Religion: A Necessary Evil? - TalkCeltic

Thombhoy · 08-02-2008, 07:16 PM

Religion fascinates me, seriously, and I was just wondering what everybody thought about it.

I tend to think the world would be a better place without it as too few actually benefit from it. In fact, all I see all over the world is hatred coming from it.

I've lived through 'The Troubles' in NI and I find that the level of hatred that emanates from Protestant people in relation to Catholics as bitter in the extreme. It is almost as though they are taught that Catholics are subhuman with the head of their church, quite simply, an 'Anti-Christ.'

Watching the suicide bombers in the Middle-East where 'martyrs' are created by killing others makes me feel sick to the stomach that such evil could be attributed to any 'God.'

Hearing stories about heads being cut off with a pen-knife are the tip of the iceberg. Everywhere we all go we are affected by extremists from all religions.

Another scary organisation is Opus Dei. For all their talk about loving God this organisation was able to bail out the Vatican Bank as well as buy a new $100,000m dollar HQ in New York.

Personally, I find that belief in God is nothing more than an extended version of Santa Clause, however, if I'm every in trouble I suddenly become very religious.

I despise the human side of the Catholic Church for their treatment of children and others innocents with sex abuse, mental torture and I find it incredible that their two faced standards do not allow condoms in Aids-ridden countries like Africa.

I'd just like to hear others views on it as I find it a fascinating topic which really does affect everyone of us.

mattmcg67 · 08-02-2008, 07:32 PM

if you're interested mate....just read a book called 'the god delusion' by a prominent atheist - its a great read whether you are religious or not - funny and brilliantly written, it really changed the way i think about the subject.

If you read the bible, there is so much suffering and murder in it i wonder how anyone can take this content and try and apply it to a way of living in today's world. I've been out in the states for about 6 months, its astounding how scared people are of questioning religious faith out here. For instance, only 40% of Americans would vote for an atheist for president. Why should believing in god have any bearing on someone's ability as a leader? crazy stuff

**BenedictineMonk** · 08-02-2008, 07:34 PM

I can live without it in my life, I don't need it to guide me and I don't want to be a follower. I don't believe. Religion has caused so many troubles over the years, but thats not to say without it the world would be a better place. Humans seem to find a way to fight whatever the reason. Religion does give a vast amount of people something to believe in and helps guide them through life. I know many people who rely on their faith to get them through hard times and I can't really knock that. I tend to look at life in a different way and believe in science more than blind faith. The idea of a higher power is a kind of comfort blanket, fair enough, but I don't buy what they are trying to sell.

venegoorstrokes · 08-02-2008, 07:39 PM

Its not religion, its churches. If you just read the four gospels and (whether or not you believe the magical stuff) just followed the teachings then there would be no trouble in the word at all. I dont like churches but I am pretty much a christian (although a bad one) . A lot of the bad crap is cultural traditon anyway not actually in the good books of the various religions.

mattmcg67 · 08-02-2008, 07:44 PM

i had a course to fill at uni so just started taking buddhism. To me it seems like the only religion that doesn't have loads of downsides. Technically it is a religion, but without all the worshipping, and fear of burning in hell and all that shite. It is basically just about having compassion for others and trying to live with a clear head. Anyone hear of a holy war/crusade started by a group of fundamental buddhists?? or a buddhist monk trying to con people into sending him $1000 as a 'contract with the lord' (saw a christian 'pastor' trying that on the tv yesterday).

**greendave** · 08-02-2008, 07:46 PM

Funny I was thinking of posting something about religion yesterday.

I'm not religious in any shape or form, I don't go to mass but my wife and daughter go every week which I have no problem with.

But yesterday I was dragged along for a short candle service where my wee girls class all re-affirmed their baptismal promises now that they're old enough, and before they all make their first confession in a few weeks time. I thought it would be a total drag but it was actually quite heart warming.

