WILL HUMANITY EXIST WITHOUT RELIGION??

WILL HUMANITY EXIST WITHOUT RELIGION??

No.

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I think religion has given man a lot of things he has required to succeed as a social animal in the past and even to this day. At the same time I think religion carries a lot of baggage with it that was not always necessary in the past and even less relevent today. I do think religion can be faded out and or replaced with things offering all of the benefits (community, support, education, charity, etc) without all of the crap like superstition, dogma, intolerance, etc.

Edited on June 19, 2008 at 4:15 PM Quote

First of all the definition of the word: Humanity

(n.) The branches of polite or elegant learning; as language, rhetoric, poetry, and the ancient classics; belles-letters.
(n.) Mental cultivation; liberal education; instruction in classical and polite literature.
(n.) Mankind collectively; the human race.
(n.) The quality of being human; the peculiar nature of man, by which he is distinguished from other beings.
(n.) The quality of being humane; the kind feelings, dispositions, and sympathies of man; especially, a disposition to relieve persons or animals in distress, and to treat all creatures with kindness and tenderness.

Now will humanity exit without religion.. Yes I believe so.. Why because humans show kindness and tenderness.. even tho they don't know of religion..

(But without God.. there would be no human race.. for he created us.. )

And if u give good gifts.. not knowing... Whao isn't that kewl.. just think if they knew of it... Whao!!!!!! Man now that's just too Kewl.. don't cha think.. xxx :o)

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As long as man can't find certain answers elsewhere I doubt religion will cease to exist. I think "The Golden Rule" and most of the Ten Commandments would still remain governing tools despite whether or not structured religion remains strong. Whether it's "Hell after life", or "Jailtime during life" I think mans behaviour will always be limited by circumscribed laws limiting behaviour (in accordance with the individuals culture). Assuming structured religion weakens I doubt greater chaos than we currently see going on around us will ensue.

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WILL HUMANITY EXIST WITHOUT RELIGION?

Sadly no, but theoretically it could. Religion has caused far more harm than good, and is so embedded within the universal believers human psyche, whether it be voluntarily, through fear of social leprosy or by indoctrinated conditioning, that I find it impossible to envisage a time when it won't be there. Certainly more people than ever before these days are opening their eyes and seeing blind faith for what it is, but to convince the entire world?

No - won't ever happen.

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Blaze909 wrote:
Suicide is definitely a sin because you are murdering someone (yourself). Will you automatically go to Hell as some say? No. Suicide is not the unpardonable sin. The unpardonable sin is dying without accepting Jesus as your Savior.

An argument could be made that because jesus was aware he would be crucified and did nothing to prevent it, that his death can be considered a suicide (assisted suicide i guess). If suicide is a sin then would jesus not be guilty of sin?
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Actually communism is the leading cause of death. There were more people killed in the 20th century alone by communists than there have been killed in the name of religion since time began.

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of course humanity will last without religion............most of the wars were caused through religion.........holy wars....northern ireland and probably half of them in total..............the richest landowners in the uk is the church of england...........and what about the terrorists killing innocent folk in the name of god or allah........911 was down to religion, and so was many other tragedys.........theres my opinion anyway....

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cwang50 wrote:"Actually communism is the leading cause of death. There were more people killed in the 20th century alone by communists than there have been killed in the name of religion since time began."

in this statement above, it will depend on who you talk to how you configure your totals. If one goes back... it will be concluded that religion was around long before communism.. so how many wars have been fought in the name of religious idealogy? How many have died as a result of?.... as I said... it depends on who and how you tally your scores.

It could be argued that communism is in many ways like a religion that replaces a deity with the state. But then the closer to actual socialism a communist government is the less bloody it tends to be. The real terrible regimes were ones that became totalitarian in nature.

Edited on July 11, 2008 at 4:10 AM Quote

REALLYMAD wrote:Religion has caused far more harm than good

This statement can not be validated because it is relative and we have nothing to compare it to. (ie, having no religion could cause just as much harm. We don't know because we've never experienced such a world. We can only hypothesize).

..........

If the human brain has evolved in such a way that it brings to us religion, then it will be a very long while before that trait devolves. (for lack of a better word).

If the trait was placed within us for a purpose, then we should try to figure out the purpose instead of fight about it.

