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[Urist is dead tome]

Religion is just a convenient means to an end. Religious organizations hold power, and people want to use that power. Religion is also an easy way to connect and get a bunch of like-minded people together under one banner. It's one thing to say that Bob, Smith, and Joe all dislike X, but it's another to say that this group of Y religion of Z members dislikes X.

Now that just seems like an atheistic outlook.

[CoughDrop]

I agree, but the negativity plants itself within the culture and makes it 'ok' for future generations. It seems these negative circumstances are what actually starts the cycle.

That's sensible.

Then why are we blaming religion, when what is to blame is our insufficient methodology for coping with disaster?

...Probably because it's easier... 

[Vector]

Well, then.  I hope we all learned something today.

[ECrownofFire]

Religion is just a convenient means to an end. Religious organizations hold power, and people want to use that power. Religion is also an easy way to connect and get a bunch of like-minded people together under one banner. It's one thing to say that Bob, Smith, and Joe all dislike X, but it's another to say that this group of Y religion of Z members dislikes X.

Now that just seems like an atheistic outlook.

Not at all. I am actually somewhat religious (not Christian by the way). Religion can easily be used for good or bad, depending on who's using it. And religion doesn't even have to be used. It just tends to turn out that way.

[chaoticag]

While Religion has morality, I doubt it is the wellspring of morality. If you looked back at the old animist religions, you'll notice a distinct lack of rules like "though shalt not steal", since the entire tribes tend to know each other and know what belongs where. Religion is simply an enforcer of morality, although as times go by, what is and isn't moral changes, and religion really has to catch up in some instances. Such as countries that ban organ transplants on religious grounds.

[CJ1145]

Well, don't know the current point of discussion, but as for the original topic I'm a Christian, and a rather uncompromising one as far as faith goes. But I try to let people express their own opinions and follow whatever religion (or lack of one) they choose. And science is okay in my book too. In the words of my pastor, "God is a scientist." To reject the laws and observations of the universe would be to reject the design by the very being I worship.

[Glowcat]

Religion is simply an enforcer of morality, although as times go by, what is and isn't moral changes, and religion really has to catch up in some instances. Such as countries that ban organ transplants on religious grounds.

Or the extremely aggravating Patriarchy line of morals that plagues modern society. Entire families being dedicated to making war-babies was alright then, but detrimental to society now. Especially when keeping females and homosexuals down. At least western religions haven't tried justifying slave ownership since the American Civil War.

[chaoticag]

Well, to say that would be to ignore the opposing side of religion, that tries to adapt morality to more modern views. Hell, here are a few sources: http://www.gjfreepress.com/article/20110311/COMMUNITY_NEWS/110319988

http://www.changingthefaceofchristianity.com/

Religion is not a static force, and a "good" piece of scripture is open to interpretation, so that it can change with the times.

[Urist is dead tome]

Religion is just a convenient means to an end. Religious organizations hold power, and people want to use that power. Religion is also an easy way to connect and get a bunch of like-minded people together under one banner. It's one thing to say that Bob, Smith, and Joe all dislike X, but it's another to say that this group of Y religion of Z members dislikes X.

Now that just seems like an atheistic outlook.

Not at all. I am actually somewhat religious (not Christian by the way). Religion can easily be used for good or bad, depending on who's using it. And religion doesn't even have to be used. It just tends to turn out that way.

But to say that is only a convenience is not a good outlook for religious people. I'm aware what religion you are by the way.

[Nikov]

If the subject at hand is how various groups associate themselves with, encourage or discourage scientific progress then I should think we'd best stick to that subject and not diverge into personal opinions regarding the nature of those various groups.

[Urist is dead tome]

If the subject at hand is how various groups associate themselves with, encourage or discourage scientific progress then I should think we'd best stick to that subject and not diverge into personal opinions regarding the nature of those various groups.

I disagree because that's what the pagans want you to think. In my opinion they're trying to taint the children.

[Bauglir]

-snip-

[Urist is dead tome]

If the subject at hand is how various groups associate themselves with, encourage or discourage scientific progress then I should think we'd best stick to that subject and not diverge into personal opinions regarding the nature of those various groups.

I disagree because that's what the pagans want you to think. In my opinion they're trying to taint the children.

This is sarcasm, yes? Please let the answer be affirmative.

Oh it is. But seriously, people, I'm just gonna wait for a re-rail.

[Bauglir]

-snip-

[Nikov]

Didn't the monastic orders basically save ancient literature from being lost after the fall of Rome?