Religion... Sigh...

[Nysyarc]

Sorry to stir the place up like this guys. And sorry Teran for making you bash your head against the wall out of anger >_>

I really was just venting but 90% of what I said I truly do believe, I don't really think the world would be a much better place without religions... that really has nothing to do with the world's condition. I like to think of myself as not an extremist in any way and yet sometimes, people (including myself) just can't help but be extremists about something. I know I'm a flawed person, because everyone is flawed in some way.

The problem is, sometimes a person's only flaw is that they can't accept the flaws of others. And that's a pretty devastating flaw

 

[Mr. Rogu]

No, you were saying


There's a stark contrast between those two statements. Consider "the majority of people I know are black" VS "people are rarely white."

i guess i should of said that when i first typed up my reply since i meant that

 

[†Slader7†]

Sorry to stir the place up like this guys. And sorry Teran for making you bash your head against the wall out of anger >_>

I really was just venting but 90% of what I said I truly do believe, I don't really think the world would be a much better place without religions... that really has nothing to do with the world's condition. I like to think of myself as not an extremist in any way and yet sometimes, people (including myself) just can't help but be extremists about something. I know I'm a flawed person, because everyone is flawed in some way.

The problem is, sometimes a person's only flaw is that they can't accept the flaws of others. And that's a pretty devastating flaw

I am quoting this because it is worthy of quoting. Sounds like you have vented your feelings, congratulations.
These religious related blogs sure do get a lot of posts.

 

[thegreatkazoo]

This is what good & bad product in the DH is all about:
Nysyarc (a very good debater in my opinion) shows how religion can be used to propagate hate (e.g. bigotry), or as he said it:

The problem is, sometimes a person's only flaw is that they can't accept the flaws of others. And that's a pretty devastating flaw.

Compare this with Bob Saget...well, it's like comparing apples and oranges. Looking at his posts in the PG makes him look like a :******:

 

[tirkaro]

Well, I'm jewish, but only culturally, as it runs in my blood.

However, Belief wise, I'm more secular if anything. I do believe in a god, and that something created us, but I don't think it's all-loving. I could fill this page up with my very personal beliefs, but I'll just stick to the topic at hand.


I really don't like overly-religious people, but I realize it cannot be stopped. What people fail to notice is that religion is a natural human emotion/instinct. As us humans have the ability to think for ourselves, something no other animal does(at least to our extent.), we'll start to question where we came from, or why we exist. Religions are simply a placeholder truth, something to be comfortable with until humans figure out the truth. Because if it were not for the comfort of religions, people would probably have shorter lifespans, due to dying of sheer depression. (There's a reason why religious people are not as smart as atheists, but live longer.)

Religious extremists also exist because Humans were meant to form competitive tribes. When we compete, we progress faster, and conflicting religions give us all the more purpose to fight with each other. And in the end, that's the point of the human race: progression.

So basically, I do believe there is a god, but we are just pawns in his master plan. He gives us conflicting religions as a way for us to progress. I'd like to tell everyone to stop worshiping him, because he's quite obviously a complete douchebag, but he obviously programmed everyone that way, and he is much more powerful than I. So I simply play his pawn as well, and so will you all, for that's the way he intended.

 

[Nysyarc]

So basically, I do believe there is a god, but we are just pawns in his master plan. He gives us conflicting religions as a way for us to progress. I'd like to tell everyone to stop worshiping him, because he's quite obviously a complete douchebag, but he obviously programmed everyone that way, and he is much more powerful than I. So I simply play his pawn as well, and so will you all, for that's the way he intended.

Hmm... interesting theory for sure. In that case though, what makes some of us choose to align with no side? Some of us accept and understand all beliefs, so are we also pawns or are we special exceptions that are not controlled like the rest of humanity? And if we are also pawns, what is our ultimate role?

 

[tirkaro]

Hmm... interesting theory for sure. In that case though, what makes some of us choose to align with no side? Some of us accept and understand all beliefs, so are we also pawns or are we special exceptions that are not controlled like the rest of humanity?

You're half right.
Even though you love all, being able to break away from God's initial intent, you will still conflict. There will still be some people who strictly believe in only one religion and will consider any acceptance of other religions as blasphemy. Sure they're a minority, but so are you.

And if we are also pawns, what is our ultimate role?

I have a couple of theories but I believe they are all wrong at this point.
If God didn't tell us what our purpose for life was initially, he most likely doesn't want us to ever know until the very end.
Ever hear of Strange Matter? Basically, there's things that the human mind cannot know whatsoever. Our brains simply were not programmed to know certain things. It's like teaching a DOS computer how to love. Except with stronger consequences.
Once again, take Strange Matter for example. If humans simply observe it, it can completely tear holes in the space-time, and shift the universe in horrible ways, essentially causing fatal glitches in the system. Sure, human minds, or whatever species gets there first, will eventually adapt to be able to see the truth, but not now. I'll leave that to my future incarnation.

 

[Teh Brettster]

The problem is, sometimes a person's only flaw is that they can't accept the flaws of others. And that's a pretty devastating flaw

This.
THIS.
This is a lesson I've learned in my life. And it's very true. A couple of relationships have taught me the importance of this lesson.

