Is religion a bully? Threatening all with the concept of hell?

Answer 1

It's like the Mafia saying "Pay up and I'll protect ya".

Answer 2

Ah, you took the wind out of my sails. I was going to say Islam's is actually worse, because the Qu'ran is very specific and consistent about the Hell it promises (and is specific about how to end up there). If I were choosing a religion based on threats of Hell, I'd have to convert to Islam. Most other religions don't really have a Hell though, as far as I know. Some don't necessarily have an afterlife--even Judaism is divided on that one. Hinduism and Buddhism have reincarnation rather than an afterlife as we understand it (if I understand right). The Far Eastern religions don't seem to threaten punishment after life or fear that people will go there--I think the feeling is that you join all the other ancestors in the afterlife and watch over the living.

Answer 3

I think so telling us what we can do and what we can't do.Telling us if we don't change are ways we are going to hell .Tell us if your not married it's a sin to live with a women. Hell when you get married and you f**k up just once your getind a divorce.And she takes your money and runs to another guy to f**k him over.religion is for the birds religion is fine for some if that is there bag.But me I would injoy life now when i'm still alife to injoy it.It seem like now days every thing that feels good is wrong.Like the ten commandments thats a joke if we went by that we mit just as well stop living.

Answer 4

To the person who referred to stating religious beliefs as stating the truth, might I suggest that would sound better and less "bullying," if you said, "what you believe to be true." What you believe in is a faith and not a proven fact.
Religion has been used for centuries to bully the uneducated and oppressed and is still used in the same way. However there are at least, now, some religious people who refrain from such behaviour.

Answer 5

Yes. In a simple one word answer - yes. If you want to know more i strongly recommend reading the Bible for yourself, what you dont understand will be revealed more as you study and grow. There are a couple of paths the modern church has strayed to; the feel-good warm and fuzzy stuff that is hardly supported by scripture, the hallaayooha church where its all emotional (and very little scripture), the bully pulpit where everything you do will send you straight to hell, the "give-me-your-money" church, and the self righteous "im american and God is on our side church". Then you've got the bible thumpers who are long on noise but very short on knowledge of God's word. For starters 'religion' is man made, it caters primarily to race, geography, money, culture and politics. A true relationship with the Almighty is the proper place to be standing in a lightning storm because that is coming. Give it about a year and you'll see some dramatic changes here, you want to be in God's true church. You are the body of Christ and He is coming back for His church and none of that falls under any specific religious category. Hell is real, sheol the grave. The lake of fire is the total annihilation theory but set by God. This where non repenters, the fallen angels and death are swallowed up and made to exist no more.

Answer 6

Religion is not a bully. It is not a threat also with the concept of hell. Religion is a belief in god. the activities connected with the belief, such as prayer or worship. What is heaven and hell? It's like thumbs up (heaven), thumbs down (hell). Good for heaven, bad for hell. Your belief, your choice.

Answer 7

Some religions, some gods, yes. Hell isn't a universal concept, even within religions.

Answer 8

It certain can be a form of bullingly.
Follow the golden rule, do unto others as you would like
the to do to you.
There is no "one set" Religion.
Everyone should try to get along and respect each others
views. Exactly what is the 'concept of hell'? People have
different ideas of what it is. Is it hell on earth?
Don't worry, God loves all of us.

Answer 9

Well, it's not a threat...God offers His love to all, and the Bible says that it's His will that all should come into relationship with Him. What have you really got to lose? Some say there is no such place as hell, but if there is, wouldn't you want to avoid it? A relationship with God is a win-win situation, God doesn't want (or need) anything from you, He wants to give to you. Some religions do approach it from that standpoint though, but I hope that won't turn you off of seeking a relationship with God.

Answer 10

> iski - "religion teaches you good moral values." *drink*

why cannot people understand that you do NOT have to be religious to have morals?!

grrrrrrrrrr.

i think religion gives those with a bullying mentality an excuse to impose their views/lifestyle upon others, yes.
of course not all religious folk are tunnel-visioned fundies, i have some lovely friends who are religious, but such a lot of bigots seem to enjoy hiding behind scriptures in order to bully others.

Answer 11

Of course, that's how religions keep the money flowing into the coffers. Preach about sin and going to hell, then promise people salvation from their sins, if only they would put money in the collection plate.