but isn't it more of a placebo?
2007-10-18 10:16:25 · 10 answers · asked by just curious (A.A.A.A.) 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opium_of_the_masses
2007-10-18 10:21:21 · update #1
in case you failed to follow the link...
""Religion is the opium of the people" (translated from the German Die Religion ... ist das Opium des Volkes") is one of the most frequently quoted (and sometimes misquoted as "opiate of the people" or "opiate of the masses") "
2007-10-18 10:26:54 · update #2
dc, can i taste what it feels like too?
2007-10-18 10:28:13 · update #3
No. They are addicted to it. Placebo doesn't fit well.
2007-10-18 10:20:35 · answer #1 · answered by What? Me Worry? 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It think that opiates and other sedatives are nowadays the opium of the masses.
Religion,like political and other philosophies, can be used as an opiate or stimulant or placebo.
My experience of my own religion( there is no such thing as religion only religions) has been positive,life-enhancing and useful.
2007-10-18 17:36:53 · answer #2 · answered by James O 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thought it was TV that was the opiate of the masses. Religion is a placebo. But if you read up on it, you'll find out about the "Placebo Effect". If you just believe, you'll get better. Doctors and scientists don't understand it., but faith has alot to do with it.
2007-10-18 17:27:39 · answer #3 · answered by beatlemaniac 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, the preacher draws out all your guilt and shame and says confess it and it will be forgiven. Lots of people come to church after they has really messed up and lost everything. This is a comforting message. If only they already knew that God is a good forgiver and already knows about it so you might as well not get all hung up with guilt in the first place.
If you don't believe in God, then I guess it would be a waste of time.
2007-10-18 17:27:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The translation I'm familiar with is opiate of the masses. And, like an opiate, it dulls the senses and leaves the user is a docile, suggestible state.
Well, I just said I was familiar with that translation. I didn't say it was right.
2007-10-18 17:20:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Opiate of the masses*
2007-10-18 17:25:24 · answer #6 · answered by Link strikes back 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." James 1:26 (NIV). Religion helps a man get by in life, only Jesus will get you by in the after-life. Hope that helps.
2007-10-18 17:24:06 · answer #7 · answered by Texicano 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say 'often'.
It was called that by Karl Marx (whom I always found to be funnier than Groucho or Zeppo)
2007-10-18 17:21:11 · answer #8 · answered by conchobor2 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
(dont hide behind your criticism of religion..its about God. )
Take a listen of what existence smells like in the absence of God....
2007-10-18 17:26:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a religion, I have a relationship with my Saviour.
2007-10-18 17:20:28 · answer #10 · answered by flashypsw 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