Debates about Religion is pointless, everybody will go home believing the same thing they did before they started.

But they sometimes loosen closed minds. Religious tolerance is one thing I greatly endorse*-- but NOT forcefully changing the beliefs of others. Take a look at Nysyarc's quote right there ^. It applies here. A lot of times a difference in beliefs if seen as a flaw, and it isn't taken well. I think that creates the flaw of intolerance (which I strongly believe is a flaw). This is more or less a big message Nysyarc's OP was trying to illustrate, and tolerance was the issue he was bringing into play more than anything else.

(Nysyarc, I completely agree with you on like everything you've said, by the way. Except perhaps the "if it were up to me, religions wouldn't exist" thing. I'd rather just have peaceful existence between all religions, but that's asking for at least as much. Rofl.)

*I, an agnostic, am very tolerant of all religions of the world.. except I just don't understand Scientology, LOL. (Sorry to any Scientology peeps. I just can't see that one for real.)

 

[Omnicron's Baklava Enterprises]

What you have said, Nysyarc, is something that I myself have come to see as well.

That people who have a Religion view the ones that do not as inferior, misguided, or lost without God.
However, although I have many Muslim friends who are full-time Islamic, they do not seem to view me as lost or inferior. In fact, I have no idea what exactly they think of me, yet I am their friend.

But back to the MAIN topic...
I have seen few cases among my friends in which if one does not believe their Religion, they are inferior somehow, and it frustrates me to an extent as well. If Christians view Atheists or Agnostics as inferior, where did one of their Commandments go?
Was it not that one of the Commandments stated "Love thy neighbour?", where did this 'love' or at least 'acceptance' go?

Religion in some cases can be the centre of hypocrisy in this world, no offence meant to any of you who are Religious. As I said, some cases only, I have seen many more friendly and warm Christians/Muslims/Jews then I have seen hypocritical, yet the ones who are anger me.

Jesus Christ viewed all people as equal, no matter the colour, the accent, the origins, the nationality. Why are his followers not the same? I ask.
Sometimes I find myself struggling to say things about Religion without aggravating anyone...

Why, just the other day I saw a YouTube channel, named Wanda4DecentValues, who said she was a proud Christian. Yet, in her channel, she expressed hatred of Muslims, African-Americans, homosexuals, and Liberals.
She was of the utmost hypocrisy that I have seen in my lifetime, she is basically defying Jesus.

And thus I foresee a Religious arguement on the horizon... Such a shame.

 

[Nysyarc]

(Nysyarc, I completely agree with you on like everything you've said, by the way. Except perhaps the "if it were up to me, religions wouldn't exist" thing. I'd rather just have peaceful existence between all religions, but that's asking for at least as much. Rofl.)

Heh, well I guess what I meant was like... it would be better if religions had never existed from the very beginning. But that's all pointless to discuss anyways because you're right, peaceful existence between religions is as far-fetched as abolishing them all. It just won't happen.

*I, an agnostic, am very tolerant of all religions of the world.. except I just don't understand Scientology, LOL. (Sorry to any Scientology peeps. I just can't see that one for real.)

Hmm... I strongly disagree with Scientology for quite a few reasons, but this is the main one right now:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5454720.ece

Denying mental illness in your child and not seeking professional help for them simply because of religious beliefs is wrong. I have an autistic younger brother and he can't be 'cured' by spiritual healing. He has autism for life, and we need to do everything we can to make sure he gets the most out of his life. This poor kid died of a seizure because his family was too blinded by Scientology to realize he was suffering.

 

[aeghrur]

Hm, very interesting blog.
I really do agree with most of what you said, especially that bit about not accepting others flaws.
Of course, sometimes we must realize beforehand that maybe, it isn't even a flaw to begin with. I made this from reflecting back upon my actions, where I believed some of my friends to be wrong on certain issues, only to realize I was an idiot for not looking at it from their point of view. So in essence, I saw a flaw that was never there to begin with, which often times can even be more damaging.
But you're absolutely right, humanity has a problem in that we all cannot simply accept the flaws of other people, and often times ourselves...

 

[Ocho(*8*)]

I really agree with you about how it is unfair to kids in religious families. My sixish year old cousin isn't allowed to read anything but the bible and as a result he is behind in reading and isn't interested in books really. It really annoys me to see me aunt do that to him...

 

[Leekduck]

I think sometimes people use religion as an exuse to do what they want, But that doesnt mean whe should Disregard all religion as Zelousy, People like Richard Dawkins get on my nerves because there Dogmas who wouldent listen to someone else to save their life

By the way, WHos heard a song called Jesus he knows me by Genesis, Its an interesting song about Hypocritical Evangelicists, More specificly those that go on the TV to try and get people to give them cash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugZq9hiuCJo

 

[BOB SAGET!]

This is what good & bad product in the DH is all about:
Nysyarc (a very good debater in my opinion) shows how religion can be used to propagate hate (e.g. bigotry), or as he said it:

Compare this with Bob Saget...well, it's like comparing apples and oranges. Looking at his posts in the PG makes him look like a :******:

Hahaha i lol'd at that one. Which posts of mine on the PG did u read? Just asking....

