Why should I hold a shred of respect for mainstream Religion???

Question

The 'big three' (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) have been THE principle cause of war, famine, pestilence and death in this world. They have suppressed technology, information, new ideas. They preach tolerance but have tendencies to go on murderous witch hunts and slaughter anyone with even slightly different ideas. They don't even like to follow their own rulebooks. They are materialistic, warlike and vengeful, and the route to power is usually through a literal translation of their holy book, a set of commands sent by a force that hasn't even the guts to show it's face.

There's no such thing as God. There's no tooth fairy, no monster under your bed, no Satan, no angels, no demons. There's a whole universe out there, unaccounted for. The greatest Revelation of all is that everything we knew before was all false.

We're on the brink of a hyperscientific age. Why should I respect Religion, when it has only tried to hold it back? Why believe in fairy tales, when there's the real deal?

Answer 1

Well, you are entitled to feel that way, there has been ample evidence, such as you cited. I love science, but I still believe in "God", and for me, using science to look at the world around me, only makes this creation all the more remarkable. For me, there is still some kind of divine inventor who started the ball rolling, guides the whole thing, and reveals itself, first through religion, now more and more through "science". For me, science is another form of revelation, and doesn't negate for me the idea that there is something higher than ourselves initiating the creation. The mainstream religion I was brought up with didn't "do it" for me, I had to look elsewhere in my search to comprehend the cosmos, but I still have respect for mainstream religion even so. As some of the others have said (and there are some awesomely good thoughts posted on this page today), is it the message, or the messenger? The things you cited, I chalk up to human leadership. Human leadership is fallible. Humans can be greedy, irresponsible, immature, erroneous. The things that you cite, could be chalked up to bad leadership preying on people's insecurities, and leading them astray from the core message.
As others have stated, good leadership can also work wonders toward helping the human condition. A "Christian" actually tried to kill me once (and a couple others as well), when I refused to join in a cult he belonged to. I don't consider his actions the actions of a Christian, but of someone who is mentally ill, and looking to leaders who are also mentally ill. I have not allowed that incident to color my thinking, because I am also blessed to know several Christians in my life who persue thier path with love, devotion, and dedication, and who would be horrified at the thought of going around beating up on those who don't see things the way they do. The idea of "God" moves people. Some use that for ill purposes. Some folks don't need the idea of "God" to motivate them, others find it comforting to think there is someone watching over them, on a dark night when, maybe there isn't a monster under the bed, but there might be one inside one's own self that needs to be looked after. Someone I know, recently said to me that purity toward "God", or in the direction of "God" must be prized. I continue to have respect for mainstream religion, because I persist in the belief that somewhere out there someone actually "gets it", and continue to prize those who seek on thier path with love, dedication, and understanding, whatever that path may be... As for why you should have a shred of respect for them, if you don't have any examples of people like that around you, then I don't know what to tell you, you need to look around and decide for yourself...

Answer 2

While the mainstream religions have been the cause of many conflicts over the years, we cannot ignore the other beneficial aspects of it's existence, such as alleviating (some part anyway) poverty and charity.

There are examples (ample) of religious organizations exceeding what the public views as their line and leading some further astray rather than keeping them on the straight and narrow. However, ultimately there remain a few who try their best (but are often overlooked by the media simply because "good" does not make "interesting"). Media nowadays are so much more interested in scandals, especially in such institutes because these are often lauded as places of high morality.

I feel that they should be respected (somewhat) for their ability to believe in the great unknown. While we can disparage their opinions and the such based on our current observations of Science, ultimately what we call that which they do when defending themselves as "argumentum ad ignorantiam" (argument from ignorance) can also be applied to us.

I agree that believing overly much in fairy tales is counterproductive as well, but not believing in those at all would be too sad. In terms of the optimistic-pessimistic views, the world would deem their cup too half-empty if the world chooses to dismiss what we call "fairy tales" completely.

Answer 3

From a certain or particular perspective I can fully understand, appreciate and even agree with how you and others may feel the way you do about religion, God, etc.

And before you throw out the baby with the baby-bath, I ask that you first stop, think and try your best to first separate "doctrine from people" for a moment.

