[Scrunchy]

I believe that religion is a substitute for morality. It's undoubtedly an effective way of instating traditional kindness towards fellow people and coercing people into leading a better life. In its dilute forms it discourages hatred and cruelty.

I am not religious, but moral, and my life bears reasonable resemblance to that of a relious follower. I don't hate people irrationally, or judge them for who they appear to be. I wouldn't consider killing somebody, or stealing from others. Helping people is something I'm not averse to doing.

However, despite the parallels that can be drawn between religion and morals, there are distinct differences. Extreme religion can lead to hatred and cruelty, as demonstrated by suicide bombers, etc. Religion preaches that "thy shalt not covet thy neighbours wife", suggesting that jealousy should be completely shied away from. But is jealousy not the root of compliments and appreciation? I would be paying a compliment to my neighbour, were I to say to them that their wife was an attractive lady. Jealousy is a natural inclination, and why should people disown it, just because it is suggested to them that they shouldn't experience it? Religion appears to hasten to encourage people to cast off their natural feelings and replace them with a mask because they "shouldn't be experiencing them"...

I, for one, find it a little odd that religion invades such personal aspects of life. Personally I find that life is far more fulfilling when I don't have a 'higher power' to answer to for my actions and have a little more freedom to act without fear of going against the wishes of a mysterious being that I have no proof of.


Well done if you've actually read this.

I welcome responses of all natures


Scrunchy