A study done in Israel (and cited by Richard Dawkins in The God Delusion), polled children aged 8 to 14 about the biblical genocide at Jericho. When the story was presented biblically (Joshua was ordered by God to slay all Israelites, including women and children, but to save the gold and silver), 66 percent of the children said they strongly favored Joshua's actions (almost exclusively on religious grounds). However, when the wording of the story was changed to "Gen. Lin" instead of "Joshua" and "a Chinese dynasty 3000 years ago" instead of "Jericho", only 6 percent strongly agreed with the general's actions. Most disagreed.
So, it seems tha religion was the difference between school kids condoning and condemning genocide.
Hmmm ....
2007-10-28 20:58:56 · 9 answers · asked by Brendan G 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
sorry, typo. God ordered Joshua to slay all NON israelites
2007-10-28 21:06:53 · update #1
it is human nature to unintentionally or not side with one's own; we may all be hypocrates on some level. It is easier to spot that trend in someone who is an "other."
religion and morality are not necessarily linked, but often are. But a number of things done/excused as religion (especially in doctrine-oriented organized religion) is blatantly immoral - yet excused, as you demonstrate. Likewise, many non-religious people can be decent and moral without a religious framework.
But anyone who automatically links religion and morality has never read and truly contemplated all the nastiness excused away in the bible.
2007-10-29 02:15:38 · answer #1 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For many people, religion is the basis of their morality, reinforcing the moral standards of the society they live in. Some people twist the religion to suit their own ends, much like nuclear power can be twisted to make the destruction of Hiroshima possible.
Firstly, Joshua (Israelite) was ordered to kill the inhabitants of Jericho, not Israelites.
The survey was carried out on Israeli children, mostly (or all) from Jewish families, who would have heard the story before with the approval of their parents. Clearly they would have been biased towards favouring Joshua over "General Lin". A less flawed study would have surveyed children of Hindu, Sikh, atheistic etc backgrounds to avoid cultural bias. How like Dawkins to use a flawed study to prove his "point". Surely any sensible scientist would have realised that cultural bias would distort the results of such a survey.
2007-10-28 21:19:44 · answer #2 · answered by Nebulous 6 · 1⤊ 4⤋
If Jericho had been depicted as a city filled with religious fanatics bent on killing scientists, then I bet Dawkins would have voted to kill them all.
If killing is inherently good or bad, then there has to be a God to have made that so. If killing is not inherently good or bad but individual choice, then any choice made by Dawkins or anyone else is just personal preference. Dawkins' worldview cannot condemn genocide any more than I can condemn you for not liking my taste in beer.
2007-10-29 00:57:22 · answer #3 · answered by Matthew T 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
Religious believers hijacked morality many centuries ago, so I wouldn't put too much stock in this. These kids were already on the road to brainwashing.
And to say Dawkins "thrives on hate" is really scraping the bottom, yourself, pal. It's obvious you know less about Dawkins than the Bible, rare among fundies.
2007-10-28 21:07:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 2⤋
Religion and morals are compatible. More than compatible. As a Christian, I get my morals from my religion.
The study proves only that children will be loyal to their own nation and their own culture and find fault with foreigners.
No religion I know condones genocide. Evil people who call themselves relgious might do so, but not ordinary believers or Church officials.
2007-10-28 21:17:39 · answer #5 · answered by Pagan Dan 6 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Children are not old enough to understand the difference betwen religious morals and political and "power" authority influence on religion-Not really surpring as most adults aren't aware of the differences either.
Religions original leaders usually state things like-thou shall not kill, turn the other cheek, Do onto other..
Most religion teaches peace
Society slips in the laws on violence.
just my humble opinion tho
2007-10-28 21:05:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 7⤋
In Wicca...yes. I follow my heart and my brain...if something doesn't make sense to me it's not a sin to deny it.
2007-10-28 21:05:43 · answer #7 · answered by witchy boy1989 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
If you're looking for a way to make religionists look bad, I think you're scraping the bottom. You look a little desperate.
Why do read books by people who thrive on hate?
2007-10-28 21:07:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 7⤋
God never told Joshua to kill all the Israelites.
Nice try though.....
Ever thought of backing this insane accusation up with a bible verse?
Didn't think so.
2007-10-28 21:03:31 · answer #9 · answered by Adelaide B 5 · 2⤊ 10⤋