I keep seeing more and more things in society that really concern me about Religion.

Im worried that the people who suffer from low quality of life look to religion in hopes of afterlife.

It just seems like people who don't have a good life on earth worship out of desperation for another chance.

Im just really uncertain that religion in people could possibly just be a symptom of suffering.

The happiest and healthiest people all seem to love nature and outdoor activities ect.

Also alot of people believe that religion is the cause of all wars, but that might just be nationalism.

As for Nationalism let humans compete in sport like the olympics, no need for war or to kill people.

I think if there were no religion then they would just have to find other things to divide people with. I was watching Hitchens talk about the evils of Islam and was just pondering the thought that if Islam were such a hostile religion then surely they could have taken over by now by their sheer numbers.

i-baster wrote:


It already has in many European countries (hello Sweden) and it isn't far behind anywhere else.

A mosque at ground zero...seriously wtf?

It wasn't a mosque at ground zero. Also worth pointing out Muslims died at the twin towers too.

When I said taken over I meant violently not by people converting to islam.

Ultimately we all have things in common if we allow ourselves to communicate with each other. People are not defined by religion alone. You can only know a Christian or a Muslim or a Jew by getting beyond religion I think.

It is just like if somebody collects stamps or something. You might find that boring but you can still get to know them.

diamondgeezer wrote:
Its supposed to be an Islamic community centre (in lower manhattan.

It will replace an existing 1850's building that was being used as a coat factory...

Hey DG, no jacket required... does it remind you of something...

i-baster wrote:
The bit I bolded...ABSOLUTELY!

People aren't the problem...organised religion is.

silvershine wrote:
Yep, Phil Collins. Unfortunately...

diamondgeezer wrote:
+1

Kids getting brainwashed young, that's the shit i don't like...

RealAmerican wrote: I agree 100%.
Same goes for having kids make a pledge of allegiance in elementary school.
But hey, you gotta get them young before they start developing critical thought and asking awkward questions eh?

feather wrote:
Why?

feather wrote:

So this week it's religion that's the root cause of all that's wrong and Muslims are taking over

So glad I build my world view on things I read on forums

It's a strange OP for someone with their nationality in their username!

I don't agree that organized religion is the problem as such. People getting together over shared beliefs is not in itself bad or wrong. That is not me endorsing violence or raping kids. Those things are wrong and happen when religion is absent. So sure organized religion is behind a lot of things but blaming religion itself is a mistake I think.

What would happen if Christ came for a second time?

The Pope and priests would have to resign, since they represent Christ.
They will no longer be needed, the original copy, Christ is here.

All Christian organized religions would have to be dissolved, and start following the live master they have been talking about for centuries.

Power politics in religion would have to dissapear. And simply follow the mystic path.

The Maffia inside all religions, would have to be abanfoned. (Banco Ambrosianno,Marcinskus, mafia inside catholic church come to mind.)

The second coming would definetly touch and destroy all vested interests.
Only this way REAL Religion can happen.

Siince this would be the case, most surely they would crucify him again.
Christ is a danger to their entire system.

I don't think we can blame organised religion for everything, either - terrible things have been done in the name of religion but that's been the actions of men who have (IMHO) thoroughly distorted Christ's (or Mohammed's, or whoever) message. As a Christian, I believe that Christ is not "dead", as such, but I'm quite sure He is despairing over the things done in His name. IMHO, His message was one of universal love and compassion.

Also, I must just say that churches (and mosques) do a great deal of good with outreach programmes and charity work, etc. And people in times of weakness and trouble often need a faith to get them through - I know I do!

Mandy

quietgirl wrote:
Why is he despairing when he has the power to stop all these bad things from happening in the first place?
quietgirl wrote:
Why don't people just come together and live in harmony and help those suffering in bad times?

feather wrote:

RealAmerican wrote:
Why is he despairing when he has the power to stop all these bad things from happening in the first place?

It's a difficult question to answer but IMHO humans have been given free will to do as we choose - God has given us a wonderful world with all the tools we need and it's up to us to use it properly. Basically, God treats us like adults, and gives us the space to make our own mistakes.

Why don't people just come together and live in harmony and help those suffering in bad times?

Absolutely - why not indeed? God & Jesus would be thrilled if we could manage that!

Mandy