Religion: Good or Bad?

[Flint]

But you're assuming that endless war and destruction is a bad thing...

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by Flint

But you're assuming that endless war and destruction is a bad thing...

God does work in mysterious ways, doesn't she?

Religion is only bad when confused with spirituality... instead of what it is, just a social club.

[Flint]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

...just a social club...

How the hell else am I gonna find a lawn service I can trust ???

[glatt]

Religion is like anything else, really. It's got its good side and it's got its bad side.

Medical studies have shown that people with strong faith tend to live longer and are happier than those without strong faith. It has to do with being able to feel that your problems are not that big of a deal. Humans are hard wired for religion. If you fight that, or ignore that, it runs counter to how you are wired and I think it contributes to stress. Also, I think the success of humankind has to do with the social fabric that binds us all together, and religion is huge part of that.

Obviously, when different religions clash, there is conflict. That's when religion's bad side comes out. Also, when a group of people blindly follow the same path and don't question that path, it can suck when that path is a bad one.

[Flint]

Originally Posted by glatt

Also, I think the success of humankind has to do with the social fabric that binds us all together, and religion is huge part of that.

In a Christian society, I observe that Christianity blatantly co-opts bits of "social fabric" in order to stamp their "brand-name" on it.
Religion isn't necessarily responsible for "social fabric" . . .

[glatt]

Originally Posted by Flint

In a Christian society, I observe that Christianity blatantly co-opts bits of "social fabric" in order to stamp their "brand-name" on it.
Religion isn't necessarily responsible for "social fabric" . . .

Not as much today, granted, but historically it has been.

Originally Posted by glatt

...
Medical studies have shown that people with strong faith tend to live longer and are happier than those without strong faith...

The same it true of pet owners and moderate cigar and pipe users.

Originally Posted by Stormieweather

Personally, I don't think it is up to me (or anyone) to define religion as good or bad. It is such a personal and variable thing, that a definative statement of good or bad isn't possible.

I couldn't care less if you want to worship a loaf of pumpernickel bread or your dog Spot...just as long as the form of your religion does not infringe on me and my rights. And vice versa, of course.

I do dislike the recruitment done by many religions. I think a much more powerful approach to getting people interested in what YOUR beliefs are is to BE someone admirable and inspirational. When people become curious as to what you believe in that gives you such peace, clarity, contentment, enlightenment and inner beauty, then you have effectively lived your testimony to your beliefs.

Stormie

What/whom you worship is spirituality... with whom and how you do it publicly is religion... a lot of what you discuss here is in the realm of spirituality.
The recruitment tactics and general behavior has nothing to do with their spiritual belief system IMO. "The Religion Of Peace" is a perfect example currently.



I agree with Flint on spirituality, but will add that it is personal. One can find guidance from others, but the practice/advancement of spirituality is done by one's self.

Originally Posted by Pangloss62

As a strict relativist, materialist, and one lacking "spirituality" alltogether, all I can say is that religion does exist, and it effects people. I try to avoid it. Many people I meet say the are "not religious" but they "are spiritual." I say 6of one and a half-dozen of another.

I say that you are incorrect on this point. I am a follower of Christ, as a teacher and enlightened one; but not a Christian, not by any stretch of the imagination.