Religion, A Benefit To Mankind? Or Not?

[jomifl]

Would mankind now be better off had religion not been invented? supporting reasons for your opinion can be as controversial as you think the AB thought police will allow.

[jomifl]

Spain used to be a world power but it bankrupted itself playing the role of the pope's policeman. 200 years later it still hasn't recovered. How different the world would be if so many resources and so much effort hadn't been squandered in the name of imaginary gods.

[naomi24]

Khandro, //Wouldn't you say that some of the worst acts of violence by men against women are regularly committed by men lacking in any religious beliefs whatsoever? //

Firstly, you seem to be implying that two wrongs make a right – they don’t - and secondly, unlike the unacceptable actions of the non-religious, the unacceptable actions of the religious are condoned - and indeed advised - by a philosophy that millions refuse to criticise. There is no comparison.

[mibn2cweus]

Arbitrary beliefs are the gateway to self-delusion.

[jomifl]

xerus, if you believe in god then surely what matters is that god feels right with you. What you feel about god must be irrelevant 'cos he's the guy that really matters (theoretically anyhow).

[Khandro]

Naomi; //you seem to be implying that two wrongs make a right//
How on earth do you arrive at that ridiculous notion?

[naomi24]

Khandro, Well, you’re asking what appears to be a rhetorical question, in effect saying that because some men who aren’t religious commit violent acts, that somehow excuses those of a religious persuasion who commit similarly violent acts. If that isn’t what you meant, I don’t understand the point you’re trying to make.

[jomifl]

Xerus, we haven't yet formed an opinion on whether it is worthwile entertaining the concept of religion. I think quotes from a book allegedly containing the word of an unaknowledged concept is pushing things a bit. Plenty of time for that later:o)

[Khandro]

Naomi; [You are] //in effect saying that because some men who aren’t religious commit violent acts, that somehow excuses those of a religious persuasion who commit similarly violent acts.//
That is not what I am saying, - YOU know that is not what I am saying, so why do you persist with this stupid questioning?

[naomi24]

Khandro, why is it stupid? You're not explaining yourself. I don't know what you're saying. If I did I wouldn't be asking.

[Khandro]

Then I'm sorry for you, perhaps you'd better read it through again, it seems to be clear to others.

[naomi24]

Khandro, // it seems to be clear to others. //

How do you work that out? Since you asked the question at 23:16 Wed 04th Jun no one else has responded to it. If you really know what you're talking about, why is it a problem to you to explain further - even if it is just for the benefit of the stupid? Look upon it as an act of Christian kindness. ;o)

[Khandro]

Yawn!

[RATTER15]

Yawn! = dammit, she got me with that one, now I am the one looking stupid yet again!!

[Khandro]

Read the posts Ratter, you should have gone to Specsavers.

[naomi24]

Khandro, this is a waste of time and effort. I don’t know what you’re talking about and you’re telling Ratter he should have gone to Specsavers so he clearly doesn’t know what you’re talking about either. Still, not to worry. It's obvious that you don’t want anyone to pursue the line of discussion you thoughtlessly initiated, so we’ll leave it at that.

[Khandro]

See yours, 09:47 Thurs. //you seem to be implying that two wrongs make a right// - A stupid and unfounded comment, the level of argument one might expect in a school-playground. How could I ever "imply" such a thing on this or any issue?

[pixie373]

I agree you weren't justifying it, khandro, but pointing out atheists can be violent as well. In your opinion, does religion encourage violence at all, or not?

[Khandro]

pixie; I know of no religion which 'encourages' violence, though a great deal of violence has been committed in the misinterpreted name of religion, some religions more than others.