Quote:
Originally Posted by Cappy
The community aspect of many religions is certainly commendable - on the local level. There is no point in arguing that any of the world's major religions are responsible for this on a global level at this point.
Many people derive happiness, a sense of community, etc. from their local churches etc. The problem is that this type of belonging can be done by any other type of organization - one that doesn't do all the crappy stuff religions are known for and somehow excused by their supporters.
A sense of belonging can be had with various clubs and leagues. Remember 4H? Rotary Club? Lions Clubs? these all essentially can use the same properties of a local church - belonging, friendship, connectedness, giving back to the community - without the stink of religions' past (and present) as well as having some people compromise their own moral gauge or inherent belief system.
These civic clubs and groups should promoted more than religious organizations to derive the same "good" benefits from going to church.
Sometimes i wonder who started all these Freemason conspiracy theories - clearly the church right? They usually reference satanism etc. Was the church a little scared of the rise in civic groups leaching off its precious collection plates?
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It's typically right wing secular groups (ex. Nazis) that go after freemasons the hardest. The reason being that they were an historically inclusive organization that took in members from various races and religions in a time where fraternizing with the other wasn't always accepted.