Topic: Do you think the humanity would be better off without religions?
Ks !KansasxqvM started this discussion 15 years ago #13,166
| Poll option | Votes | Percentage | Graph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | 13 | 76% | |
| No | 4 | 24% |
swamplights !!V3J448+/B joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 7 minutes later[^] [v] #236,604
People flipped out over those signs.
hamfist !!snnYcROO9 joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 9 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #236,608
We'd still find differences to justify killing
Anonymous D joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 10 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #236,609
@OP
I love that ad. I see that advert on London buses almost daily.
I love that ad. I see that advert on London buses almost daily.
Anonymous E joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 20 minutes later, 31 minutes after the original post[^] [v] #236,613
No. The problems of religion are problems of organizational behavior in general. If not some church spouting off lies, than some government, corporation, secret society or other self-interested power structure would rise up to fill the void.
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 39 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #236,628
@previous (E)
That's nice and all, but this poll is about religion specifically. You seem to be saying religion is bad, but humanity wouldn't be better off without it. That doesn't make sense.
That's nice and all, but this poll is about religion specifically. You seem to be saying religion is bad, but humanity wouldn't be better off without it. That doesn't make sense.
Anonymous F joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 39 minutes later, 1 hour after the original post[^] [v] #236,637
Better off. Kinda like europe after the dark ages.
Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 15 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,646
It would be different, but it's hard to work in what way so it's a moot point.
There certainly would have been fewer genocides and killings without it though.
There certainly would have been fewer genocides and killings without it though.
Triptych !LightPenis joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 28 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,661
Not necessarily. People would find other reasons to wage war.
Besides, people need their safety blankets. Religion is a good one, like an imaginary friend that isn't looked down upon.
Besides, people need their safety blankets. Religion is a good one, like an imaginary friend that isn't looked down upon.
dreamworks !AUIkTW/L46 joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 25 minutes later, 2 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,679
Anonymous J joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,681
@236,628 (Ks !KansasxqvM)
> You seem to be saying religion is bad, but humanity wouldn't be better off without it. That doesn't make sense.
He explained it pretty clearly, and I had no trouble understanding. Stop being stupid.
> The problems of religion are problems of organizational behavior in general. If not some church spouting off lies, than some government, corporation, secret society or other self-interested power structure would rise up to fill the void.
> You seem to be saying religion is bad, but humanity wouldn't be better off without it. That doesn't make sense.
He explained it pretty clearly, and I had no trouble understanding. Stop being stupid.
> The problems of religion are problems of organizational behavior in general. If not some church spouting off lies, than some government, corporation, secret society or other self-interested power structure would rise up to fill the void.
Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,685
@236,661 (Triptych !LightPenis)
But they'd have far fewer reasons to kill, so there would probably be fewer deaths overall. For example, the crusades, Spanish inquisition and witch hunts wouldn't have happened.
Sure other reasons might have picked up the slack in religion's absence, but religion would leave a big hole, and I don't think that much else could completely fill it.
But they'd have far fewer reasons to kill, so there would probably be fewer deaths overall. For example, the crusades, Spanish inquisition and witch hunts wouldn't have happened.
Sure other reasons might have picked up the slack in religion's absence, but religion would leave a big hole, and I don't think that much else could completely fill it.
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,690
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,693
@236,685 (Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx)
Thing is, incidents such as the Spanish inquisition aren't always fully fueled by religion. There was gold and power. It was just as much secular as religious, it's just that religion helps for people to justify what they're doing without looking like assholes.
Thing is, incidents such as the Spanish inquisition aren't always fully fueled by religion. There was gold and power. It was just as much secular as religious, it's just that religion helps for people to justify what they're doing without looking like assholes.
Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx replied with this 15 years ago, 3 minutes later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,698
@previous (Triptych !LightPenis)
The primary motivation for all of it was religion. Without that they probably would've just gotten loans or had some minor wars. I can't see them doing anything on the scale of the inquisition without as big a motivation/justification.
The primary motivation for all of it was religion. Without that they probably would've just gotten loans or had some minor wars. I can't see them doing anything on the scale of the inquisition without as big a motivation/justification.
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,701
@previous (Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx)
I dunno, man, power is a pretty good motive. :3
I dunno, man, power is a pretty good motive. :3
(Edited 19 seconds later.)
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,706
@236,693 (Triptych !LightPenis)
Its easy to focus on violence and religion, but there are a lot of other things to consider, brainwashing kids, child abuse, abuse of power, people praying rather than taking action etc. There is a multitude of negative things associated with religion, I've long been convinced the bad of religions far outweighs the good of religions.
Its easy to focus on violence and religion, but there are a lot of other things to consider, brainwashing kids, child abuse, abuse of power, people praying rather than taking action etc. There is a multitude of negative things associated with religion, I've long been convinced the bad of religions far outweighs the good of religions.
