Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
I have no patience for the institutional promotion of injustice either, but to lump "all religions" together as the propogators of such things is excessivly stereotypical. As much pain as religion has caused, it should also deserve credit for some of its monumental acheivements.
I know of the attrocities commited in the name of organized religion, but if we are going to magnify her blemishes, then it is only fair to do so along side of the Church's virtues.
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I agree with all of your examples. Religion has done great things through the course of history, and continues to do them now. That said, in a modern society, I think there is less of a place for religion to, as our greater understanding of the owrld, as well as ourselves leaves less room for myth and parable. The words of bronze age tribesmen living 2 millenia ago are not of the same value in today's society.
I don't need to be told "god works in mysterious ways" when a child dies, or we go a winter without snow. I attribute those things to tangible causes. I also don't need the fear / help of a supreme being to live a moral life, or instill those morals in my children. I am an adult, accountable for my own actions, and responsible enough to know right from wrong.
That is just me though. There are individuals who need to believe in eternal salvation (or punishment) to make hard decisions - like giving up alcohol, or going to marriage counselling, or repenting for their past wrongs. In that sense, religion helps the individual.
But wanting something to be true, doesn't make it true. And presenting god as a real entity, and the bible as the words of that entity simply isn't reality. I am not willing to accept stories as the truth - regardless of their moral value. A lie is a lie. Don't promote it as fact. And especially don't promote it to my impressionable children under the guise of "creation is a theory just like evolution". One is proveable. The other is a myth.
I am also less willing to put up with my public officals being influenced by religious ideals simply because "the bible says", and religious tradition dictate certain things.
I value the attribute of critical thinking. And I don't see a lot of it from the religious community when it comes to a discussion of present day problems like abortion, and same sex marriage.
I suppose my point is that religion serves a purpose in developing societies. A positive role. But when it becomes a hindrance to advancement, well, that is what gets me bent out of shape.