I wrote the following in another forum... thought it'd be a fun little read.
Religions in general sometimes contribute positively to societies and individuals, and I find it difficult to come to any real opinion on whether or not they represent a positive or negative influence on our civilization. Ultimately, it is my opinion that blind belief in a mythical being for the purposes of instilling a social or ethical contract in people is detrimental to society as a whole. Faith, in a sense, is the blind ignorance by which a kind person can be brought to the brink of utter depravity in the heights of contradiction with an opposing belief structure. I see nothing wrong with having a strong trust in ones own moral convictions, their own social contract, or even the social ties they share with others. However, a willingness to compromise, and a truly open and engaging mind is an absolute necessity in all things. The nature of a deity is to defy compromise, and refuse to accept the contributions of experience, and discourse. In that sense, while I will not discount that there may be truly absolute positive gains to religion, it is my belief that ultimately, all deities must eventually be suppressed in favor of a living universal ethical/social contract defined not by dogma, or divinity but by a quorum of true representatives of all peoples.
Religions in general sometimes contribute positively to societies and individuals, and I find it difficult to come to any real opinion on whether or not they represent a positive or negative influence on our civilization. Ultimately, it is my opinion that blind belief in a mythical being for the purposes of instilling a social or ethical contract in people is detrimental to society as a whole. Faith, in a sense, is the blind ignorance by which a kind person can be brought to the brink of utter depravity in the heights of contradiction with an opposing belief structure. I see nothing wrong with having a strong trust in ones own moral convictions, their own social contract, or even the social ties they share with others. However, a willingness to compromise, and a truly open and engaging mind is an absolute necessity in all things. The nature of a deity is to defy compromise, and refuse to accept the contributions of experience, and discourse. In that sense, while I will not discount that there may be truly absolute positive gains to religion, it is my belief that ultimately, all deities must eventually be suppressed in favor of a living universal ethical/social contract defined not by dogma, or divinity but by a quorum of true representatives of all peoples.
aren't you christian?
Only on christmas!
How does this involve the anti-Christ? Or is this Anti(as in against)? Maybe it's too early. Maybe my PS3 pissed me off last night. I dunno. But if this is the latter, I'm sorry I didn't catch it.
I feel the same way.
I feel the same way.
Anti as in against... thought it was a clever play on words... a little double entendre so to speak.
well said. i think there is something in the book of revelations about all peoples of all faiths coming together to establish codes and interfaith collaboration under the anti-christ, though I am paraphrasing. nny, maybe you are the anti-christ.