Religion - Pros & Cons Options

[darkphyre]

What Atheists think about religion

Atheist Criticisms of Religion

Not all atheists are hostile to religion, but many do think that religion is bad. Here are some of their reasons...

• Religion gets people to believe something untrue.
  
• Religion makes people base the way they run their lives on a falsehood.
  
• Religion stops people thinking in a rational and objective way.
  
• Religion forces people to rely on outside authority, rather than becoming self-reliant.
  
• Religion imposes irrational rules of good and bad behaviour.
  
• Religion divides people, and is a cause of conflict and war.
  
• The hierarchical structure of most religions is anti-democratic, and thus offends basic human rights.
  
• Religion doesn't give equal treatment to women and gay people, and thus offends basic human rights.
  
• Religion obstructs scientific research.
  
• Religion wastes time and money.

Religion has good bits to it.

Most atheists willingly concede there are some good things about religion, such as:

• Religious art and music
  
• Religious charities and good works
  
• Much religious wisdom and scripture
  
• Human fellowship and togetherness

I agree with just about everything on this list. What do you think?

[onenonly101]

Religion gets people to believe something untrue.
*Who are you to say that it is untrue?

Religion makes people base the way they run their lives on a falsehood.
*What is the falsehood? Living a good life? respecting yourself and others?
Religion stops people thinking in a rational and objective way.
*Is it not rational to not waste your life on drinking,lying, and doing wrong?
Religion forces people to rely on outside authority, rather than becoming self-reliant.
*No person is completely self-reliant, everyone has to depend on someone
Religion imposes irrational rules of good and bad behaviour.
*the word to use wouldn't be irrational
Religion divides people, and is a cause of conflict and war.
*Race divides people so is ethnic diveristy also bad?
The hierarchical structure of most religions is anti-democratic, and thus offends basic human rights.
*Who is to say what human rights are, that is up to your own judgement. Plus the basic human rights came from the Bible
Religion doesn't give equal treatment to women and gay people, and thus offends basic human rights.
*You cannot classify all religion as the same. Christianity does not make women inferior, if it did i wouldn't be a Christian. Gay people since when do they get their own catergory? they are the same as straight people

Religion obstructs scientific research.
*Scientific research how? You cannot use the theory of evolution because it si exactly what it states a theory
Religion wastes time and money.
*If that is the case all time and money is wasted, because if i wasn't spendning time with God I would be wasting my time having sex and wasting my money smoking weed

[Spirited Away]

In history, religion in general served as a mean for wars and injustices.

If you're interested in refuting that statement of mine, please first read Holy Horrors by James Haught.

[sammi rules you]

psssssssssssssssssssst....

atheists just dont believe in God. AGNOSTICS dont believe in religion.

just clearing that up, cause im atheist, but i believe people should be able to have religion.

[darkphyre]

Religion gets people to believe something untrue.
    *Who are you to say that it is untrue?

Who are you to say it's true?

Religion stops people thinking in a rational and objective way.
     *Is it not rational to not waste your life on drinking,lying, and doing wrong?

Religious people have no monopoly on morality. I hardly believe that a person who participates in a religion is less likely to lie or drink than someone who doesn't.

Religion forces people to rely on outside authority, rather than becoming self-reliant.
      *No person is completely self-reliant, everyone has to depend on someone

But it's better to be dependent on someone that is real, no?

Religion imposes irrational rules of good and bad behaviour.
       *the word to use wouldn't be irrational

"When a slave owner strikes a male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner's property. (Exod. 21:20-21)"

That's sure a rational rule.

Religion divides people, and is a cause of conflict and war.
       *Race divides people so is ethnic diveristy also bad?

Religion is more often a cause of conflict and war than race. As well, ethnicity is unavoidable, whereas religion is a choice.

The hierarchical structure of most religions is anti-democratic, and thus offends basic human rights.
        *Who is to say what human rights are, that is up to your own judgement. Plus the basic human rights came from the Bible

The basic human rights are internationally recognized. They are not open to interpretation.

Religion doesn't give equal treatment to women and gay people, and thus offends basic human rights.
        *You cannot classify all religion as the same. Christianity does not make women inferior, if it did i wouldn't be a Christian. Gay people since when do they get their own catergory? they are the same as straight people

"(1 Tim 2:9-12 NRSV) also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, ...

Let a woman learn in silence with full submission.

I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent."

Yay for women! As for gay people, if they're the same, why can't they get married?

