Obvious thought of the day
Religion is a form of social control.
posted by Dead Mouse Girl at 9:14 AM
"If we throw mother nature out the window, she comes back in the door with a pitchfork." ~Masanobu Fukuoka
posted by Dead Mouse Girl at 9:14 AM
3 Comments:
Coincidence! I agree. It always has been I guess. I don't know if your post was in the back of my mind somewhere, however based on some news this week, I just posted today about how increasing secularism might mean we lose the 'good' points of religion in the UK. I get the impression religion is still big in the USA, although I only base that on what I hear. ;-)
I just saw on the news (whatever that's worth), that Christianity is "BIG", again theses days. It's true, too. I am noting weird trends with the teenagers, like "Christian goths". What the HELL is that about?
If you're a cynic, like me, it makes perfect sense. I think Christianity is the highest form of Bacchanalia there is. Do what you want, and no matter what, you'll be forgiven. It's a 24-7 disco of sin and confession. The problem is that you're not SUPPOSED to treat it that way, although, it's right there. So what's my motiviation again?
Is it John Locke's Second Treatise of Government, wherein I'm only agreeing not to murder somebody, so that I can hope they will honor their asgreement not to murder me also?
Anyway, with the emphasis on consumerism in the U.S., and it's conversion-like spread across the globe, it's easy to understand why Christianity is big right now. It's a perfect fit with the growing trend of consumerism.
People want to bond, but not take on other's burden. So, they talk about shopping, and movies, and t.v. shows, and this is how they do it. But, people also want to feel superior to those they bond with, and need something to make them feel "exclusive". Picking a religion lets them be RIGHTEOUS. So, there will always be people who are wrong, as long we don't all subscribe to the same religion. I'm sure some folks choose religion in order to try to escape this loop. For example, I adopt a lot of Buddhist principles for this purpose. However, I refuse to subscribe to any structured religion, because I think they exclude experiences that do not fit within their framework, and deny me chance to expand my consciousness beyone what is pre-conceived.
I think a lot of break-throughs in human thought have been squashed by religion.
Although, I also understand that religion gives people hope. And hope is somehitng that people need.
I just think we can get it from ourselves, or from understanding the circle of life, instead of from a man-made philosophy that attempts to explain everything for everyone, which I believe, is what religion does.
Please forgive the long-winded rant. My intention is not to offend. It's just something that I have seen repeat too many times to deny.
Happy holidays, Officer!
Last night I saw a bit of a BBC TV programme here about how religion and science fit together - or don't. It featured a bit about Creationists - I was in the kitchen making dinner at the time - when I heard the presenter go on to say some research suggested that faced with conflicting evidence for something - and given a scientific or biblical explanation - 45% of US citizens would choose the biblical explanation over the scientific one. I really think I misheard this and it must have been 4 to 5%. Surely?
What comes across in the media here quite often are the seemingly frequent references to 'God' during political and military speeches and the like. Especially the 'crusade' slant that puts on marching into other people's countries. It makes me cringe.
I really like your point about religion as cohort to consumerism, I'll have a ponder on that.
You certainly won't offend me, at least, with talk about religion. My leanings are rather more humanist than anything else, although I too believe there are good lessons in various faiths - parts of Buddhism, as you mention, probably being close to my feelings on life too.
Yes, I think the main reason I moved away from 'religion' in the first place was the idea that so many people believing different things couldn't all be right/wrong.
Perhaps there's a whole lot more individuality/exclusivity in picking and choosing a faith or beliefs? I don't think that's how I got where I am, for example, however it's certainly food for thought.
Happy holidays to you to - I hope your family has a good time!
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