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Unbelievable Faith » Unbelievable Faith » Talk Show Episodes » Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?

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Author Topic: Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?
Montana
Administrator
Posts: 5
Post Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?
on: January 22, 2009, 21:02

We’ll talk about how it seems to be popular in North American to believe that religion is the cause of wars and general badness in the world.
It was kind of spawned by this comic:
http://tinyurl.com/btyd4u

What do you think?
What has influenced this modern thinking?
Do you feel that there are some religions that carry more of the blame? Why?
Are there religions that are exempt from this judgment?
Should all religion be outlawed? Why?
Should all religion not be outlawed? Why?
Should faith be a human right?
Is it OK to defend your region even if it’s in a form of violence?
Zac
Administrator
Posts: 3
Post Re: Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?
on: January 23, 2009, 07:06

Karl Marx has famously said;

“Religious suffering is the expression of real suffering and at the same time the protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, as it is the spirit of spiritless conditions. It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as people’s illusory happiness is the demand for their real happiness. The demand to abandon illusions about their condition is a demand to abandon a condition which requires illusions.

Karl Marx, “Toward A Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right: Introduction”, pg.28, found in “Selected Writings”, Ed. Lawrence H. Simon, Hackett Publishing, 1994.

What do you think?
Gherkin
Member
Posts: 3
Post Re: Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?
on: January 24, 2009, 16:20

In my opinion religion IS the leading cause of wars and general badness in the world. I hate to say it but most hate groups, hate crimes, wars, terrorist attacks, etc… are carried out by people who think what they are doing is justified because of their religious beliefs.

People are entitled to their beliefs, but those beliefs should not allow them to carry such hate in their hearts for those who don’t share their views.

Faith IS a human right. But, it is never OK to defend your faith in a form of violence.

I think the sooner it is accepted that there are many different faiths as well as different levels of similar faiths, the sooner a more peaceful world will emerge.

I am a believer and a non-believer. I think everything is possible and unlikely all at the same time. I require something to make sense and answer all my questions and curiosities to satisfy my thirst for the truth. Really it is all unknown to us, one can believe and I think it is healthy to believe something but healthier yet is an open mind.
strongkevin
Member
Posts: 4
Post Re: Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?
on: January 24, 2009, 21:07

Hi. I really liked the introductions. Now everyone knows where you are coming from. I am similar to Kirsten in some respects.

I think that religion should not be imposed, but exposed. I think that most religions serve an important purpose to make the world a better place by teaching about love, respect, sharing, tolerance, community, and peace. Religion is an ongoing education about the potential of humanity based on lessons and advice from the past. Education is always good for personal development and the advancement of the human race. In some ways, schools and parents (or even the media) could teach these lessons, but religion is a structured institution for this purpose. However, even in the Christian faith there are people who have and will always use religion to manipulate and take advantage of desperate people or to better their financial situation. Thus, it is healthy to be sceptical about what people say and how modern people interpret ancient teachings. Most religions also appear to try to keep the masses in control and to impart social mores and morals to avoid chaos, which helps society and governments. However, generally religions can be used by the rich to keep the poor that way (ex. amassing wealth is evil). The Church as a “big business” makes me sick.

Kudos on the initiative and I hope you stimulate lots of discussion.
Zac
Administrator
Posts: 3
Post Re: Episode 002 - Does Lack of Religion Create a Better World?
on: January 29, 2009, 05:27

In anticipation of tonight’s podcast, I thought some of you might be interested in the following article which is in many ways a defense of Atheism over against religion.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/opinion/12zizek.html

And…

A critique of Atheism:

http://www.theotherjournal.com/article.php?id=370

Now I`ve picked these articles because I knew of them, not because I think they cover the range of topics that need to be covered in the discussion we will be having. I`m sure we can discuss the fact that Atheism isn`t necassarily the logical outcome of living in a world where religion is lacking, however, it is difficult to imagine a world without religion, but also without atheism…or perhaps not! :)

Talk to you soon!
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