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,708
Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx replied with this 15 years ago, 47 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,709
@236,701 (Triptych !LightPenis)
But thinking that the sky lord wants someone smited is a very good reason. :')
But thinking that the sky lord wants someone smited is a very good reason. :')
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,711
@previous (Killer Lettuce !!iNo3FkiZx)
It's pretty easy to just say that it's God's will and do whatever the fuck you want. So easy to abuse.
It's pretty easy to just say that it's God's will and do whatever the fuck you want. So easy to abuse.
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 46 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,712
@236,708 (Triptych !LightPenis)
Do I really need to? The Catholic church alone is a glaring example of child abuse and abuse of power. I'm sure there are tons of examples in other religions as well.
Do I really need to? The Catholic church alone is a glaring example of child abuse and abuse of power. I'm sure there are tons of examples in other religions as well.
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 10 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,713
@236,708 (Triptych !LightPenis)
Circumcision, punishing children for masturbating, allowing various church officials to get away with molesting children,.
Circumcision, punishing children for masturbating, allowing various church officials to get away with molesting children,.
Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,714
@236,708 (Triptych !LightPenis)
God told me to do it
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-20-severed-arms_x.htm
God told me to do it
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-20-severed-arms_x.htm
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,716
@236,713 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
> Circumcision
Fair point, although as far as I can tell it was once a valid practice. If I'm wrong please correct me.
> punishing children for masturbating
Is that done? Huh. How stupid. ._.
> allowing various church officials to get away with molesting children,.
Eh, not solely a church practice.
To be fair, that's got less to do with believing in a sky lord and more to do with how it's all organized. It's as susceptible to corruption as any other organization.
@previous (Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ)
> delusional
> Circumcision
Fair point, although as far as I can tell it was once a valid practice. If I'm wrong please correct me.
> punishing children for masturbating
Is that done? Huh. How stupid. ._.
> allowing various church officials to get away with molesting children,.
Eh, not solely a church practice.
To be fair, that's got less to do with believing in a sky lord and more to do with how it's all organized. It's as susceptible to corruption as any other organization.
@previous (Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ)
> delusional
Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,717
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 21 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,718
@236,716 (Triptych !LightPenis)
I think that religious organisations are more susceptible to corruption because of the threat that backs them. You tell, and you'll burn forever.
I think that religious organisations are more susceptible to corruption because of the threat that backs them. You tell, and you'll burn forever.
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 7 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,719
@236,706 (Ks !KansasxqvM)
Have you done any reading at all into the general quality of life of religious vs. non-religious people?
Have you done any reading at all into the general quality of life of religious vs. non-religious people?
dreamworks !AUIkTW/L46 replied with this 15 years ago, 3 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,720
itt: ks changing the world
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 50 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,721
@236,716 (Triptych !LightPenis)
Faith in something without any evidence whatsoever is the very definition of delusion. Religion is delusional.
Faith in something without any evidence whatsoever is the very definition of delusion. Religion is delusional.
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 18 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,722
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,723
@236,719 (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
No I haven't. I would be interested in some non-biased stuffs.
@236,720 (dreamworks !AUIkTW/L46)
Its just a topic for conversation, bud. :-/
No I haven't. I would be interested in some non-biased stuffs.
@236,720 (dreamworks !AUIkTW/L46)
Its just a topic for conversation, bud. :-/
[^_^] !yyQ9.ZkX3. joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 41 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,725
@236,716 (Triptych !LightPenis)
> > punishing children for masturbating
> Is that done? Huh. How stupid. ._.
Yes -_-
> > punishing children for masturbating
> Is that done? Huh. How stupid. ._.
Yes -_-
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 15 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,726
@236,721 (Ks !KansasxqvM)
Children with imaginary friends. Are they delusional?
It's just a comfort to many people to feel that someone has control over everything and knows all. Also, many people fear death. It's a comfort for them to believe that they're going to heaven.
@236,718 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
True, but other organizations have threats as well. For Mexican drug cartels, you tell and we decapitate you and your family. For governments, I'd imagine there's something about cushy jobs.
Children with imaginary friends. Are they delusional?
It's just a comfort to many people to feel that someone has control over everything and knows all. Also, many people fear death. It's a comfort for them to believe that they're going to heaven.
@236,718 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
True, but other organizations have threats as well. For Mexican drug cartels, you tell and we decapitate you and your family. For governments, I'd imagine there's something about cushy jobs.
Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ replied with this 15 years ago, 17 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,727
@236,719 (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan. Yeah. Good quality in those theocracies/Islamic Republics
Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan. Yeah. Good quality in those theocracies/Islamic Republics
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 39 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,729
Anonymous J replied with this 15 years ago, 58 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,730
Anonymous J double-posted this 15 years ago, 16 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,731
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 6 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,732
@236,726 (Triptych !LightPenis)
How can you possibly feel comfortable comparing religious groups to drug cartels? If they are that similar, that should tell you something.
How can you possibly feel comfortable comparing religious groups to drug cartels? If they are that similar, that should tell you something.