......
and martyrdom differs from suicide in the same way that killing as a defense differs from murder.

Edited on July 12, 2008 at 2:05 PM Quote

Arizonagal wrote:WILL HUMANITY EXIST WITHOUT RELIGION??

No.

Religion goes far beyond ones belief it becomes a lifestyle and part of how they start to define themselves.

Humanity by design was created with the desire for fellowship. Is that in itself religion?

If it is than the answer would be no. But I don't think religion is the principle to man's existence.

For those whom believe in Heaven do you think there will be religion once you are in the actual Presence of Yahweh?

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Desire for fellowship is seen in the animal kingdom while religion is not, so I would say that desire for fellowship and religion do not go hand and hand.

Interesting thought. Who needs religion in heaven? hmmm.

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Yes, humanity will die out because of religion

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War is created by those who wish to oppress and enslave. (i.e., Communism/Marxism). Religion tempers and frees the spirit.

"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people." - KARL MARX, Criticism of Hegel's "Philosophy of Right"

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Now I know you must be kidding.
You know that people are often enslaved and oppressed by their OWN religious ideologies, don't you? And there are many that would use religion as a means and/or justification to enslave and oppress?

You know that, right?

Edited on July 13, 2008 at 5:28 PM Quote

Yes, I understand that 9-11 was a warning from bin Laden for America to "embrace Islam". I was speaking primarily of Christianity.

Notice, I clarified my statement: i.e., Communism/Marxism...which is counter to Christianity.

Edited on July 13, 2008 at 8:10 PM Quote

9-11 is just an example.
This is a rather complex idea.
What does it mean to be oppressed?
When homosexuals are not allowed to marry because of religion, that's being oppressed. When people are afraid of sexuality and feel it's dirty and sinful, they are enslaved by such thoughts. When a woman feels compelled to stay in an abusive marriage for fear of the consequence based on a vow when she made when she was a young girl she is being oppressed. Perhaps some people don't feel these things are oppressive because they agree with the principles. There's a very fine line to be drawn between freedom and oppression.

Now that's just day to day kind of crap. Then there are the holy wars, crusades, and the inquisition.

Edited on July 13, 2008 at 8:57 PM Quote

oops, double post.

Edited on July 13, 2008 at 8:57 PM Quote

Hotstepper wrote:Desire for fellowship is seen in the animal kingdom while religion is not, so I would say that desire for fellowship and religion do not go hand and hand.

Interesting thought. Who needs religion in heaven? hmmm.

It could just be me but I don't see the animal kingdom looking for fellowship with other animals.
Animals just do what is instinctive to do.
They mate, eat, sleep, and in pursuit of those things often encounter other animals and interact with them in a way it might be perceived as fellowship.

Basically animals live off the land and each other. Humans are not too far from that ideal.
I think that religion was an idea created by man and the Almighty would have nothing to do with it.

Edited on July 13, 2008 at 11:27 PM Quote

tdirector1 wrote:
Animals just do what is instinctive to do.
They mate, eat, sleep, and in pursuit of those things often encounter other animals and interact with them in a way it might be perceived as fellowship.

The pursuit of fellowship is also instinctive in humans and some animals. Being in a community, yes, does enable them to eat, mate, and sleep in a more energy efficient manner which is probably WHY fellowship is an instinct. It aids in survival.

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I guess I didn't see it that way but in lieu of your post I can see the logic in that.
If you consider biblical times God created Eve because none of the animals were suitable companions for Adam.

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And man did rejoice.

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Hotstepper wrote:And man did rejoice.

man is still rejoicing but the same creature that can bring us joy brings us much pain as well

mostly in our lower areas

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LOL!
Well, don't go thinking that men are so easy to get along with!

oh my. I just realize that there are people (many of them) in this world that actually believe women are God's gift to men.

*sigh*

I've never put it in those words before.

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Hotstepper wrote:LOL!
Well, don't go thinking that men are so easy to get along with!

oh my. I just realize that there are people (many of them) in this world that actually believe women are God's gift to men.

*sigh*

I've never put it in those words before.

women are incredible creatures, they are visually stimulating (most of them) in some way shape or form. i think they are in a non-barbaric sense a gift to man. they are definitely a help to us, they are much better at cooking and laundry.
Ok, and the sex, women have more to play with.

am I digging myself a hole here? (no pun intended)

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Grave nothing, I'm feeding you to the pigs.

