Do you think the world is better off without religions ?

[Saybrooke]

Such as ... ?
and no religion don't have moral guidelines ?

BTW, the department of education want to teach ethnics but the religious (mainly the Christian and Muslim leaders) opposes it.

Treat your fellow man as you want to be treated, respect for others, love above all else, that sort of thing.

[Telstra]

Treat your fellow man as you want to be treated, respect for others, love above all else, that sort of thing.

That is not from religion.
That is from Confucian Wisdom (philosophers)

[kallipolis]

That is not from religion.
That is from Confucian Wisdom (philosophers)

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. ~Matthew 7:12

or

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. ~Luke 6:31

[Telstra]

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. ~Matthew 7:12

or

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. ~Luke 6:31

That is common sense, morals & ethnics should be taught.
Don't need religion to setup moral standards.

[kallipolis]

That is common sense, morals & ethnics should be taught.
Don't need religion to setup moral standards.

If you say so, it must be so. Your input is noted.

[Saybrooke]

That is common sense, morals & ethnics should be taught.
Don't need religion to setup moral standards.

That's fair, you don't, but it is a great catalyst for it

[zoltanspawn]

I think the OP has religion confused with christianity.

Only a couple of us regulars don't confuse religion with christianity.

[Jacquemar]

Lets say for example that there are individuals who interpret scriptures to fit their Theology or Ideology, or to their own whims, and yet what they practice what is contrary to their interpretations. This is why it isn't good for an individual to interpret scriptures, unless they have something to back it up. I am happy to say that the Catholic Church has the practice of listening to the Holy Spirit's promptings, etc. The reason why they Have the Mass of the Holy Spirit within a Conclave, or before a gathering for a major Council, such as Prior to Vatican II which went from 1962-1965. Vatican II is a Pastoral Council and the past councils were Dogmatic. To get a fair idea of what is Right and Proper requires me to do further research and prayer on the subject. I will get into this more as I do some research. Just remember that some of us use common sense, and pray before we open our big mouths. Humility, and even Obedience to God are virtues of Religion that takes a lot to put into practice, and the Fundamentalist Christians are terrible at it, and make irrational judgements, etc. I promise research and cannot say when I'll be done with it.

Frankly, you went WAY off into left field there and didn't provide the information I'm looking for; I can't answer your question yet.

[marqau]

I voted no. The question is stupid. We all have a world view and values influenced by our culture, personality and experiences. Whether or not they are based on a particular religious tradition like Christianity, Islam or Buddhism etc. doesn't matter. It is still religion. Anyone that voted Yes to this question shows that they have a set of values, and whether you like the word or not, that is religion.

If you think you don't believe in anything and you have a completely unbiased view of reality directly to your consciousness, any psychologist will tell you that you are delusional.

[Telstra]

I voted no. The question is stupid. We all have a world view and values influenced by our culture, personality and experiences. Whether or not they are based on a particular religious tradition like Christianity, Islam or Buddhism etc. doesn't matter. It is still religion. Anyone that voted Yes to this question shows that they have a set of values, and whether you like the word or not, that is religion.

If you think you don't believe in anything and you have a completely unbiased view of reality directly to your consciousness, any psychologist will tell you that you are delusional.

Set of values = religion ?
your definition what is a religion is different from mine or other people then.

[MikeyLove]

religion (n) - Bing Dictionary
re·li·gion [ ri líjjən ]

1. beliefs and worship: people's beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature, and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life
2. system: an institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices relating to the divine
3. personal beliefs or values: a set of strongly-held beliefs, values, and attitudes that somebody lives by

Synonyms: faith, belief, creed, conviction

Bing Dictionary

[kallipolis]

Set of values = religion ?
your definition what is a religion is different from mine or other people then.

The Ten Commandments:

I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.


"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

[Telstra]

The Ten Commandments:

I am the LORD your God. You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the Sabbath day.
Honor your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.
You shall not covet your neighbor's goods.


"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10

What is the point of this post?

oh about set values?, as long as you cross out all the supernatural stuff (unproven info) i would agree with most of them but depends on the situation.

[zoltanspawn]

My personal notion of what religion is coincides more with Telstra on this point. I think it's possible to have a set of values and live irreligiously. What distinguishes religion for me is that a set of values must be held with such conviction that there is a sense of the sacred.

For many reasons, I suppose, people live their lives with no sense of sacredness.

