Go to Religion in the Modern World
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Pat_B - there is a case to be made for the heightened anxiety levels we
contend with in our societies.
Can you imagine for example, two horse drawn carriages travelling along the same road 120 years ago, the driver behind thinks that the driver in front of him is going too slow so he goes into a fit of road rage? I can't imagine it. Modern technologies, societal expectations, our entertainment medias, a host of other factors and our willingness to be caught up in it all, have created pressures upon us that we are incapable of handling. We attempt to deal with all of this as we overconsume, pollute and destory our habitat. Something has to give and I do agree that we can describe many of us as crazy to some degree but I have to think that soliciting the help of imaginary beings or relying on them to save us from ourselves is a special kind of crazy.
posted by
gomedome
on May 31, 2007 at 10:09 AM
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It's not just religious. We're all a bit nuts these days, even sane ones
like me. heh! heh! heh! I think it's from polluted air & water - harmful effects on brain tissue and the nervous system as well as lungs. I don't think it's a big fat coincidence that more people have more allergies and asthma, and there's also a spike in the number of people with autism and depression. Seems like Rachel Carson's predictions are coming true...
posted by
Pat_B
on May 31, 2007 at 5:50 AM
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gomedome
We can look at this another way. Their the world is going to be destroyed and everyone but us is screwed philosophy also fuels their need to convert as many as possible before the big event.
I too think that overall message isn't a great one as far as contemplating the future goes, but I also think the actual "religious crazies" are fewer than some of these websites and forums imply. Even if they aren't, they'll never achieve any real power. Money and sex still rules the western world and always will. The greedy horny guys have their fingers on the shiny red self-destruct buttons and no desire to push them. Destroy the world and they can't make money and/or get laid.
By the way, I bought a digital camera last night. I'll send you an email later this evening describing what I picked and why.
posted by
Talion
on May 30, 2007 at 11:08 AM
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Talion -I agree and have often said that religious belief for the most part
is the power of positive thinking wrapped in a different package.
There are a number of pitfalls to the packaging however in how easily it can be perverted. The Rapture people for example have put a little different slant on the positive thinking aspect; "everything is not going to be allright, as a matter of fact the world is going to be destroyed and everyone with it, says so right in our handbook but we'll be okay cause we believe the right things" No matter how this is looked at, there is a group of people spreading and advancing a completely unhealthy message that is ultimately a detriment to society on a number of fronts.
posted by
gomedome
on May 30, 2007 at 10:14 AM
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gomedome
The prevailing message of any religion is no matter how lousy it looks at any particular moment, everything's going to be all right. Not a bad message when you think about it. In fact, everyone needs this frame of mind and attitude in order to cope with the world. The problems with this message arise once people add the specifics of how and why and who. The
I'm better than you human instincts kick in and ruin it, just as it ruins everything else
posted by
Talion
on May 30, 2007 at 9:55 AM
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Whysper -we can think of a number of good reasons to ban organized religion
But I don't think that a ban is something that is appropriate in a free society. Instead I feel we should do all we can to keep religion and religious influence out of public domain.
posted by
gomedome
on May 30, 2007 at 9:37 AM
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The times are a changing
We have always looked to the myths we call reigion in times of confusion. As our leaders become more adept at ignoring the real issues facing the masses, Religion steps in and offers an answer to seemingly unanswerable questions.
This is just another reason that I find to ban organized religion. They can and do take advantage of the weak willed, sucking every last dollar with promises of get into heaven card.
posted by
Whysper
on May 30, 2007 at 8:34 AM
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