If you do, I think that you'll discover that really, you aren't upset at any religion or God, but at what PEOPLE have done with, or how they have interpreted, and taught others from inspired writings and teachings such as The Torah, OT/NT, Quran (and others) and the idea of God.

Really it's no different than what Lenin and Stalin (and other such individuals) did with the inspired writings of Marxx.

What makes you think, feel or believe that 'science' is or has always been; is or will always be flawless or infallible?

Remember, it wasn't that long ago that 'scientists' thought that earth was the center of the universe; that the world was flat, and that our universe was composed of glass spheres, etc.

I could (and so could you and everyone else) point to a thousand different ideas, concepts, etc., that at one time science thought was 'the truth' and later proved that it wasn't.

You really believe that science is devoid or immune from corruption and politicalization?

I could even reveal a popular concept that many today believe is the/a "truth" that science has proven--and yet, and depending on the data you read and accpet you might discover that science is being corrupted by man much in the same way as religion has--and that topic is global warming, and that man is/has caused it.

Do you recognize any similarities (common denominators) between science and religion? For one, they are BOTH being run and managed by "man." Also, they both set themselves up as "authorities" (within a social structure or government) and then must do their best to maintain that "authority" at almost any cost--or otherwise they loose their 'standing' and livelihood (money), 'votes', and the 'love and adoration' (respect?) of others.

Worst of all they face the possibility that others will no longer come to and/or recognize them AS "the authority" (in whatever area) and will cease to come to them to ask for the (black and white; yes and no, etc.) answers to all the "mysteries."

I also believe that whatever "the ill" that you might be concerned about was NOT actually caused by the or any organization, business or government, but by the inability and unwillingness of the people to think for themselves. Everyone wants a simple 'black and white' answer to everything--as "shades of grey" requite thinking.

That said--ALL organizations go through periods of 'corruption', and if you only look at specific slices of time then, of course you will only see the reality of that slice of time you are looking at.

I agree that there is no such thing as God...as YOU (and the majority of people understand God to be! However, blaming God and religion is no different than religions laying everything on God (as why did God let this happen; it's God's will, etc.,), and everything and anything 'outside' themselves versus, or before looking AT themselves and for the truth--and the real problem and a good solution--first before them involve anyone or anything else--including God.

While you have EVERY right to believe what you wish to about God, the tooth fairy, monsters under you bed, Satan, angels and demons, or anything else...

...if you say that there's a whole universe out there unaccounted for, then how is it that you know what is or isn't or "out there"--and that there could be these things that you say aren't there--and possibly a lot more? ;-)

Note: This is no different than a religioin (or should I say a religious person) saying that God is 'unknowable', yet THEY say that THEY (somehow) know God and can tell you all about him????

You also state (using a religious term) that the greatest "revelation" is that everything we knew before was false. Again, who told us that? The very people who now tell us that what they previously told us was false, and that we should now believe what they are attempting for us to believe is "the truth."

Again, I believe that "science" has been the source of just as many (or even more) "fairy tales" than religion!?

It appears to me that you are stating that as long as it is "science" that is the one that is telling 'the lies' that it is okay and that we should accept it.

So who then should we believe?

What I think that you, and everyone else who participates here really wants to know, is "the truth"--no matter where it comes from.

How do we come to know and discover the truth--of anything or all things?

Ah, now that's the question, and since you didn't ask that question, then I won't give you an answer, and leave you to think on your own, and hopefully--for yourself. ;-)

It is good that we challenge ALL our realities--and not just the our favorites ones (grin).

Regards,

Bryan

Answer 4

Not to offend but you sound like someone who has been terribly hurt by a church somewhere. God is not like that. God created you special and He loves you. And His true children don't try to hold people back they try to help them forward. They don't "witch hunt" but the pray unceasingly. The "big three" as you called the religious are so far apart in beliefs and customs they don't even come close. Another thing is customs, which would hold people back in some areas, are totally different than beliefs. True followers of God are not materialistic, warlike or vengeful. We're loving entitys that believe God in all of His power and all of His love and glory. I pray that God opens your spiritual eyes to what a loving person He really is. I don't believe everyone who believes differently than me is wrong. I may not agree with their manner of worship but doesn't mean their wrong. There is a God and He loves you so very much. And there is a hell and a satan who wants to destroy you. I hope and pray for peace in your life. As well as love and understanding.

