People who say religion is rational are just being silly aren't they?

Question

I have no problem with people who say "Religion is irrational but so what" that's fine...however the one's who try to say religious belief is rational are taking it too far aren't they?

“One of the cornerstones of the democratic process is that discussion should be rational and that the bases upon which decisions are reached should be accessible to everyone. Religious beliefs do not fall into that category.”
(Brian Eno, Observer)

ā-bŏm'ə-nā'shən: I'm an atheist I can judge as I see fit, I am not required to conform to religious laws, that said a question is not a judgement.

Zain a : Are you telling me you need irrational stories to stop you from killing and doing bad things? and even if so it doesn't seem to work does it?

mediahoney & Sajid K: I'm not discussing the benefits of religious belief or lack thereof, that's another topic altogether.

Answer 1

Religion is like love, irresponsible and irrational

Answer 2

I think it's too sweeping to say religion is irrational. It behoves us to be more specific. I would argue that belief in God is not rational because there is no evidence for a god. Many other religious beliefs are also irrational - they are just superstition. But there may be some religious beliefs or customs that are rational (I'm not aware of any but I wouldn't rule it out) and to actually have a religion may indeed be a rational choice if, for example, your mental, emotional or physical health and wellbeing depend on it.

Answer 3

What? religion is completely rational, whether its true or not. Is it not rational to try and explain things? Is science not rational then? Is it not rational to try and do good things, and avoid the bad things? Is not rational to not kill people?

What's "irrational" about religion is when it is taken too far, but luckily less than 5% of us do that.

Answer 4

Read the Bible where it describes the earth. In the Bible the earth is flat, held up by pillars (like a giant oceanic oil-rig) and the sun revolves around the earth. The sky is a mirrored dome with the sun, moon and stars affixed to the underside. The moon creates it’s own light. Above the dome, God sits on a throne in heaven. God, who’s as strong as a unicorn, rides cherubs and came to earth to show his “back parts” to one man and wrestle with another. The Bible tells of unicorns, cockatrices, and satyrs. Snakes, trees and donkeys talk. Does this sound like reality to you?

"Rational" seems like a stretch. How about "insane".

Answer 5

Religion helps a lot of people because if there aren't any religion everyone will think they are just living matter and what they did didn't matter at all unless they are punished on this Earth.

Answer 6

There is nothing rational about faith. But people of faith live longer, healthier lives. They recover faster from illness and injury. Spiritual people form stronger, more supportive social networks that help guard against emotional adversity.

Answer 7

No, shadow. They are using a wrong term, but they are not silly
Love is irrational many times, but nobody protests

Answer 8

"Rational" is very subjective. They probably think you saying "Atheism is rational" is just as silly. They have the right to believe in it, and although you DO have the right to say what you want about it, you probably shouldn't if all you're going to do is be rude.

Don't judge.

edit
FIVE O'CLOCK SHADOW, I'm just saying, you get pissed off when Christians say such things about Atheists... Stop calling the kettle black and grow up.

Answer 9

Shave and then read some Aquinas to find the truth. :0

Answer 10

I'd like to know what bible bandycat is reading. She stated that the earth is flat and all that. It isn't in my bible. Maybe she should read one before giving an opinion. Christians live by faith. Religion is man made.