PoliticalGroove Forums - View Single Post - Religion vs the Religious: Can an "Idea" be inherently evil?

mentor · 01-03-2008, 10:07 AM

Certainly certain religious ideas can be evil. Others may be good. All of these will depend upon context.

But belief is important to one's behavior. If a man believes it will rain he may choose to carry an umbrella. If he believes that I may cause his children to stray from salvation and eternity in paradise with him, he will do anything to stop me.

From an anthropological point of view, it appears that religion did evolve to govern people. It provides structure to communities and helps them adapt to their territories better than their rivals. I would argue that religion is a mechanism of control, and that spiritual growth is just a side effect.

I propose a different view of religion than you do. One which many would see as less favorable, perhaps. But I don't see it that way. I believe organized religion (for the purpose of control) no longer has a valid role in society today because we have developed far better institutions of government. Still, religion played a pivotal role of government and control in our path to civilization. Also, the idea of spiritual quest which grew from it is a good one among many good ideas to come from these institutions. But we must remain constantly vigilant against the many, many bad ideas to come out of our religions as well. All ideas are not created equal. And some religious ideas deserve ridicule at the very least. However, your point that to do so at the detriment of your own ideas is well taken.

Despite any differences, you are right that we should try and discuss these things civilly. But we should also practice forgiveness when we digress.

01-03-2008, 10:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
mentor Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,546 My Mood: Thanks: 33 Thanked 71 Times in 51 Posts	Certainly certain religious ideas can be evil. Others may be good. All of these will depend upon context. But belief is important to one's behavior. If a man believes it will rain he may choose to carry an umbrella. If he believes that I may cause his children to stray from salvation and eternity in paradise with him, he will do anything to stop me. From an anthropological point of view, it appears that religion did evolve to govern people. It provides structure to communities and helps them adapt to their territories better than their rivals. I would argue that religion is a mechanism of control, and that spiritual growth is just a side effect. I propose a different view of religion than you do. One which many would see as less favorable, perhaps. But I don't see it that way. I believe organized religion (for the purpose of control) no longer has a valid role in society today because we have developed far better institutions of government. Still, religion played a pivotal role of government and control in our path to civilization. Also, the idea of spiritual quest which grew from it is a good one among many good ideas to come from these institutions. But we must remain constantly vigilant against the many, many bad ideas to come out of our religions as well. All ideas are not created equal. And some religious ideas deserve ridicule at the very least. However, your point that to do so at the detriment of your own ideas is well taken. Despite any differences, you are right that we should try and discuss these things civilly. But we should also practice forgiveness when we digress. __________________ The Darwinian Revolution is over. Darwin won.
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