[Jacquemar]

religion (n) - Bing Dictionary
re·li·gion [ ri líjjən ]

1. beliefs and worship: people's beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature, and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life
2. system: an institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices relating to the divine
3. personal beliefs or values: a set of strongly-held beliefs, values, and attitudes that somebody lives by

Synonyms: faith, belief, creed, conviction

Bing Dictionary

I much prefer Merriam-Webster's definitions:

(1.) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency of agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral governing the conduct of human affairs.

(2.) a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

(3.) the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

(4.) the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.

(5.) the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observances of faith.

(6.) something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

Pulling information off of the internet is not always a wise thing to do. Bing's definition carries no weight of scholarship.

[Jacquemar]

If you think you don't believe in anything and you have a completely unbiased view of reality directly to your consciousness, any psychologist will tell you that you are delusional.

Really??? Please give the name and contact information of a certified psychologist that will tell me that what you said equals delusion actually equals delusion.

[Jacquemar]

I much prefer Merriam-Webster's definitions:

(1.) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

(2.) a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

(3.) the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

(4.) the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.

(5.) the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observances of faith.

(6.) something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

Pulling information off of the internet is not always a wise thing to do. Bing's definition carries no weight of scholarship.

I'm correcting my post.

[kallipolis]

What is the point of this post?

oh about set values?, as long as you cross out all the supernatural stuff (unproven info) i would agree with most of them but depends on the situation.

You pertinently choose to qualify The Ten Commandments, and The Beatitudes by stating that you would agree with most depending on the situation.

In so stating, you categorically declare that your choice to obey The Commandments, or not will depend upon the situation.

Humanitarian values per The Ten Commandments, and The Beatitudes are not negotiable when recognising them as values which serve the common good of all mankind. This would include our self. Thus each of us benefits when respecting each commandment.

To pick, and choose such values to suit our whim, even our personal self interest speaks to our willingness to ignore fundamental laws of human behaviour, thereby abusing our fellow man to serve our selfish aims.

Society ensures that there are penalties/deterrence for murder, theft etc. knowing that The Ten Commandments are for most people a matter of personal selective convenience not dependent upon faith in God.

Those who of us who love God, and are in a personal loving relationship with Him are motivated by love of Him, rather than in any thought that obeying the commandments is our motivation. Here lies the difference in behaviour between those who live a spiritual life, and those who do not.

[kallipolis]

I voted no. The question is stupid. We all have a world view and values influenced by our culture, personality and experiences. Whether or not they are based on a particular religious tradition like Christianity, Islam or Buddhism etc. doesn't matter. It is still religion. Anyone that voted Yes to this question shows that they have a set of values, and whether you like the word or not, that is religion.

If you think you don't believe in anything and you have a completely unbiased view of reality directly to your consciousness, any psychologist will tell you that you are delusional.

Correct.

No human being lives their/our life without the influences of social engineering, of our parents, of our siblings, friends, acquaintances impacting upon our choices, and actions.

Through life's experiences each of us learns to fathom how best to make sense of our life's journey of self discovery, and in so doing learn to live in freedom to become true to our self.

Our process of self realisation takes us our life time.

It is the journey, and not the destination that equips us to better know our self, and become that person.

[GiancarloC]

No. I believe we are fully capable in having a hand in how we live and what we believe. And some can look at the bigger picture in an objective manner. The problem with religion is that it is indoctrinated and people don't give alternate perspectives any chance.

And the ten commandments are not the basis for what is right and good in society. It's silly Christians try to put a copyright on good behavior... and others are not capable of being good.

[jmadaf]

My answer is yes
because religion would be replaced by philosophers, ethnics ... etc which are much kinder and softer ... without referencing the bible which is mainly about war at that time.

My answer would be no, because without religion, those people would have their own agenda. Just look at when everybody thought the world was flat, ideas would be majority rules.

[FirmaFan]

My answer would be no, because without religion, those people would have their own agenda. Just look at when everybody thought the world was flat, ideas would be majority rules.

I think that what you just described is a world RULED by religion, not absent of it.

[HoarfrostMOoon]

I picked don't know. Just because you can follow your own moral code, one you feel is fair to each of your fellow man, does not mean everyone can? Some people might need the fear of god put into them in order to remain nonviolent or to remain 'moral' or to not sink into an existential nightmare and go postal!

I'm not entirely sure what religion is. Is it the Church/Temple/Mosque? Or is it the doctrine? The structure of belief and what it entails?


I like Aesop's Fables. If I were to pick a religion, it would be reading those short, metaphorical, creative stories. Always with a clear line at the end spelling out the meaning behind the tale, just in case you couldn't decipher it as you read along.

