Why do you think Religion has become such a controversial topic in the world today?

Question

Please just be nice. It's not that hard.

Answer 1

We are living in the last days. The Holy Bible tells us that there will be a big uproar over religion. I am talking about all faiths here not just Christianity.

Answer 2

It's always been controversial - religious debate wasn't exactly taken lightly 100 or even 1000 years ago. The best way to figure out why it's so controversial is to ask people why their faith (or lack thereof) is so important to them. I would think that for most people it lies in the fact that religion is a major part of their identity. Religion provides what many see as the most important of truths. It is usually seen as their deepest link to their community. Even if a person isn't super religious it sort of provides a frame for their whole life: their beliefs regarding the afterlife, the ultimate purpose of the universe, and any supernatural powers provide a context for their day to day existence.

People, therefore, are largely inclined to react very negatively when someone challenges their beliefs, whether it be a government that legalizes what their religion forbids or someone contradicting or worse, demeaning the person's religion.

Obviously there are exceptions. Many people are perfectly open to courteous but critical debates about religion. Also, much of this doesn't really apply to many atheists on here - because most atheists are raised in religion, atheism is not exactly a link to their community and they arrived at their position through a willingness to challenge their beliefs.

Answer 3

Because religion can or tries to control people. Think teddy bear British teacher. Much of this happens today in the United States, homosexual marriage, abortion, even something as silly as a Movie that is fiction (The Golden Compass). People of faith don't show much tolerance towards things. Thats the problem, If people would respect the decisions of others the world would be a better place. Keep in mind that, religion should be kept private also.

Answer 4

I think it is because many of our nations have become secular enough that it is no longer a taboo subject. We are also much more literate than we were in times past. It is easy for your average person to look at their holy texts and see all the contradictions and immorality. The next step, leaving the faith, is also much more readily accepted these days.

Regardless of whether you do or do not believe in any of the various gods... can't we all just get along? Do your gods really want you to judge eachother- or worse yet, kill eachother?
I'm an atheist, so I do not know if this statement will bear any weight with those of you who are not, but, do you ever think about these wars we fight? Do you not realize that your 'enemies' are created by your god too? If you believe in a god, let him judge, not your puny mind. right?

Better yet, you could just realize that religion is silly and a relic of our barbaric past- join those of us that have learned from the mistakes of the past and know that we only have this life to enjoy and help others. It is way more fulfilling than doing 'right' to avoid eternal damnation.

Answer 5

Because we are in an age of rational explanations and scientific discovery.


Religion is based on dogma doctrine and faith. In an age where things are constantly changing and being questioned religion resents the same level of scrutiny.


It does not help very much when much of that doctrine is getting to be proven false by science which has the facts there to back it up.


As I see it Religion (with a big R) is on it's way out. Kicking and screaming as it goes, but going all the same. The question to me is can it reform itself from a rigid holy doctrine, to a more nebulous and flexible spirituality that can adapt to the rapidly changing world, or will it just die.

Answer 6

Because it tears away at world stability and the peace process. Nearly half of the world's population is willing to go to war over an insignificant piece of real estate with no natural resources like Israel. This decision has no basis in logic or reason to refer to this place over any other as "Holy Land." The logical conclusion is that peace will come to the first group that writes off this piece of land and hands it over to the other side---and then forgets about it. I could care less if there is a temple mount there, a muslim mosque, or a 24-hr wallmart.

Answer 7

I think that there are two reasons:
1) There are conflicting religions, evening disagreeing sects within the major religions (e.g., Catholics and Protestants among Christians, Reformed, Orthodox, Hassidic Jews, and Sunnis and Shi-ites among Muslims). Each splinter group believes that it is in possession of the TRUTH, and therefore, either they want to convert everyone else to their particular belief system, or they want to condemn everyone who does not accept their version as truth.
2) Religious advocates are often political and therefore endeavor to apply their belief systems to governments, to establish theocracies. Such governments, once established, tend to discriminate (or worse) against those who do not wish to conform or whom they consider to be weak (such as women). Those of us who are nonreligious (nontheists, agnostics, or atheists) quite naturally have no wish to live under theocratic governments, thus are committed to protecting (in the case of Americans) our Constitution from corruption by the members of our society who wish to establish a theocracy.
The result: Controversy, conflict, and disagreement (even terrorism).

Answer 8

Well, some of it has to do with politics. I mean it should not matter whether or not I am a republican, Democrat, or Independent. What should matter is whether or not I live according to the word of God! Thats the key! I mean who am I to judge? Just because someone is a liberal does that mean they are my enemy? Does that mean they hate God and his word? NO! Not in most cases. I think in some ways we let politics interfere too much. If a person comes to church needing a healing, salvation or a touch from God, I am not gonna worry about whether or not they voted for George Bush, or John Kerry ect. I want them to be saved!

Answer 9

Many religious people have their minds made up and cannot understand why others still are not adhering to the same beliefs that they subscribe to.

This causes many religious people to feel irritated and threatened by what they see as "clearly depicted sinning" and thus they are compelled by their faith to smother the rights of others.

The irony lies in the fact that many of these religious believers have their minds firmly made up that they are performing "good deeds" and will be "rewarded" for acts that are neither 'good' nor 'just.'


There are too many examples to name them all, but the Mohamed Teddy bear fiasco is still a recent event...

Answer 10

For ten years I labored in a optimum protection detention facility for little ones. the little ones favourite that i became into working - imposing each and every rule, each time, somewhat than workers who could merely attempt to "be effective", yet finally end up imposing some regulations whilst they have been having a bad day and no regulations whilst it proper them. it is likewise why gangs thrive - they furnish the form lacking in maximum single-make certain properties. it is likewise why Islam is flourishing now - and turning out to be at injury-neck %. in our detention center platforms as we write. as a techniques because of the fact the regulations in Islam, some which we Westerners could define as harsh, or sexist, I understand them - they're attempting (like too many faiths) to get human beings to "act holy" adequate to delight God. God even gave the books of the regulation to the Hebrews so they could attempt merely this same element - and so all individuals could desire to comprehend that it rather is impossible to be spotless. to nicely known that we are actually unable to bridging the hollow between us and God by our very own potential. no count number if somebody is White, Black, Brown, purple or Yellow... no count number if or not they're Jew or Muslim or maybe if - they opt for Jesus to bridge that hollow. BTW - to understand the religious reason that Islam is turning out to be plenty, study the e book of Revelation. Pay specific interest to the conflict of Armageddon. that's Israel against the international. not Israel and the UN, not Israel and united states of america....

Answer 11

Because everyone thinks they have all the answers. Look at Richard Dawkins. He doesn't not believe in God, he genuinely believes his opinions are facts. On the other side, you've got guys like Pat Robertson, who don't even think it's a question. If everyone's point of view started with "Noboby knows for sure, but I think..." we'd all get along a lot better.