I am no man's gift, thank you.
I give of myself.
And I expect men to do likewise.

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Hotstepper wrote:Grave nothing, I'm feeding you to the pigs.

I am no man's gift, thank you.
I give of myself.
And I expect men to do likewise.

ahahahhah you tell him!!!!!!!!

omygosh this is sooo funny...

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Hotstepper wrote:9-11 is just an example.
This is a rather complex idea.
What does it mean to be oppressed?
When homosexuals are not allowed to marry because of religion, that's being oppressed. When people are afraid of sexuality and feel it's dirty and sinful, they are enslaved by such thoughts. When a woman feels compelled to stay in an abusive marriage for fear of the consequence based on a vow when she made when she was a young girl she is being oppressed. Perhaps some people don't feel these things are oppressive because they agree with the principles. There's a very fine line to be drawn between freedom and oppression.

Now that's just day to day kind of crap. Then there are the holy wars, crusades, and the inquisition.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in the U.S.

People who feel oppressed by religion may discontinue practicing it.

Women in an abusive marriage are free to divorce...divorce is legal.

However, Iraqi women are not free; they are subjugated by the men.

Edited on July 14, 2008 at 2:50 AM Quote

Bod: I hope he didn't take me TOO seriously! :P

Ari: I think you are missing some valuable points.

Firstly, same-sex marriage is illegal mainly due to religion. (religious oppression)

People who feel oppressed by religion can not just stop practicing it as if they are giving up Friday night bingo. Like all forms of oppression, self oppression gains power through fear.

Women in abusive relationships that think that divorce is a sin (because of their religion) can not just leave. They are afraid to. (again, fear based).

"War is created by those who wish to oppress and enslave. (i.e., Communism/Marxism). Religion tempers and frees the spirit."

No, religion does not ALWAYS free the spirit. Often times it enslaves and tortures the spirit. Yes, even Christians can be victims of their own doctrine which you claim sets people free. and btw, I don't know why you are using the Marx quote when it seems to be in contrast to what you are saying? Are you presenting an antithesis with it?

Edited on July 14, 2008 at 3:04 AM Quote

We're discussing two different topics here...legal issues, and personal issues.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in America because it is a Christian nation. In Islam, same-sex relationships are outlawed.

Regarding interpersonal relationships...therapy is available for people who feel trapped...whether it is within their religion, or in a marriage.

The Marx quote enforced my remarks regarding Communism/Marxism.

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Arizonagal wrote:We're discussing two different topics here...legal issues, and personal issues.

Yes, when personal issues become legal issues you have a recipe for oppression.

Arizonagal wrote:Same-sex marriage is illegal in America because it is a Christian nation. In Islam, same-sex relationships are outlawed.

Okay, so you have pointed out that the extent to which homosexuals are oppressed is relative. That doesn't mean it's non- existent in our nation. (Not that it's relevant to the issue at hand - religion functioning as an oppressor, which your Islamic example affirms just as readily as the Christian contrast).

Arizonagal wrote:Regarding interpersonal relationships...therapy is available for people who feel trapped...whether it is within their religion, or in a marriage.

I agree. You say this as if naming a potential cure means the problem is inconsequential and dismissive.
Therapy is a possible cure for self-oppression, I agree, provided that the person(s) is not afraid of the therapy itself or admit they have a problem. [/quote]

Arizonagal wrote:The Marx quote enforced my remarks regarding Communism/Marxism.

Ah.

Edited on July 14, 2008 at 4:36 AM Quote

When personal issues conflict with legal issues, you have problems. lol

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Hotstepper wrote:Bod: I hope he didn't take me TOO seriously! :P

Ari: I think you are missing some valuable points.

Firstly, same-sex marriage is illegal mainly due to religion. (religious oppression)

People who feel oppressed by religion can not just stop practicing it as if they are giving up Friday night bingo. Like all forms of oppression, self oppression gains power through fear.

Women in abusive relationships that think that divorce is a sin (because of their religion) can not just leave. They are afraid to. (again, fear based).

"War is created by those who wish to oppress and enslave. (i.e., Communism/Marxism). Religion tempers and frees the spirit."

