you will burn forever in fiery flames....unless you are Catholic. First they go to "limbo" where they have a second chance to avoid "hell" and go to "heaven".

But wait!!! There is another religion that says "father" wants you to kill anyone who doesn't believe what "father" says you must - based on their interpretation of "the word". If THAT person kills, they will be sent to "father" and given 40 virgins....

Does this sound like Aesops Fables to you?

Answer 5

That is sooo relavent today, because there is one certain so called "religion" out there has people totally fooled into believing that it's a religion. I mean, even their own websites admit that their founder was a politician:

http://islamlib.com/en/page.php?page=article&id=699

check it out...but they don't get that religion is spiritual, period. It's about compassion:..and they go around the issue that really, someone who is a spiritual leader cannot be a power hungry...well never mind, but check this out too

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_Muhammad

so how many people...well, the stats are there for this "religion" all of them are into what you ask above.

Good catch!!!

Answer 6

i have nothing aganist religion

but it has often been used as a method of control for those in power throughout history

in the middle ages, it was believed to overthrow or murder a king was a sin leading to hell, and so it was a tool to squah revolt

during the russian revolution religion was ended because the communist believed it took away the ability to think for ones self...when Stalin came into power he reinstated religion to reinforce the concept of heaven

throughout the centuries this overlooming threat of heaven and hell has been a way to control the masses

i think now it has less control but i hate the control religion has over opinions and beliefs, such as abortion or gay marriage...some are forgetting to think for themselves

Answer 7

I do, it is controlling politics, war, and the beliefs of the average Joe. I often wonder though, if it weren't for religion what would be the state of the world, better or worse. We still had wars raging back when Polytheism was the dominating beliefs. Perhaps human nature is better off contained.

Answer 8

Wow, is there anyone who DOESN'T?

I cannot but assume the hierarchy of every religion understands this.

Perhaps some of the sheep are simple enough to act like they don't know, but as we learned in the Grand Inquisitor, it is simply because for many there is freedom in being led, even if it is to the slaughter.

Answer 9

Very well could be, an astute observation. Bear in mind, though, that religion is apart from an actual relationship with God the Father. I don't subscribe to the whole notion of religion, as it is too humanistic, and, as you put it, controlling.

Answer 10

The True religion shows love for God and neighbor.
All the major religions of the world,and smaller groups that imitate them, fail at this.
God will soon give her the most severst punishment! (Revelation chapters 17 and 18)