 

[Teran]

This is not to become personal.

thegreatkazoo, if you want to reply to that, use VMs or PMs. You two can keep any personal issues there, I'd rather you don't compromise somebody else's blog by bickering.

 

[DarkAura]

im actually very surprised this has become more of a logical discussion than a flame war of beliefs

 

[mountain_tiger]

I agree with everything stated in the first post. Religion is fine if taken with a pinch of salt, and provided it allows people to stay open-minded and doesn't halt scientific progress. What I really can't stand is when religion is used for things like this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/8204207.stm

Now, I often say bad things about religion and religious figures and the like, but I don't actually mean it when I say any of that stuff. I only use it as a way to distance myself from my past as much as possible (in the past, I was a very strong Christian, and I regret some of the things I said and thought during that time). It's only the people who use religion to get what they want that I really hate.

 

[BOB SAGET!]

about the scientific evidence, what i mean is the after life isnt just in the bible and stuff. There are EVPs, near death expericences, visions of spirits when someone is dying. So fine u might not call that for sure scientififc evidence but theres is more proof of the after life other than the bible.

btw look at this vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8Aq00yJSxo

what r your opinions on it.

 

[thegreatkazoo]

This is not to become personal.

thegreatkazoo, if you want to reply to that, use VMs or PMs. You two can keep any personal issues there, I'd rather you don't compromise somebody else's blog by bickering.

My apologies, that was a low blow...

 

[Skadorski]

Wouldn't it be better if noone mentioned religion instead of getting rid of all of it?
I mean without religion, the pilgrims wouldn't have gone to America, and that could mean no "Freedom" in America which could be bad.
I mean it's never going to happen but so isn't no religion at all.

 

[Leekduck]

Wouldn't it be better if noone mentioned religion instead of getting rid of all of it?
I mean without religion, the pilgrims wouldn't have gone to America, and that could mean no "Freedom" in America which could be bad.
I mean it's never going to happen but so isn't no religion at all.

Religion does not equal freedom, Infact it sometimes means the opposite

 

[Skadorski]

Religion does not equal freedom, Infact it sometimes means the opposite

Maybe I said that wrong.
I meant "freedom in america" as in Freedom of everything, meaning you can go where you want do what you want ect. unlike china.

 

[Jim Morrison]

Are religious Blogs the new gay blogs? Jesus Christ, they're flooding mah user blogs.

 

[Fatmanonice]

Are religious Blogs the new gay blogs? Jesus Christ, they're flooding mah user blogs.

Yes. I like this though because the discussions have been decently deep so far and that's what I like to see most in the User Blogs.

 

[Jim Morrison]

The arguments are rotating, I've heard almost everything before in other blogs. This is like the MK ban argument thread, it's silly repetition of arguments and even sillier flaming on other people.

 

[Nysyarc]

The arguments are rotating, I've heard almost everything before in other blogs. This is like the MK ban argument thread, it's silly repetition of arguments and even sillier flaming on other people.

Actually there hasn't been much arguing or flaming in this thread. I tried to gear this discussion more towards extremism in general as opposed to just religious extremism (which was my initial issue, but not my conclusive issue).

 

[Skler]

I'm not sure why I'm even in the user blogs section, or posting about religion. Whatever though.

Link to original post: [drupal=2201]Religion... Sigh...[/drupal]

I'm not saying I'm a perfect person, far from it, but people who can't understand and accept others for their differences are the ones who need help. That is why I disagree with religions. I can accept people who are religious, but the world would be several thousand times better without religion. Obviously religious people would be quick to disagree... which is the part that makes me sad.

Children in religious families are brainwashed and fed full of bull about how anyone who doesn't share their beliefs is lost. They're brought up thinking they are indefinitely right, and to never use logic or common sense. It is archaically wrong and cruel to raise a child on a single belief and force them to live their life with a closed mind and an inability to express themselves freely.

Yep, that's where you screw up badly.

You hope you don't offend people and then say they were brainwashed/will brainwash their children. You say something they believe is making the world terrible.

You sure do accept those religious people who you consider a PLAGUE ON HUMANITY. Are you such a hypocrite that you don't realize what you just did? You're going to think I'm brainwashed. Listen champ, I don't go to church, haven't been for a long time. I do believe in God, but that's neither here nor there. You're a close-minded person who went off on a tangent because ONE SPECIFIC PERSON offended you.

You said religious families brainwash their children. What the **** dude? Maybe if you said "in some extreme circumstances crazy families brainwash their children" I wouldn't have been offended.

I didn't read the entire topic, the OP was just too awful to get past. Seriously, think before you talk/post. Blanket statements + religion = a horrible idea.

Edit: I know this is a borderline flame post, but really mods, read the quoted section. The thread wasn't shut down for baiting and he wrote that.

 

[MidnightAsaph]

I completely agree. I have more to say about religion, probably even take it farther than you would, so I won't try and offend someone. But I will say you are perfectly right. There's absolutely no reason for the arrogance and confidence some people have.

I'd rep you if smashboards had a rep system.