OK I'll admit it, religion itself has been used to control people, agree or disagree?

Question

I read an article a discovery in Rome concerning the place where Romulus and Remus was supposedly raised by a she wolf.

I learned that the emperor kept his power base near this place in order to strengthen his rule over his subjects by associating himself with Romulus and Remus.

Moses used it to create the nation of Israel.

Constantine used it to create a new Rome.

Kings and rulers have always used religion to secure their power. Some claimed to have been chosen by God or are gods themselves.

Even today you see religion being used to secure power. Just look at the republican party, they base their strength on conservative/fundamentalist Christianity.

By contrast, Jesus never used the religion of his God to rule. He used it as a catalyst for living a moral life loving others.

So when religion is used to justify rule over people it stops being a means to commune with the spiritual and becomes something totally different.

What do you think?

Answer 1

"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.” Seneca

One of my favorite quotes.

Answer 2

Sort of, I'd say religion, or Christianity to be specific, Deludes people into a state where they are easily controlled, and then uses that control to divide their own group from certain other groups(ie: homosexuals, scientists, atheists, Muslims etc...). And by the very act of dividing one group from another. They actually strengthen their own internal positions and maintain their control over the flock, so it becomes a vicious circle. This is clear to people outside of church control, but unclear to those inside. So it forces the church further and further away from current social values and beliefs, and closer and closer to anti-social behaviour and a feeling of being discriminated against, because they're just so out of touch with just about everything. 'Normal' people laugh at them, they get upset that they're beliefs are being made fun of so they come out with the old "God says you're going to hell and can't come to his birthday party" line, the 'normal' people get annoyed that the xians are forcing their beliefs on them by implication, round and round it goes making this divide even larger. Un till one day it will be a case of this planet not being big enough for the both of us. Just thought that the 'divides people' comment needed to be expanded on a little bit ;)

Answer 3

I'm not in the position to agree or disagree!
This I know for sure; religion has been used as an opiate for the masses. Without this opiate there would have been chaos!
Religion is much like the finger of God, pointing man in the direction of further understanding regarding the relationship between man and mans Creator.

The completion of that which man calls religion is near its end! It is now up to man to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and avoid the destruction which is soon to come!

If you find this disturbing, I humbly apologize!

It is time for man to put-up or shut-up!
The signs of both creation and evolution have been made very clear to aid mankind.
Wisdom is necessary for man to take the next step.

"If someone asks you what work there is to do, Light the candle in their hand." - Rumi

"Peace be always with you."

Answer 4

I agree. There are times when religion becomes little more than a tool used by unscrupulous rulers to justify tyranny, conquest and destruction, just another weapon of war. It is a sad fact of life, but that is what happens when people that have no real understanding of a religion (nor truly WANT such understanding) gain political power and influence.

Answer 5

I agree 100% about everything except your claim that Moses used religion to control people. That is not true at all - read your Bible. Moses did whatever God commanded him, he did not use religion as a tool to make a nation! And I hate the fact that the Republicans have used Christianity to gain voters. They aren't Christians - just look at the way they are behaving! All these homosexual sex scandals, Bush's war mongering....they are lying liars who are about as saved as the devil himself. But you are right, they are using religion as a tool to gain power.

I think that anyone who has studied history would know that religion has been oft abused. That doesn't make rel9igion to blame, though, does it? It means that s5ome wicked people got their hands on it and twis4ted it to a purpose it wasn't meant for.

***EDIT*** the numbers are from my son - he was typing on the number pad as I wrote. I can actually spell! LOL

Answer 6

What is Control??...I mean false religion can control the ignorant....but true Christianity is a open well of spiritual enlightenment....whom the Lord set's free is free indeed!.....for in saying this it's NOT control ...but a choice to serve good or evil.....it's a natural law that you will reap what you sow.....if it be good or evil...either way we have chosen our end.









Controll is OVERRATED!.......Many are willfully ignorant and Lazy in there quest for truth!


Your friend Pete

Answer 7

Personal beliefs tend to coalesce as religions given enough time and resonance with people. Religions in turn tend to form a power base/hierarchy, which is easily abused by less scrupulous human beings.

That's what I think.

Answer 8

Yes, I agree. Religion is used to sucker people into supporting priests and their temples who in turn assist the rulers to repress the same people. Time we grew up.

Answer 9

Organized religion has been about making money and controling people since day one

I believe in God and I believe in doing what is right by that faith

Answer 10

I agree

I would go farther and say that religion is also used to try to control people's spiritual lives - pray this way, worship this way, etc