No, religion does not ALWAYS free the spirit. Often times it enslaves and tortures the spirit. Yes, even Christians can be victims of their own doctrine which you claim sets people free. and btw, I don't know why you are using the Marx quote when it seems to be in contrast to what you are saying? Are you presenting an antithesis with it?

I agree totally with you because fear is the driving force behind any and all types of slavery, absolutely right.

God's perfect love casts out all fear.

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Bodacioushahas wrote:
God's perfect love casts out all fear.

This is a beautiful and strengthening thought.

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Hotstepper wrote:

Bodacioushahas wrote:
God's perfect love casts out all fear.

This is a beautiful and strengthening thought.

it definitely is however few people will ever allow themselves to grasp what it really means.

To experience God's perfect love you have to trust Him completely

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cwang50 wrote:

Hotstepper wrote:

tdirector1 wrote:
Animals just do what is instinctive to do.
They mate, eat, sleep, and in pursuit of those things often encounter other animals and interact with them in a way it might be perceived as fellowship.

The pursuit of fellowship is also instinctive in humans and some animals. Being in a community, yes, does enable them to eat, mate, and sleep in a more energy efficient manner which is probably WHY fellowship is an instinct. It aids in survival.

ahahah you speak as if man is not an animal..lol well he is, he is one of the animals that inhabit the earth, he thinks he is above all, but I dont necessarily believe thats true, particularly when you look in detail at some of the creatures of this earth.

Mankind was given dominion over the animals... we even use their fur and their meat for our own benefit. Regardless what PETA has to say about it.

;-)

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Of course mankind will survive without religion. Religion was created to control the masses of an ignorant and supersticious society. We have evolved into intelligent, caring and understanding animals. What most of you are calling fellowship, I would call socialality. We are a social animal. We require other humans for our own existance. We become lonely and depressed if without human company for any short period of time. I think the phasing out of religion is not in our lifetime, but not really that far off.

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I've been "informed" quite often in the beliefs thread. I believe what I believe. Have every right to and I treat others the same.

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But Blaza, the belief in religion might be just as much a part of our natural/genetic make-up as desire for community (as my above posts indicate). If this is the case, religion will be around until it evolved out of our hardwired evolved cerebral cortex. It seems to be a product of higher level thinking (although that might be hard to believe! :-) )

It may not be something to be "phased out" as it may be something to evolve from.

Edited on July 29, 2008 at 7:04 PM Quote

cwang50 wrote:

blaza wrote:Of course mankind will survive without religion. Religion was created to control the masses of an ignorant and supersticious society. We have evolved into intelligent, caring and understanding animals. What most of you are calling fellowship, I would call socialality. We are a social animal. We require other humans for our own existance. We become lonely and depressed if without human company for any short period of time. I think the phasing out of religion is not in our lifetime, but not really that far off.

very brave... now lets see if you will be tarnished for being a free thinker... hell you might get praised...lol I praise you for the logical thinking... but where have you been...didnt you know that the bible is the absolute truth bar none and answers every question in detail for your understanding..... if youi dont believe me just wait for a few and read the post that follow..for it is their duty to inform you and me that we know.... just watch>>>>>>

Free thinker!!??? Where??? ......Get a rope...

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Religion is not part of our genetic makeup. It is something created to explain the unexplainable. Comets, lightening, thunder, crop failure etc etc etc. Being a social animal is part of our genetic makeup. Just as it is in bees,ants,antelope again etc, etc, etc. We will "outgrow" religion for the simple fact that it will be no longer required.

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blaza wrote:Religion is not part of our genetic makeup. It is something created to explain the unexplainable. Comets, lightening, thunder, crop failure etc etc etc. Being a social animal is part of our genetic makeup. Just as it is in bees,ants,antelope again etc, etc, etc. We will "outgrow" religion for the simple fact that it will be no longer required.

There is evidence that humans have evolved to favor inductive reasoning, superstitious thinking and "them/us attitudes". So technically we are not hardwired to be religious but religion happens to fulfill those hardwired needs (by design I would imagine...human design of course). I think secular organizations can fulfill the social needs met by religion but until people can overcome the the powerful draw to superstition, religions will still be attractive.

Edited on July 30, 2008 at 11:14 AM Quote

I think that us as humans find it inconceivable to think that there may be no existance after this one. I find that to be an arrogant trait.

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