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 50 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,734
@previous (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
._. I was just saying how religious organizations aren't the only ones who can use threats.
._. I was just saying how religious organizations aren't the only ones who can use threats.
âá´¥â joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 17 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,735
Meh. Some people that don't go too crazy with it are pretty friendly. It's what keeps some people strong, and it's what kills other people. Can't say for sure.
Ks !KansasxqvM (OP) replied with this 15 years ago, 50 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,736
@236,726 (Triptych !LightPenis)
> Children with imaginary friends. Are they delusional?
I don't think many/any of those kids really believe their imaginary friends are real, its just kids having fun with their imaginations.
> Children with imaginary friends. Are they delusional?
I don't think many/any of those kids really believe their imaginary friends are real, its just kids having fun with their imaginations.
Triptych !LightPenis replied with this 15 years ago, 53 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,737
@previous (Ks !KansasxqvM)
True.
Oh, also, many people are taught to be religious from a young age. It's pretty hard for them not to be.
True.
Oh, also, many people are taught to be religious from a young age. It's pretty hard for them not to be.
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 10 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,738
@236,719 (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
Compared to other first world countries ultra religious america has much worse healthcare, higher rates of obesity, and much higher infant mortality rates. How is that a good quality of life?
Compared to other first world countries ultra religious america has much worse healthcare, higher rates of obesity, and much higher infant mortality rates. How is that a good quality of life?
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg replied with this 15 years ago, 56 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,739
@236,723 (Ks !KansasxqvM)
Off the top of my head, in the social science research I've seen, religious people are: happier, less likely to commit suicide, have more stable marriages/lower divorce, more likely to survive major health issues like cancer, less likely to commit crimes, more likely to donate to charity, less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, and less likely to develop a variety of mental illnesses.
I'm heading off for awhile, would suggest a google scholar search for religiosity if you're interested.
Off the top of my head, in the social science research I've seen, religious people are: happier, less likely to commit suicide, have more stable marriages/lower divorce, more likely to survive major health issues like cancer, less likely to commit crimes, more likely to donate to charity, less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, and less likely to develop a variety of mental illnesses.
I'm heading off for awhile, would suggest a google scholar search for religiosity if you're interested.
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,740
By the way, there are hundreds of free religious books for the kindle. I'm currently reading the book of Mormon. They also have free skeptic and mythology titles.
marvin !H0G.H/BnJg replied with this 15 years ago, 32 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,743
@236,722 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
@236,727 (Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ)
@236,738 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
Ecological fallacy.
@236,727 (Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ)
@236,738 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
Ecological fallacy.
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 16 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,745
Anonymous J replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,747
Leo Vegas !gNoGoD5HzQ replied with this 15 years ago, 57 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,749
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,751
@236,743 (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
How? Ultra religious america uses more anti depressants than almost every other country. Why is that?
How? Ultra religious america uses more anti depressants than almost every other country. Why is that?
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY double-posted this 15 years ago, 42 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,753
Anonymous P joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 29 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,755
@236,739 (marvin !H0G.H/BnJg)
If you are taking this as an evaluation of the relative benefits of religion, I think it would be fair to keep in mind the sketchy relationship between correlation and causation here.
If you are taking this as an evaluation of the relative benefits of religion, I think it would be fair to keep in mind the sketchy relationship between correlation and causation here.
Anonymous J replied with this 15 years ago, 19 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,756
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 46 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,757
@previous (J)
Get one. They aren't that expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002Y27P3M/ref=sr_1_3_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1318969847&sr=8-3&condition=used
Get one. They aren't that expensive.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B002Y27P3M/ref=sr_1_3_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1318969847&sr=8-3&condition=used
(Edited 49 seconds later.)
Anonymous J replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,759
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,765
@previous (J)
46$ on Ebay. Hey, If I get a color Kindle for Christmas, I'll send you my old one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/amazon-kindle-1st-generation-250mb-wi-fi-6in-white_W0QQitemZ270834269594QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:101#ht_795wt_1139
46$ on Ebay. Hey, If I get a color Kindle for Christmas, I'll send you my old one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/amazon-kindle-1st-generation-250mb-wi-fi-6in-white_W0QQitemZ270834269594QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:101#ht_795wt_1139
dreamworks !AUIkTW/L46 replied with this 15 years ago, 2 minutes later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,770
Anonymous J replied with this 15 years ago, 4 seconds later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,771
@236,765 (buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY)
Maybe if I save for a while I could. And thank you, but I live in Europe so it would be very expensive to ship.
Maybe if I save for a while I could. And thank you, but I live in Europe so it would be very expensive to ship.
buspuppie !!hkv8K5ZEY replied with this 15 years ago, 1 minute later, 3 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,775
Anonymous R joined in and replied with this 15 years ago, 19 minutes later, 4 hours after the original post[^] [v] #236,792
The world would suck today if there was no religion, religion was necessary for humankind to advance.