xisnotx
Permabanned
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2010
- Messages
- 2,144
Religion..first and foremost..is a system. It has helped many people live sane and happy lives.
However, I assert that religion is ultimately doing more harm than good. For me to assert this I have to set up a couple parameters.
1) People live life to maximize happiness while waiting for death. If you don't agree with this then I don't think you will ever agree with the conclusion I want to make. I, personally, perceive this to be true..although I'd love to be proven wrong.
So, assuming that the above is in fact true, (which as of right now it is for me...which doesn't mean anything)..then, I assert that religion doesn't do a good job of this anymore. I think it did at one point, but as of right now, it causes more people to be unhappy.
But it's not up to other people to stop religion..it's up to people to individually know what affect religion has on their life and what possible effects it can have later on. Then they can make a decision that maximizes their happiness.
So..why even mention this? Well..I assert that religion (modern day religion especially) has a built in resistance to this self analysis. It discourages this type of thought..
So..what to do? Sadly, nothing. Perhaps education..but you can't really force that on people. All you can do is be open to the idea of letting them perceive your reality (as much as that is possible..inform them don't convince them.) Then trust they are able to make decisions that maximize their own personal happiness.
Thoughts? Comments? Critiques?
However, I assert that religion is ultimately doing more harm than good. For me to assert this I have to set up a couple parameters.
1) People live life to maximize happiness while waiting for death. If you don't agree with this then I don't think you will ever agree with the conclusion I want to make. I, personally, perceive this to be true..although I'd love to be proven wrong.
So, assuming that the above is in fact true, (which as of right now it is for me...which doesn't mean anything)..then, I assert that religion doesn't do a good job of this anymore. I think it did at one point, but as of right now, it causes more people to be unhappy.
But it's not up to other people to stop religion..it's up to people to individually know what affect religion has on their life and what possible effects it can have later on. Then they can make a decision that maximizes their happiness.
So..why even mention this? Well..I assert that religion (modern day religion especially) has a built in resistance to this self analysis. It discourages this type of thought..
So..what to do? Sadly, nothing. Perhaps education..but you can't really force that on people. All you can do is be open to the idea of letting them perceive your reality (as much as that is possible..inform them don't convince them.) Then trust they are able to make decisions that maximize their own personal happiness.
Thoughts? Comments? Critiques?