Religion

[Headless Rat]

My friend's view is that there should be no organised religion as it is used as a tool for violence.He said that you can't blame people (eg suicide bombers) for their actions (killing innocent bystanders) if they have been brought up with the wrong beliefs (ie that their "God" wants them to do this) from day one.. My view is that religion is quintessentially good and to do away with it would get rid of so much more good than bad.We both agree, however, that it is people's misinterpretation and fanaticism that makes religion so dangerous and controversial. Doesn't anyone agree thesedays that religion is a positive force/ thing and that it is in the control of the human being what they do or do not do?

[noxlumos]

I too am Roman Catholic and I abhor the fact that the Church dishes out food and help on one hand in Africa and then uses that obligation of the people it helps to ram a load of archaic nonsense about not using condoms down their throats when there is a known AIDS epidemic there. It's foolish and disgusting.
I do subscribe to the idea of personal responsibility though but the situation in Africa is a very unique one and one where the Church shows itself up badly.

[sexyairhead]

I don't like your username! Of course there should be organised religion.It brings more good then bad.

[Octavius]

noxlumus, I do agree with you. Whilst the Pope wishes to reduce the risk of spreading Aids on one hand by promoting fidelity and abstinence, he refuses to acknowledge the use of condoms (contraception generally) in the other. I never said it was right, just that individuals should have responsibility for their own actions and moral judgements. There are many catholics and bishops worldwide and in Africa who do not agree with the Pope on this issue.

As with all religious questions on AB they degenerate into a good old-fashioned CHURCH-bashing exercise. And we must now adress "the other issue". There will always be people in the world who disagree outright with homosexuality reagrdless of religious beliefs. But if we must focus on that issue, then you must also know that all the Abrahamic religions condemn it, but not necessarily the followers.

[Octavius]

In answer to the original question, religion can be a positive force for individuals, especially if it is not enforced by any one, and the person finds true meaning and belief in whatever they see fit providing it is not to the detriment of others.

Religion will always creates high tensions as you can see from all the finger pointing here. More emphasis should be made on personal moral judgement and individual responsibility and whilst yes, we can blame the leaders, not all of the members should be tarred with the same brush.

[jake-the-peg]

I don't know many atheists that condem it Octavius and this thread is about religion in general.

...and I'm not bashing the church per se....just the sexual bigotry that seems so rife in it