Religion obstructs scientific research.
        *Scientific research how? You cannot use the theory of evolution because it si exactly what it states a theory

Ok, I won't use evolution. Right now, George W. Bush is preventing/limiting stem cell research solely based on his religious views. These stem cells have the potential to cure or treat many diseases and disorders.

Religion wastes time and money.
        *If that is the case all time and money is wasted, because if i wasn't spendning time with God I would be wasting my time having sex and wasting my money smoking weed

I guess you're just naturally a morally corrupt person. I'm not religious, and I don't smoke or drink or have sex.

[onenonly101]

The basic human rights are internationally recognized. They are not open to interpretation.

Yes they are, that is why we have different laws in different countries

I hardly believe that a person who participates in a religion is less likely to lie or drink than someone who doesn't.

"When a slave owner strikes a male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner's property. (Exod. 21:20-21)"

That's sure a rational rule.

Exodus, in the old testament, the old church. We are now to live in the new church i.e. new testament. In that time slaves were property so therefore the rule was rational according to those times.

Yay for women! As for gay people, if they're the same, why can't they get married?

Gay people are the same a straight people, but then they chosse to sin by being gay. And God didn't create marriage to be something unholy(sinful) so they can't be married.

But it's better to be dependent on someone that is real, no?

And God is real

Religion is more often a cause of conflict and war than race. As well, ethnicity is unavoidable, whereas religion is a choice.

The wars begin with opposition in religion but the war doesn't continue to be fought because of religion but because of different points of views and hate, so it can't be entirely blamed on religion.

Yes they would because of the fact you said participate in their religion they would do as their religion says such as don't drink or lie. It doesn't mean they wouldn't do those things but it means they would be less likely to do it.

Ok, I won't use evolution. Right now, George W. Bush is preventing/limiting stem cell research solely based on his religious views. These stem cells have the potential to cure or treat many diseases and disorders.

they have potential..that doesn't mean it will owrk. Also many poeple believe that using the stem cell research kills people and they aren't basing it on religion, so those problems would arise regardless of having religion.

I guess you're just naturally a morally corrupt person. I'm not religious, and I don't smoke or drink or have sex.

No, i would just be a "teenager" since i would have nothing to support why I shouldn't do it

[CrimsonArchangel]

"(1 Tim 2:9-12 NRSV) also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, ...

Let a woman learn in silence with full submission.

I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent."

For the record, this comes from the Koran. These are not christian teachings. I know this because my father has a koran he uses for reference (he's not muslim). I have nothing against braiding hair (that rule is kinda stupid if you ask me), gold, pearls and what not, but come on. What's to like about a woman that dresses in a tiny mini skirt and a top that barely covers her breasts? That is not.... decent.... Lemme clarify that I have nothing against mini skirts cuz I wear them sometimes. But when its something that barely covers your crotch and your behind, thats just nasty. To sumarize everything, I think the dressing modestly and decently should apply to everything. A pair of decent fitted jeans and a tank top are decent. A mini skirt that looks more like a wide belt and a skimpy top are not.

[ComradeRed]

Morality is definitely positive, religious-based morality has both pros and cons.

The best morality is just LEAVE EVERYONE THE HELL ALONE.

[DisneyPrincessKa...]

I don't see any problems with being religious. The rules that God taught us are the way to Heaven right? Well all of those rules make earth a better place. So if you're religious and follow His rules you'll be making other people happy. If He doesn't exist and you just turn into nothing when you die then at least you lived a good life of making people happy.

[onenonly101]

"(1 Tim 2:9-12 NRSV) also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, ...

Let a woman learn in silence with full submission.

I permit no woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she is to keep silent."

oh and the women thing. It is from the bible,but you didn't keep reading where it gives an explaination. This is from my bible the new living translation: 1 Timothy 2:9-15

9And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. 11Women should listen and learn quietly and submissively. 12I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 13For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14And it was the woman, not Adam, who was deceived by Satan, and sin was the result. 15But women will be saved through childbearing* and by continuing to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.

Plus you cannot just bash Christianity. If you are going to say religion you should get stuff from other places, true no one on here currently is other than atheist,agonistic,christian, and catholic(little buddahist).

[ComradeRed]

Women should wear dark veils and long garb that can make even the most beautiful among them look entirely unattractive, so long as it pleases the will of Allah.

[CrimsonArchangel]

Women should wear dark veils and long garb that can make even the most beautiful among them look entirely unattractive, so long as it pleases the will of Allah.

