[Sarah.]

No.

[Shaun]

in the past it has done. I doubt literature would exist without the need to print copies of the Bible and other religious texts. Christmas is lovely. And it's always good to question our existance, rather than sit passively by and bitch about other religious people.

[Angus]

The true bigots are those that don't allow others to believe in whatever the hell they want to believe in, provided it hurts no-one else. Those that mock and jeer at others' beliefs are just bolstering up their own pathetic superiority complex and belief system, for the most part not based on any tangible or definitive proof or evidence. If a deeply held faith gives someone comfort, meaning and structure to their lives what the hell does it have to do with anyone else?

I have no problem with any religion, if someone wants to worship an invisible deity(ies) that is their choice. What I do have a problem with is those that hi-jack a religion to further their own agendas.

The answer to the OP's original question is YES religion is overall a force for good in the world since it can ennoble the human spirit and motivate people in positive and inspirational ways. The fact that a minority of fanatics selectively interpret religious doctrine to pursue their own ideologies should not detract from that simple truth. IMO The problems in this world do not emanate from religion but from politics and the pursuit of power.

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by angus58

The true bigots are those that don't allow others to believe in whatever the hell they want to believe in, provided it hurts no-one else. Those that mock and jeer at others' beliefs are just bolstering up their own pathetic superiority complex and belief system, for the most part not based on any tangible or definitive proof or evidence. If a deeply held faith gives someone comfort, meaning and structure to their lives what the hell does it have to do with anyone else?

I have no problem with any religion, if someone wants to worship an invisible deity(ies) that is their choice. What I do have a problem with is those that hi-jack a religion to further their own agendas.

The answer to the OP's original question is YES religion is overall a force for good in the world since it can ennoble the human spirit and motivate people in positive and inspirational ways. The fact that a minority of fanatics selectively interpret religious doctrine to pursue their own ideologies should not detract from that simple truth. IMO The problems in this world do not emanate from religion but from politics and the pursuit of power.

Completely agree with you on the highlighted parts.

[Stu]

My one word answer to Angus's post is 'Scientology'.

Seriously though ... nobody is trying to stop people from worshipping. I just think it's silly and you should find a way of lighting the aul spirit that doesn't involve the wilful abandonment of reason.

That's my belief. And it makes me happy and comftorable etc.

[Angus]

Originally Posted by Stu

My one word answer to Angus's post is 'Scientology'.

Seriously though ... nobody is trying to stop people from worshipping. I just think it's silly and you should find a way of lighting the aul spirit that doesn't involve the wilful abandonment of reason.

That's my belief. And it makes me happy and comftorable etc.

If Scientology is the answer, what was the question?

I made my position more than clear - IMO religion only becomes a threat when it becomes politicized. Meanwhile, I don't give a flying fart what anyone chooses to believe in so long as it harms no-one else.

[Zippy]

Religion has without doubt been incredibly damaging to the human race. It's at the root of millions of deaths and certainly the cause of many many prejudices and narrow minded, judgemental opinions.

That said, it's unavoidable. I think human beings have always had an instinctive need to look to a higher force. Animals don't but we humans just think to damn much. Not me, Ive never felt any need for religion.

But to answer the question; I'm sure religion is very helpful to people in times of bereavement. Or in helping people come to terms with their own mortality even. Used wisely I can see that it could be very comforting in certain situations. I guess it depends on how you apply the bibles teachings to your life. You can pretty much pick and choose which bits you choose to live by and which bits you ignore. Thats more or less what religious people do anyways.

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Religion has without doubt been incredibly damaging to the human race. It's at the root of millions of deaths and certainly the cause of many many prejudices and narrow minded, judgemental opinions.

That said, it's unavoidable. I think human beings have always had an instinctive need to look to a higher force. Animals don't but we humans just think to damn much. Not me, Ive never felt any need for religion.

But to answer the question; I'm sure religion is very helpful to people in times of bereavement. Or in helping people come to terms with their own mortality even. Used wisely I can see that it could be very comforting in certain situations. I guess it depends on how you apply the bibles teachings to your life. You can pretty much pick and choose which bits you choose to live by and which bits you ignore. Thats more or less what religious people do anyways.

Whilst religion has been cited as the root cause for a lot of strife and wars, there arent many religions that advocate conversion through superior firepower.

It could also be argued society wouldnt be as advanced or as civilised as it is today without religion. Most charity organisation like the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Oxfam, Salvation Army etc (generally the longer running humanitarian charities) were started off by advocates of various religions.

