On a superficial level, religion wears the mask of the shepherd here to save the weak and lost sheep. On a superficial level, religious institutions do provide a service for those hungry, homeless, and those suffering from addictions. The more secular these institutions are, the better. The more prayer and scripture reading prescribed...the worse off anyone is going to be because quite frankly...prayer is silly and scripture reading is brain washing. But I do concede and admit that the little inch that someone needs to better there lives may be a "faith" in some "greater power" and it is better that they believe and have better lives than not believe and continue to destroy themselves. I supposed I am a pragmatist in that sense. 

But on the larger scheme of things, in the bigger picture, religion is the worlds first and most prominent snake oil salesmen that continues to desperately identify with it's investigator for the purposes of fuller offering plates and baskets and higher yield in tithe activity. Religion preys on the weaker minded or broken spirited with manipulated tactics of being able to supply housing and food to those in need as well as support to addicts. But this is not for the greater good of man because the man receiving help must praise God and show his allegiance. So if not for love why do the churches help out people who have nothing to offer? 

Because it's an investment. Once you do have something to offer you will feel the need to pay tithe or donate and now the church goes on to the next helpless victim. 

Not to discount youth involvement. There are two pastor in my town, both from the same fellowship and they continually reach out to the youth even to the point that they decided to coach junior football. I find it disgusting because quite honestly...these guys are not "football guys" and they weren't coaching for football's sake but they knew that being a coach could help their pay check on Sunday mornings which it did. They've won over a lot of the hearts of the youth....but only because they're parents are potential customers and once they have graduated and work they will also be donating. 

Absolutely reprehensible... 
So that being said, how do religious theists feel knowing that their institutions use the same social manipulation tactics similar to MLM, network marketing, pyramid schemes, and con-men?

Aye...




But don't expect the theists to admit it.  They are well and truly, conned.

Indeed. Conned beyond recuperation which is a scary idea...

(July 17, 2016 at 7:35 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: Indeed. Conned beyond recuperation which is a scary idea...

I would not state that. You seem to be recuperating just fine.

(July 17, 2016 at 7:36 pm)Maelstrom Wrote:

(July 17, 2016 at 7:35 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: Indeed. Conned beyond recuperation which is a scary idea...

I would not state that.  You seem to be recuperating just fine.

Well I was lucky enough to be distracted from conning myself further in a 2 year long mission of brain washed theology.

(July 17, 2016 at 7:39 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: Well I was lucky enough to be distracted from conning myself further in a 2 year long mission of brain washed theology.

Now you have a lifetime of freedom which you can enjoy.

(July 17, 2016 at 7:42 pm)Maelstrom Wrote:

(July 17, 2016 at 7:39 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: Well I was lucky enough to be distracted from conning myself further in a 2 year long mission of brain washed theology.

Now you have a lifetime of freedom which you can enjoy.

Absolutely, and it gives me the certain comfort that everyone said I had to find it church. Bah-humbug, just give me a book and my hobbies.

(July 17, 2016 at 7:47 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: Absolutely, and it gives me the certain comfort that everyone said I had to find it church. Bah-humbug, just give me a book and my hobbies.

A common process that the church uses is that comfort can only be found in belief in what that church personally provides.

Imagine all the churches across the country, different denominations, claiming the same thing.

One begins to realize that either one is right or all are just bullshitting.

The odds that even one is right against the understanding of logic and reason is not worth subjecting one's self to such blatant indoctrination.

(July 17, 2016 at 7:51 pm)Maelstrom Wrote:

(July 17, 2016 at 7:47 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: Absolutely, and it gives me the certain comfort that everyone said I had to find it church. Bah-humbug, just give me a book and my hobbies.

A common process that the church uses is that comfort can only be found in belief in what that church personally provides.

Imagine all the churches across the country, different denominations, claiming the same thing.

One begins to realize that either one is right or all are just bullshitting.

The odds that even one is right against the understanding of logic and reason is not worth subjecting one's self to such blatant indoctrination.

That's a good point, I suppose the church is a chief manipulator and expert at gas lighting. A king of subtle emotional abuse.

(July 17, 2016 at 7:58 pm)LivingNumbers6.626 Wrote: I suppose the church is a chief manipulator and expert at gas lighting. A king of subtle emotional abuse.

It is the church's job, sadly.