And this explains, confirms or denies... what?

[JlIaTMK]

i kind of agree with wat u r saying even tho im christian....

[princess2113]

psssssssssssssssssssst....

atheists just dont believe in God. AGNOSTICS dont believe in religion.

just clearing that up, cause im atheist, but i believe people should be able to have religion.

Atheist are confident there is no God, Agnostic dont think about it...dont really care or something...

[Spirited Away]

Atheist are confident there is no God, Agnostic dont think about it...dont really care or something...

ACTUALLY, it depends on which agnostic you speak to.

Just like how religions will have denominations, there are also different levels and types of non-believers.

[ThunderEvermore]

Atheist are confident there is no God, Agnostic dont think about it...dont really care or something...

Atheists believe there is no god, correct. And by definition, that means they are devoid of religion and dont believe in it. I suppose they could allow others to make their own decisions, but wanting them to have religion is not really very atheist...

Agnostics are not confident there is or isnt a god/gods. They dont believe either way. They feel it is unknowable.

[EmeraldKnight]

Aiya.. not another religion topic..

Ok.. ignoring all other arguments.. my single post of pro's/con's

Pro's:
-something to believe in, hopefully better one's life
-I suppose.. gives ppl assurance in troublesome times

Con's:
-false hope perhaps
-attribute your successes to deity, not to oneself (lesser sense of achievement)

As you can see, I'm not a religious person, nor do I enjoy debating religion.. but those are my two cents..

[HiddenFaerie]

I haven't a problem with religion. As long as people don't try to push their ideas on me I can live with it. In my opinion there is a difference between religion and spirituality. I simply don't see why one must have a religion in order to worship your god, someone shouldn't be their to tell you what is the wrong or correct way to pray or to live your life.

And what people don't realize is that adults that go to church now, on a regular basis, because it's a habit, it's not out of faith. Most people don't go because they actually believe, they attend church simply because they did when they were young. And as they're older they still go, this time forcing it upon their own children. Who in turn will continue this cycle. Don't get me wrong, I have met people who have a strong beliefs, who seem to emit their love for God. But not many.

There of coarse is the whole, we need proof thing. All we really have is the bible. A man made book, written after the death of Jesus. A book that has changed and been cut down to fit to the needs of certain people. As in the whole woman thing, they blame women for everything. It started there, not only did we come second (although I've never heard of men giving birth...) but women are the cause of the original sin and from then on degraded more and more. Poopie...

I don't know whether a god exists. All I know and believe is that there is something, more along the lines of a difference between good and bad, and right and wrong. I suppose I'm simply not good at following directions, but I can't find myself in a religion. If one day I find that I need to pray, and find spiritual guidance, I'll do it on my own.

[*the_overachiever*]

gawsh i really need a course in apologetics... =/
so here`s the situation:

A) you believe in God. God really does exist.
- you get comfort, hope, fellowship, and joy here on earth.
- when you die, you are saved and live happily in heaven.

B) you believe in God. He does not exist.
- you get comfort, hope, fellowship, and joy here on earth.
- nothing happens when you die.

C) you don`t believe in God. He really does exist.
- you live your life as an atheist.
- when you die, you get thrown into the fiery pits of hell. (lovely)

D) you don`t believe in God. He doesn`t exist.
- you live your life as an atheist.
- nothing happens when you die.

sorry, guys. that was a really selfish explanation.
if you`re a Christian, remember that you worship God to glorify him. it`s not about your happiness or comfort. so, if you became a Christian in order to get to heaven, you did everything for the wrong reason. but most atheists don`t believe in God because they think that human logic is infallible. they don`t think it`s worth it to devote themselves to God. or maybe they`ve seen how hypocritical some Christians can be (i.e. Saved, the movie).

well, anyways, i suggest that both Christians and atheists read this book: Answers to Tough Questions Skeptics Ask About the Christian Faith by Josh McDowell, Don Stewart. it pretty much covers everything.

kay, peace kidss. <33

[Mini]

okay, no one knows if anything we say about religion is true until we die.

i really believe religion is just something to erase the fear of death. if you look at most religions, they always state what happens when you die. either you go to heaven or hell, get reincarnated into something based on whether you have been good or bad in your previous life, etc.

i think religion is good, it motivates people to become better human beings. it gives comfort, hope, joy, peace, assurance. religion can be a powerful thing.