Religion is not so clear: denominations, interpretations, the fact that the original texts are translated and mistranslated and thousands of years old and so obviously altered over the years. You have to wonder if the texts, the holy books, were not in fact tailored to the liking of various kings or tyrants who held sway over the world in different eras of humanity.

[MikeyLove]

I picked don't know. Just because you can follow your own moral code, one you feel is fair to each of your fellow man, does not mean everyone can? Some people might need the fear of god put into them in order to remain nonviolent or to remain 'moral' or to not sink into an existential nightmare and go postal!

I'm not entirely sure what religion is. Is it the Church/Temple/Mosque? Or is it the doctrine? The structure of belief and what it entails?


I like Aesop's Fables. If I were to pick a religion, it would be reading those short, metaphorical, creative stories. Always with a clear line at the end spelling out the meaning behind the tale, just in case you couldn't decipher it as you read along.

Religion is not so clear: denominations, interpretations, the fact that the original texts are translated and mistranslated and thousands of years old and so obviously altered over the years. You have to wonder if the texts, the holy books, were not in fact tailored to the liking of various kings or tyrants who held sway over the world in different eras of humanity.

Concerning the bolded sentence: It is all of that, and more.

[Benvolio]

I am no religious but I think without it there will never be a generally agreed set of basic values. Part of the US problem today is that for many the desire of democrat to get elected and dominate is the basis of their values. Those are not the words they use but no other analysis will explain their inconsistent positions.

[Jacquemar]

Religion is not so clear: denominations, interpretations, the fact that the original texts are translated and mistranslated and thousands of years old and so obviously altered over the years. You have to wonder if the texts, the holy books, were not in fact tailored to the liking of various kings or tyrants who held sway over the world in different eras of humanity.

Good job. I think you hit the nail on the head.

[kallipolis]

Religion is not so clear: denominations, interpretations, the fact that the original texts are translated and mistranslated and thousands of years old and so obviously altered over the years. You have to wonder if the texts, the holy books, were not in fact tailored to the liking of various kings or tyrants who held sway over the world in different eras of humanity

The militant atheist spends their life wondering, and speculating with meaningless words to amplify their empty speculations.

[Telstra]

The militant atheist spends their life wondering, and speculating with meaningless words to amplify their empty speculations.

militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist

How many times do you have to say that?
The "militant atheist" never kill people.
The "militant religious" kills people.

[kallipolis]

militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist
militant atheist

How many times do you have to say that?
The "militant atheist" never kill people.
The "militant religious" kills people.

Then you conveniently overlooked the anti religious campaigns of the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Satellite states. Did I overlook Nazi Germany's incarceration and extermination of so many Christian, and Jewish people.

Your anti religion posts on this forum Hot Topics, and the Politics forum are also duly noted. [Text: Removed by Moderator]

The militant crusading atheist has a notable presence across these forums. Quid pro quo

Hadn't you noticed?

[GiancarloC]

The militant atheist spends their life wondering, and speculating with meaningless words to amplify their empty speculations.

Erhm, what? I don't know of militant atheists like that. The militant religious fundamentalist are the ones who speculate with meaningless words and spout falsehoods. The religious conservatives are ones who only talk with empty speculation.

[Text: Removed by Moderator]

[Telstra]

Then you conveniently overlooked the anti religious campaigns of the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Satellite states. Did I overlook Nazi Germany's incarceration and extermination of so many Christian, and Jewish people.

Your anti religion posts on this forum Hot Topics, and the Politics forum are also duly noted. [Text: Removed by Moderator]

The militant crusading atheist has a notable presence across these forums. Quid pro quo

Hadn't you noticed?

Atheist is simply after a long long search/study about religion we come to the conclusion that there is ZERO evidence what the religious is claiming therefore we don't believe.

Anything else like Nazism, Stalin-ism, ... etc is an ideology.
Ideology is not = don't believe

Note: Nazism can be catholic.
Stalinist can be orthodox ... etc.

[Telstra]

Here [Text: Removed by Moderator] kallipolis, religion destroy other cultures with no mercy:
http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/

[zoltanspawn]

Here [Text: Removed by Moderator] kallipolis, religion destroy other cultures with no mercy:
http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/view/

Have you even watched the series? It's quite a stretch to cite that and claim it explores the idea that religion destroys other cultures without mercy.

[Telstra]

Have you even watched the series? It's quite a stretch to cite that and claim it explores the idea that religion destroys other cultures without mercy.

