Go to The Reverend Kooka Speaks About Religious Bulls#!t
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Shawn- I think that's true
Most of the major religions believe God gave mankind commandments to live by. Christianity has Christ instituting his Church on earth in the New Testament. I know this organizational aspect turns a lot of clear thinking and good hearted people off. But I always thought this part of my faith demonstrates the wisdom of God. Humans have been forming themselves into groups, adopting codes, laws, and defining social mores since time immemorial. We seem to have a need for it.
That this should also be true where matters of faith are concerned seems logical. The problem of established religion isn't really with established religion,it's with people. It's easier to have things written out and you can sign on the dotted line, as it were. These are the people many percieve as mindless sheep. I call myself a member of an established religion with a long and rich intellectual tradition. Yet so many in this same faith are not interested in exploring this tradition. That the Church says it is good enough for them. Not everyone has the capacity for delving deeply into something and some are just mentally lazy.
Kooka gave an example of a couple who were so invloved in church activities they couldn't see their own children were having problems. I know a family that went through the same thing and it was painful to watch. But if your a child was doing well in school, spending all his free time studying yet neglecting his chores at home,you probably wouldn't think you needed to dispense with the schooling.
posted by
AnCatubh
on April 28, 2004 at 1:33 AM
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Damon
You miss the point. The attempt here is to drive home the point that some type of organized system is necessary to perpetuate goodness. It cannot be maintained in a state of disorder.
posted by
telemachus
on April 27, 2004 at 7:46 PM
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gheeghee
I know a whole lot about faith. Just not blind faith.
posted by
kooka_lives
on April 27, 2004 at 10:45 AM
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shawn
DamonLeigh seems to have gotten my post, but like normal you have not. If If I were to form a religion, then I would be a hypocrite. I will go and preach my beliefs, but I am not going to organize any group to follow them. I will let other decided what of my views they wish to follow and which ones they do not. I am only making suggestions here, it is up to each person to figure their own beliefs out in the end.
posted by
kooka_lives
on April 27, 2004 at 10:44 AM
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amdg
I will admit that a large number are not brainwashed, but the term gets more attention than saying they just do not think for themselves. I have never really had any personal bad experiences with religion directly. I have had some people I know who have gone and done some really foolish things because a church told them to and I have ahd some friends change for the worst due to following a church, although I had already figured out I was an atheist before that. The experiences really had nothing to do with my beliefs, they just reinforced them.
I so hope others read your comment here and see the kind of comments I would like to see here more often. It was not insulting or attacking and it asked a good question.
Thank you.
posted by
kooka_lives
on April 27, 2004 at 10:40 AM
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Shawn...
...you stun me once again.
You use the words "religious organisation" and suggest kooka forms one.
Have you read the title of this blog? Have you read the post?
C'mon, dude! Wakey wakey!
D
posted by
DamonLeigh
on April 27, 2004 at 8:34 AM
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again, written like someone who does not understand the concept of FAITH.
posted by
Gheeghee
on April 27, 2004 at 8:19 AM
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Kooka a/k/a Fact Knower
Perhaps you could develop a religious organization of your own, centered around ways to best achieve the state of goodness that you attest exists in your life?
posted by
telemachus
on April 26, 2004 at 9:40 PM
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well said, kooka
You've stated your views succinctly. May I now address something you said about organized religion, or rather ask you something? Why do you assume that followers of an organized religion are brainwashed? Granted, there a lot of people out there who don't give a lot of thought to what they profess to be truth. Many people are not given to scrutinizing things to that extent and they feel comfortable following someone whom they trust. Still, I don't think it means they're brainwashed. I'm not inclined that way myself but I know many good people who belong to an established religion and try in earnest to be holy (and I don't mean holy ass) and it shows in their lives. They're not the most intellectual lot but their lives are exemplary. Have you had a bad experience with a particular religion, if you don't mind me asking? Or is it just an observation from afar.
posted by
AnCatubh
on April 26, 2004 at 8:57 PM
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