Is organised religion a general enemy of humanity?

Post Reply New Topic

As title.

I make no distinction here between Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, and so on.

Any human with a working intelligence will eventually wonder where he fits into the world around him and the large world. There is nothing wrong with such private meditations and inquiries. However, when these are hardened into doctrine and dogma and society becomes organized along such dogmatic lines, then pain, death, war and alienation happen.

Private spirituality is harmless to society and beneficial to the individual. Organized religion, on balance has been a bad deal for the human race.

ruveyn

I agree. I can't say I have any issue with anyone's private, spiritual beliefs at all. Not one bit. If I was vaguely spiritual myself, I'd find it all quite fascinating - another world, if you like.

What I have a problem with is organised religion, and especially when organised religion turns to dogma and that then turns to dictating people's thoughts, feelings and lives and, especially, when it turns to violence to enforce or expand its influence.

We are on the same page.

ruveyn

its not such an absolutist matter that can be divided into 'yes' or 'no'. The truth is a little more greyscale.

As far as I'm aware, no wars have been started in the name of satanism or buddhism.

Even Christianity and Islam would be positive influences on the world, if they were firmly moored in their own principles. Unfortunately the nations that subscribe to them are ruled by rich and greedy men using scriptures for their own ends. The real enemy is the economic system.

But plenty of wars have been fought by Buddhists.

Also, have you never heard of Sri Lanka?

That is true. But what of Islam and Christianity. The potential for violence is always there. If a religion becomes important in a society it can be politicized and then that society is on the road to ruin. Buddhism is on a slippery slope, but it hasn't yet slid.

Satanism is a joke and is not a major religion. It is a minor thing and can easily be ignored.

ruveyn

You don't think the real problem might not be the economic system but either in a) the religion itself or b) in the scumbag criminals who make a mint out of the religion?

i said as far as i'm aware. I'm prepared to be corrected on the matter. I know of Sri Lanka, but am admittedly unread on its internal politics.

A war fought in the name of satan then. There is your homework.

There are not enough Satanists for a scrum. Fuggedaboudit.

ruveyn

Buddhists (mainly Sinhalese) v Hindus (mainly Tamils).

That's just one conflict in SE Asia. The Buddhists aren't peace-loving folk. They like a good fight much like most other religions.

The difference between (theravada) buddhism (or jainism, if you prefer) and christianity is that its canonical scriptures don't promote violence not even in one sentence, while the bible is full of violence incentives. The wars fought could not be suported by buddhist scriptures.

But, relating to your topic question, organized religion can be dangerous. But it's not a binary answer. Buddhism, as an organized religion has done more good than evil, imo, so it can't be considered an enemy of humanity.

If they can't even muster enough believers for a proper Rugby game, then they're done...

Next.

I think organized religion grows into a kind of totalitarianism. Especially when introducing sins that are thought-crimes.

It's not enough that you behave better, but it demands even your mind follow the rules.

Not in theory. "Organised religion" could cover just about anything. I can easily imagine an organised religion which is a hugely positive force and has very few downsides.

For so much of our history religion has been the mainstay of what passed for civilization.
Much of the developed world is at the stage where the old ways are no longer suitable for the majority, so it appears in a negative light to many more people.
There will always be a legitimate place for organized religion in every society.
Which religion that is depends upon how that religion exhibits the standards of society, but don't quote me on it.