I'm watching it now,
but my experience about Christianity is to "go and spread the word" to as many people as possible ... meaning destroy other cultures/ideas ...

[Ninja108]

to me,religion has always been about one thing,controlling people.

[MikeyLove]

I much prefer Merriam-Webster's definitions:

(1.) a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency of agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral governing the conduct of human affairs.

(2.) a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.

(3.) the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices.

(4.) the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.

(5.) the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observances of faith.

(6.) something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience.

Pulling information off of the internet is not always a wise thing to do. Bing's definition carries no weight of scholarship.

What's the difference...Same basic definition, but longer and more detailed, so...

[lightsandsprites]

I think religion teaches good morals etc and is good community.

When it goes too far though, like basing "facts and information" on I see as an unreliable source such as God.

[bankside]

Religion represents early humanity's collective decision that what is assumed to be true is not worth investigating.

The Enlightenment represents the decision that it's better to actually find out than just continue to assume; that reason is better than doctrine; that asking "why" is better than listening obediently; that letting go of falsehoods is better than an undisrupted tradition. Anything within religion that is worthwhile will be unscathed by this exercise.

And the better values of religion are not really in dispute; it is only a question of authorship. Indeed the better values of religion don't seem to arise from within any particular one; they just seem to be moral common sense. No harm in putting those through the same kind of vetting either.

[zoltanspawn]

The problem with your brief history is that while religion can represent an unquestioning attitude and obedience to doctrine, it does not only represent that.

[SugarMountain]

I think the world would be much better off without religions. There would be a lot less hatred. I don't need religion to know right from wrong.

[Mariatenebre]

Certain religions most certainly the world would be better off without. However others enrich the world.

[Jacquemar]

What's the difference...Same basic definition, but longer and more detailed, so...

It's only superficially the same. Your definition is far too vague and offers no criterion to determine what is or is not a religion, and thusly leaves the definition open to unqualified and incorrect interpretation.

[popcult80]

Absolutelt its all a scare tactic to keep people in line...the simple fact that bible has been "revised" over the years makes it all a joke.

[Slaveboy]

It has always harmed progress with it's self-loathing and armageddon worshipping BS. I'd say the world would be hundreds of years ahead of the way it is now without people basing their actions on a made up authority.

[bankside]

The problem with your brief history is that while religion can represent an unquestioning attitude and obedience to doctrine, it does not only represent that.

I think you may have missed the part of my brief history where I take about things other than doctrine, and the part where I said the things worthwhile in religion should continue.

[kallipolis]

It has always harmed progress with it's self-loathing and armageddon worshipping BS. I'd say the world would be hundreds of years ahead of the way it is now without people basing their actions on a made up authority.

Such an observation has been noted often, on this forum and does not change the fact that human beings are as well behaved, and as badly behaved as they wish to be - with, or without religion to inspire their decisions, and actions.

Just imagine how helpful, humanitarian and life affirming all those Communist leaders were in the Soviet Union, and China in caring for the well being of their citizens when butchering them to death for daring to oppose them, in a similar manner to all those religious fanatics who did, and do likewise while exclaiming God's name to justify their un godly actions murdering their neighbours in the name of God.

Human beings share very much in common when we reveal the worst that we can impose upon our fellow man.

[zoltanspawn]

I think you may have missed the part of my brief history where I take about things other than doctrine, and the part where I said the things worthwhile in religion should continue.

The other thing you mentioned was 'moral common sense.' You didn't suggest that should continue, but that it should be subjected to the same kind of Enlightenment vetting.

[ReBeL B0Y]

to guys who said Yes!
are you gay?!
Is islam a religion?!
ok then, this religion tells homosexuals like yourselves should be killed or stoning, can you accept it?! imagine yourself in such a situation...!

although i believe that if one day any religion get deleted from the life of mankind, something similar to it would be created just to destroy the fear of the Death and tell the human: "don't be afraid, there is another life, death is not the end!"

[popcult80]

Yes. However God is everything and everyone. People need to become more spiritual and in tune with themselves and God as opposed to bible thumping and going to church to sit stand kneel and say 10 hail mary's and then act like an asshole after. Organized religion is a joke to me.

[evanrick]

absolutely not. how else are we supposed to tell which people are easily brainwashed and controlled?

what is terrifying about what kallipoilis says is that people who subscribe to such radical views is that they much more dangerous than a non-believer because they are able to justify their actions while a non-believer lives in the real world.