also, there isnt just one religion, there's many. i just hate the fact how people take things into their own hands and try to convert people. i wish people would respect each other and just let people follow whatever they want. people are corrupting most religions. i think religions are fine, yet people turn it into something corrupted and tainted.

i think people bash Christians because of the Bible. the Bible again speaks metaphorically, there is no exact translation on it. people are bashing Christianity because of certain things the Bible says that are considered very biased to other people. yet some dont know how the Bible has been updated for the "new church". also there's also bad reputation with Christians, about the crusades and what not. how Christians are killling people if they dont convert in the name of God. i think that's very very stereotypical, i hate when people are blaming other people because of what others in the past did.

the only thing i hate is when some Christians follow the EXACT words of the Bible and tell everyone else to follow it and that Christianity is the only true religion. as i said, people create the negative things in a religion.

im Buddhist, but i respect other religions ALOT. heck I even believe there is God, Satan, Hell, Heaven, Buddha, and what not. its funny because i grew up to believe that everything happened historically. did you know that Buddha could be also a messenger of God? even though Buddha is just a person, he rose up to the chaos in Asia and tried to spread peace throughout the land. Buddha also taught about how to live a pure life without sins. when you live a life without sins (pleasures, evil, food, clothes, etc.) then you will reach Nirvana (a state of being where you are pure in the eyes of God, if you reach Nirvana, you can go and live in what is called "heaven") if you havent reached Nirvana, you get reincarnated into something based on your previous life. For example, if you were bad your previous life, you might get reincarnated into a person with hardships or not even a person at all. If you have been really bad like going against the essentials DO NOTS, then you would be sent to what is called "hell" or the underworld where you are literally tortured for all the different sins you have done. there are different planes of "hell" like the the ones in Daunte's Inferno. Heck, i think most religions are VERY VERY similiar. most believe in a universal being (God) and living a good life. religions also state punishments for the wrongs that people have commited in their mortal lives.

but there is some doubts in my mind about certain things in all religions, like about the Bible. if only God made the Bible and it is all holy. then i would believe everything in the Bible, right now i have my doubts because the Bible has so many versions that you dont know what is true and false anymore.

[HiddenFaerie]

i just hate the fact how people take things into their own hands and try to convert people. i wish people would respect each other and just let people follow whatever they want. people are corrupting most religions.

Oh yes, how true. I can accept what others believe but not what they try to push onto me!

[Spirited Away]

im Buddhist, but i respect other religions ALOT. heck I even believe there is God, Satan, Hell, Heaven, Buddha, and what not. its funny because i grew up to believe that everything happened historically. did you know that Buddha could be also a messenger of God? even though Buddha is just a person, he rose up to the chaos in Asia and tried to spread peace throughout the land. Buddha also taught about how to live a pure life without sins. when you live a life without sins (pleasures, evil, food, clothes, etc.) then you will reach Nirvana (a state of being where you are pure in the eyes of God, if you reach Nirvana, you can go and live in what is called "heaven") if you havent reached Nirvana, you get reincarnated into something based on your previous life. For example, if you were bad your previous life, you might get reincarnated into a person with hardships or not even a person at all. If you have been really bad like going against the essentials DO NOTS, then you would be sent to what is called "hell" or the underworld where you are literally tortured for all the different sins you have done. there are different planes of "hell" like the the ones in Daunte's Inferno. Heck, i think most religions are VERY VERY similiar. most believe in a universal being (God) and living a good life. religions also state punishments for the wrongs that people have commited in their mortal lives.

All very valid points.

Some religions are taught to tolerate others religions while some religions are taught to believe in one thing, and close their mind to things that might be possible.

[*the_overachiever*]

people are corrupting most religions.

agreed.

so many Christians become elitists that shun certain groups of people, while the Bible teaches them to be accepting.

and just out of curiosity:
if you`re an atheist, then what`s your purpose for living?

[Spirited Away]

and just out of curiosity:
if you`re an atheist, then what`s your purpose for living?

Are you refering to me? Because Mini said he/she was a Buddhist.

I'm not an atheist, I'm Agnostic humanist with a few agreements with Deism.

And here is the answer to your question... You have to read through it a bit, but it is interesting.

[*the_overachiever*]

Are you refering to me? Because Mini said he/she was a Buddhist.

I'm not an atheist, I'm Agnostic humanist with a few agreements with Deism.

And here is the answer to your question... You have to read through it a bit, but it is interesting.

i was referring to all atheists..
and is there a lasting point to living at all??
`cuz everyone`s eventually just going to rot away anyways.