They sang some hymns then made their baptismal vows. They were all wearing their school uniforms and all the parents and grandparents did their bit as well. Normally I despise the division which religion is often the cause of but seeing all the kids and their families last night demonstrated how it can also be a great comfort to some and create a very close community.

venegoorstrokes · 08-02-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattmcg67

i had a course to fill at uni so just started taking buddhism. To me it seems like the only religion that doesn't have loads of downsides. Technically it is a religion, but without all the worshipping, and fear of burning in hell and all that shite. It is basically just about having compassion for others and trying to live with a clear head. Anyone hear of a holy war/crusade started by a group of fundamental buddhists?? or a buddhist monk trying to con people into sending him $1000 as a 'contract with the lord' (saw a christian 'pastor' trying that on the tv yesterday).

I was at a few of their shrines and temples in Japan. Amazingly peaceful places. I like buddism but am a bit put off being a honky buddist because of some of the serious wankers who get into it for a couple of years in Britain.

mattmcg67 · 08-02-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keltoi

I was at a few of their shrines and temples in Japan. Amazingly peaceful places. I like buddism but am a bit put off being a honky buddist because of some of the serious wankers who get into it for a couple of years in Britain.

I know what you mean mate the pretentious dicks who get all holier than thou about stuff, start walking around cities in bare feet and stuff. Also, to be a true buddhist you're not supposed to drink or shag ever again. I think i would have to stop short of those two rules. Couldn't keep a clear head during the week if i couldn't get plastered on the weekend

irvy7 · 08-02-2008, 08:00 PM

i think everybody should have faith in there own heart and for there family but i choose not to be of a certain religion protestan catholic or whatever

i have chosen against the inlaws wishes not my own familys to have my daughter christened if she wants to make a choise when she is old enough fine its they way my parents raised me and my wife stands by my views caused a little upset but i think it would only be hipocrisy

we will have a nameing party excuse for a party

Thombhoy · 08-02-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattmcg67

if you're interested mate....just read a book called 'the god delusion' by a prominent atheist - its a great read whether you are religious or not - funny and brilliantly written, it really changed the way i think about the subject.

If you read the bible, there is so much suffering and murder in it i wonder how anyone can take this content and try and apply it to a way of living in today's world. I've been out in the states for about 6 months, its astounding how scared people are of questioning religious faith out here. For instance, only 40% of Americans would vote for an atheist for president. Why should believing in god have any bearing on someone's ability as a leader? crazy stuff

Jeez, great replies, Bhoys. It really is an amazing subject!

Irvy, I'm in the same predicament with our 7th - due on Feb 21st!!

I do not want to have it Christened at all but I won't go against my wife, due to the simple fact that she is an Irish Catholic mother, who would never consider NOT baptising our child.

Matt, America is a scary place for religion but being such a vast country I fear it is scary for many other reasons as well.

I'll definitely give the book a read

**BenedictineMonk** · 08-02-2008, 08:22 PM

Just Christened my 3 two weeks ago, the missus idea more than mine, I managed to not go through with it till now. My eldest wants to go to chapel and do all the stuff so fair play, not my bag though, but I can't stop him as its his free choice. 7 year old annaw. It's not compulsory in MY family, although I was made to go and fuckin hated it.

Martin · 08-02-2008, 09:09 PM

Tough question. I am not religious at all but while I do recognise that religion has caused great suffering in the world at the same time I don't grudge anyone their right to believe.

If I think about what religion is, why we have it then I suppose it's to help us make sense of the world. One of the things that makes us different from animals is our level of consciousness and self-awareness. We have the unique ability to ask 'why' ? When we can't come up with answers to questions such as 'why are we here ?' or 'what is the meaning of life?' then I suppose what we do is invent answers to help us make sense of the world and to give us meaning. If we didn't then there would be a huge void in the human psyche.

So in a way I would say yes it is 'necessary' because of the way we think as human beings, because it gives us answers to things we don't understand and what we don't understand often frightens us.

**BenedictineMonk** · 08-02-2008, 09:11 PM

Well put point as always Martin, science is the key though.

Martin · 08-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnight Toker

Well put point as always Martin, science is the key though.

That's a good point too. Science is another thing we use to try and understand the world - to give us answers.

**Paul67** · 08-02-2008, 09:28 PM

Religion is an important part of my life. I am a practising Catholic, and enjoy Mass each Saturday or Sunday.

I don't consider religion to be the problem in life, quite the opposite. I regard it as a way of comforting people in many different situations in life, and towards afterlife.

The problem imo, is the ignorance and hatred of people who use religion as a weapon.