[Kerry]

Mixed feelings. If people find comfort from it - great. If people think they should blow up countries for it - No

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by ~Kerry~

Mixed feelings. If people find comfort from it - great. If people think they should blow up countries for it - No

So, oil is the god of the USA?

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Shasown

So, oil is the god of the USA?

Not up for a deep debate Terry. I was just stating what I thought

[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by Shasown

Whilst religion has been cited as the root cause for a lot of strife and wars, there arent many religions that advocate conversion through superior firepower.

It could also be argued society wouldnt be as advanced or as civilised as it is today without religion. Most charity organisation like the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Oxfam, Salvation Army etc (generally the longer running humanitarian charities) were started off by advocates of various religions.

Good point. Also throws up the consideration for all the good work missionaries do in setting up schools in an effort to help provide at least some basic education to those less fortunate, builing & clinics, shelters etc in the most underprividged areas. So back to the original question - does religion do any good at all - yes.

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by Shasown

It could also be argued society wouldnt be as advanced or as civilised as it is today without religion. Most charity organisation like the Red Cross/Red Crescent, Oxfam, Salvation Army etc (generally the longer running humanitarian charities) were started off by advocates of various religions.

I'm pretty sure you do not need to be of any religious persuasion to want to reach out and help others. So big charities would have been formed regardless. The ones you mention have just been around longer probably. But charity is certainly not owned by religion.

Wanting to help those in desperate need is a just basic human instinct I would think....and hope. Im not giving religion that one!

I haven't researched the subject but I suspect the origins of many religions is about power and control. Forcing society to behave a certain way and then outcasting those who do not conform. Thats still pretty much how it works today.

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by Zippy

I'm pretty sure you do not need to be of any religious persuasion to want to reach out and help others. So big charities would have been formed regardless. The ones you mention have just been around longer probably. But charity is certainly not owned by religion.

Wanting to help those in desperate need is a just basic human instinct I would think....and hope. Im not giving religion that one!

I haven't researched the subject but I suspect the origins of many religions is about power and control. Forcing society to behave a certain way and then outcasting those who do not conform. Thats still pretty much how it works today.

great post Zippy, I agree 100% with everything you said. Alot of the time religions forcing control over the masses by fear, telling them they'll go to hell if they don't follow the rules of the church etc

[Shasown]

Originally Posted by Zippy

I'm pretty sure you do not need to be of any religious persuasion to want to reach out and help others. So big charities would have been formed regardless. The ones you mention have just been around longer probably. But charity is certainly not owned by religion.

Wanting to help those in desperate need is a just basic human instinct I would think....and hope. Im not giving religion that one!

I haven't researched the subject but I suspect the origins of many religions is about power and control. Forcing society to behave a certain way and then outcasting those who do not conform. Thats still pretty much how it works today.

Have to agree you dont need to be religious to give to charity or to start a charity. Still, I cant think of many charities that werent started by devout believers in one religion or another, even less that have been around for say over a hundred years. Thats not saying they dont exist, they do.

I would say most religions started off as an attempt to explain the meaning of life, mans place in the cosmos etc. It just happens that a subverted religion is an ideal tool to control and influence.

Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism the early Greek and Roman religions for example didnt start off about control. Though in some cases at certain times most have been corrupted or subverted to control the masses.

[InOne]

Religion gives the poor hope. That is about it.

[Angus]

Originally Posted by InOne

Religion gives the poor hope. That is about it.

And of course it also bestows power, influence and riches on those that are able to exploit it - just look at the Vatican and the far reaching political influence it wields, especially in powerful countries like the USA.

[Crimson Dynamo]

The main religion of the USA and the world is Money

[Crimson Dynamo]

Would Ireland be a better place without christianity?

[Niamh.]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Would Ireland be a better place without christianity?

absolutely, The Catholic Church are responsible for some terrible things that happened in Ireland

[Crimson Dynamo]

Its inherited. hardly anyone who is religious found religion on their own. religious parents tend to have religious children

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Its inherited. hardly anyone who is religious found religion on their own. religious parents tend to have religious children

Many find new religions by themselves. Madonna certainly found a few.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Zippy

Many find new religions by themselves. Madonna certainly found a few.

i would imagine the figure is like 0.5% worldwide

[Tom4784]

I think Religion & Belief is harmless when it's personal but it becomes dangerous if forced on others as then it can be abused and manipulated. I'm no fan of organised religion, I prefer to have my own beliefs and leave it at that.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

I think Religion & Belief is harmless when it's personal but it becomes dangerous if forced on others as then it can be abused and manipulated. I'm no fan of organised religion, I prefer to have my own beliefs and leave it at that.

what are your own beliefs about magic gods?