Answer 5

It may be true that manstream religion has done evils. Please do not group ALL of EVERYTHING into the evil empire that you describe.
There is a difference in organized religion and spirituality.
Love of God does not require participation in a denomination or secular religious group.

Hyperscience has done it share of evils also, but it has also done lots of good. Do I loose respect for the scientific community in totality and reject the good things they provided just because some fantatics use their knowledge and scientific capabilities to create and use weapons of mass destruction, chemical warfare, chemical plants that pollute our world??? Science, hand in hand with politics, has suppressed technology and information and new ideas for their own agendas. Why do we still drive gas guzzling machinery when decades ago they discovered alternative forms of energizing our vehicles?

If we use your reasonings and logic, we would have to reject science along with religion.

Do I support and condone the evils of either, NO. Do I tolerate the evils of both in support of the good, YES. Do I work towards reducing the evils and enhancing the good of both, YES!!! I recommend you do the same.

Open your eyes and your heart, look for the good in people.
Not all religious people are the hatefilled, warmongers you describe.

Answer 6

I am a firm Christian believer!
I agree with what you say in your first Paragraph.
I would have agreed with your 2nd para if you had stated that YOU did not believe in God rather than state categorically that there was no God! It would keep you logical and believable.
Fairy tales teach children facts about life and gives others HOPE.
When you refer to religion you are actually talking about their Doctrines. Religion is the spread of the WORD. Doctrine is where men state what God wants and means (as if they would know!!) What binds us together (Christians) is the belief in Jesus and the Faith we have in his teachings and Promises.
Although I am a fervent believer, your article does not annoy or displease me. you speak clearly and openly about what you see. There should be more people like you speaking their minds and there may not be so many hypocrites in the world and so give us peace, all faiths alike. All the religious problems you speak of are due to Man insisting that THEY know whist all the Sacred Volumes state the opposite.

Answer 7

It is certainly true that religion (man's attempt to render the universe comprehensible) has been the cause of endless bloodshed and horrors.

And I cannot convince you to believe in anything.

But each person has to find their own way in Life. Some choose not to "believe" and at the other end of the scale, some choose to become like mindless drones, and receive all their simple answers on a platter.

I can only speak for myself. I was originally "raised" Lutheran by two loving parents that never beat us over the head with scripture. They taught us to love and to have sympathy for others.

As I matured, the whole "organized religion" thing did less and less for me. I got nothing out of group singing, group recitation, etc., etc.

But that did not mean that I lost my sense of love and sympathy for others. I did not become cold and miserly.

I've been happily married for 36 years to an intelligent, sexy woman, and I try to balance my life between the pleasures of the flesh and extending a helping hand to others.

You could label me a Deist, if you like; one who chooses to believe in a supreme being, but I cannot offer you "proof" that you would find sufficient.

I enjoy the beauty of this planet and find that the most "grounded" spiritual moments are when I'm working in my garden; taking part in the endless cycle of birth, death and re-birth.

Answer 8

put your hate away for a minute and think....whenever there is a disaster who are the FIRST ones on site helping out....Christians..many times in parts of the world where Christians are in danger because of their beliefs..what war did Christianity start???....the crusades???..that was more Catholic against Islam....that was how long ago??....name another one?...I see everyday churches feeding the homeless, counseling the drug addict and alcoholic...if you want to see "religion" through hate filled eyes you will only see where humans have fallen short....open your eyes and see the good in this world that religion is doing and stop whining about it and support one instead of taking the easy road and just complaining....

Answer 9

Religion has also created hospitals, universities and soup kitchens, so sometime in your life you will be needing what they have created. Wouldn't it go better for you if you practice the tolerance it teaches rather then echo its bad side?

Answer 10

You shouldn't.
The most curious social convention of the great age in which we live is the one to the effect that religious opinions should be respected.
-- H L Mencken, in American Mercury (March, 1930)