Religulous and Religious Violence

This is an argument I have heard for many years. The problem with it is that it ignores the real problem with religion. Yes, violence is basic in human nature. Religion, in far to many cases, simply becomes yet another reason for humans to resort to violence.

Our very fate is in danger because of our nature to turn to violence. Religion has shown itself to be an inadequate solution to that problem, and in far to many cases it is simply another justification for the violence.

Your answer is quite right, Tim, about blindly following and extermination. Add to that twentieth century technology and bronze era culture convictions and Poof! Mahr made that point in the movie and to me, it was the best point. What other tools do we cling to from the Bronz Age? Medicine? Engineering? Technology? It would be ridiculous. Yet we are asked to believe and follow an antiquated textbook. The Muslims are still 'worshiping' (if you will) a METEOR for goodness sakes. We know what it is! God did not send a message or a sign. It was a meteor! But the religion cannot admit fault or it puts all of its other tennants on shaky ground. Rather than ever admit flaws or change with the times, the religious would rather take everyone down in a ball of fury.

...and the Muslims are driven by what?

Men are inherantly violent, but anything that a man can get passionate enough about, will likely lead to violence against opposition.

Religion's problem is it creates a "we are right, everyone else is wrong" emotion, on some level and ultimately, "the loving God we worship is going to kill/punish or otherwise destroy all who don't believe as we do".

"God is love", but only to Christians. Everyone else is going to Hell.

www.isnrblog.com

Steve,

Thank you brother for your concern about this real issue. Bill and that other undoubted demigog are looking to divert attention to Atheist view. No matter what someones background, there is a need for belief greater than yourself. We are fallible man, we have no business dependeing solely on ourselves. Remeber Jim Jones, David Koresh, Heaven's Gate, etc!
We need to talk up not seeing this movie. If we see it, we make them stronger. Please say to America, "Do Not See This Movie". Bill should never work again!

It is not religion that is bad; though it can be taken to extremes, so can any other human endevor. How much evil has been done in the name of America or "freedom". I would argue that the ideals behind the American Revolution and the US are positive despite what people have done with them.

So, too, the teachings of Jesus (I speak only as a Christian). "Judge not lest you be judged." "They will know we are Christians by our love." "Love God with your whole heart, mind, and soul. And your neighbor by yourself." Yet, much of Christianity has the reputation - deservedly - of being judgemental, condescending, and hateful. We're not doing it right (though I've met a whole lot of people who are - who truly love). Jesus talked of the value of the Spirit of the Law but we get rigid and forget Jesus' flexability.

This is a common problem and by no means unique to religion.

Christianity and Islam both claim divine truth and that their followers are blessed, chosen, or at the very least, following the "right" path. This is a wonderful corner stone upon which those who wish to execute control and violence of others can build empires.

It's simply dumbfounding - dumbfinding? - that otherwise intelligent individuals either refuse to be open to the idea that no god exists or that there is simply no reason to believe it.

How did we get here? Well, some guy made us.
Why did he make us? Uhhhh... he got a little lonely and bored.
What's he want us to do? Uhhhh... follow some rules and hand money over to churches.
What do we get? Everything for which a 5 year old could wish!
How does he know if we do what he wants? He sees EVERYTHING! Hears EVERYTHING! - oh wait - he KNOWS EVERYTHING and always has.
So if he made us and knew what we were all going to do before we ever got here, why have us here? It's not like we're revealing ourselves... He gives us free will to choose to be his buddy or not!
He knows and basically controls everything, so that rings a bit hollow. It seems fairly childish. I really have better things to do than waste my time on this.

He will smite you!

Uh huh. Later.

Stalin and Mao are atheists. This is the oldest argument for the peacefulness of religion. This is also one of the worst arguments if you interested in convincing people that you are correct. It is power and outgroup mentality that create violence. Stalin and Mao were violent because they were communists and powerful. Hitler was the only one who was motivated by religion. Even if he was nominally Catholic, his hatred of Jews is based on religion, nationalism, and racism and it stems from the influence of Martin Luther. Religion is responsible for all violence in the modern world except for perhaps armed robbery. Sectarian violence, terrorism, and occupation of the Arab/Persian world is because of religion and only religion. Violence against women is practically mandated by all holy books (although this is also a power/outgroup issue). Violence against gay people is 100% caused and perpetuated by religion. Atheists are not violent. The rulers of communist countries may be. There are many people who are religious who are not violent. However, you must recognize that there is much violence that has nothing to do with religion and much that does. Just because something has nothing to do with religion, does not mean that Atheism is to blame. Any religious person worth their salt would blame Satan for violence in the world! Jesus told you that was the case. Atheists can sleep with a clear conscience; but leave a light on and lock your door!