[sparkles]

What do you think? When I was responding to the God Debate thread, there was a question about religion and whether it is useful or terrible. (Or something like that.) For one thing, I view that as an inappropriate set of choices, too limiting. But it did help me form my views more solidly.

Namely, I don't think it is really religion that is the problem. I think it is extremism that is to blame for the negative actions carried out in the name of religions. Even religions that create cultural ideals dramatically opposed to my own culture, I don't think it is the religion itself - or the practice - that leads to problems. I think it is taking things to extremes.

What do you think? Is religion itself a problem in the world, no matter what? Or would you agree that it is more likely extremism that is the problem?

[CrabbyPaws]

I wouldn't call myself non-religious, but I don't follow a religion either.

I feel religion is a bit like the law. Similar in the fact that many people are enforced to act a certain way because of where they live, their culture, how they grew up etc. And I think these kinds of things that influence people are everywhere really, even the media. In this sense, I don't think religion is bad. I think it's normal, and just something that will always exist with humans to follow a certain path that is familiar to them.

I think the problem is extremism, as I have seen problems arise from this even in people who are non-religious and are 'quite' passionate about it. Extremism is bad in everyone regardless of their beliefs, so I'm very glad you pointed this out. That is a good way of looking at it.

[TheRamona369]

What do you think? When I was responding to the God Debate thread, there was a question about religion and whether it is useful or terrible. (Or something like that.) For one thing, I view that as an inappropriate set of choices, too limiting. But it did help me form my views more solidly.

Namely, I don't think it is really religion that is the problem. I think it is extremism that is to blame for the negative actions carried out in the name of religions. Even religions that create cultural ideals dramatically opposed to my own culture, I don't think it is the religion itself - or the practice - that leads to problems. I think it is taking things to extremes.

What do you think? Is religion itself a problem in the world, no matter what? Or would you agree that it is more likely extremism that is the problem?

I think its both. Religion was a means to control the mass and still is. However there are extreme extremist in each group that also take things to a whole nother dimension :) Maybe we should do away with both? lol nah.

[Elvira]

I think it's a bit of both as well. Horrible atrocities have been committed by extremists, such as suicides, murders, and genital mutilation.

However, a lot of religions are run like businesses and they are extremely corrupt. Even though they are not 'extremist', they take advantage of people. I also think they can also be psychologically unhealthy because some religions threaten believers with 'the wrath of God' or the concept of hell.

I think extremism is the major problem, but religion at its core is also corrupt, in my opinion.

[DarkWarrior]

Fundamentalists or people we call extremists, simply follow their word of God to a T. If fundamentalists embody their religion, they follow it,it consumes them, it becomes them, and you see how horrible they are as people, tells you a lot about how horrible the religion is on a whole.

Seriously why cherry pick the good parts, that's ridiculous, just make your own religion. At least that is far more credible than 99% of the religions floating around humanity.

[NotSoRighteousRob]

Considering religion is such a broad term and you failed to really specify or ask the proper question I am going to answer it how I feel is correct.

Anything that elevates, separates, or puts a man or men in a position where they view others as outsiders, evil, bad, or negative in any fashion is a bad thing.

As for religion, in theory it is a wonderful concept, but no longer benefits society as it should. I drive by church after church with giant buildings, nice parking lots, and pastors with 6 digit figures at times when a block down the road the family can't afford to get their car fixed to make it to work.

I don't mind religion, its religious people I can't stand

[Cheveyo]

I think it's a bit of both as well. Horrible atrocities have been committed by extremists, such as suicides, murders, and genital mutilation.

Horrible atrocities are committed because certain religions actually encourage them.
For example, it's true that certain religions consider something like homosexuality an abomination. In fact, to them, it's worse than rape and murder. Hell, it's so bad in their eyes, it's perfectly acceptable for a man to give a rapist their wife or daughter to rape in his stead.(Judges 19:24). Not surprising, really, I mean women are just objects without feelings that don't matter.

So, my answer is that it's religion.

[SuperDevastation]

Definitely extremism

[sparkles]

Horrible atrocities are committed because certain religions actually encourage them.
For example, it's true that certain religions consider something like homosexuality an abomination. In fact, to them, it's worse than rape and murder. Hell, it's so bad in their eyes, it's perfectly acceptable for a man to give a rapist their wife or daughter to rape in his stead.(Judges 19:24). Not surprising, really, I mean women are just objects without feelings that don't matter.

So, my answer is that it's religion.

But you only see them implementing actions against that issue if they are extremists. Lots of people within the religion know that notion is part of the belief system but they don't really pay attention to it.

[Cheveyo]

But you only see them implementing actions against that issue if they are extremists. Lots of people within the religion know that notion is part of the belief system but they don't really pay attention to it.

You can't just ignore a part of your beliefs because it makes you look bad.