It bugs me a lot whether organised religion is a clever shepherd leading his flock or just a herd being led by the biggest sheep...

Baaah

I suspect many of them are aware of the tricks they use to get the masses in line. That's why many churches are allowing contemporary musicians into the service now. Nothing like singing together to a rollicking song to raise the spirit.

(April 28, 2015 at 8:55 am)Neimenovic Wrote: It bugs me a lot whether organised religion is a clever shepherd leading his flock or just a herd being led by the biggest sheep...

Baaah

I believe this varies. Some may, some may not. 

The the case of Cults or fringes of major religions, the leaders probably realize the bs. Even if they don't know the textbook names for what they are doing.

Most master manipulators didn't have formal training, unless you count indoctrination with religion.

Would there be more atheists if more people could see through the brainwashing?

Faith might come to some by seeing.

Seeing true believers handling dangerous serpents and drinking deadly poison might be quite convincing.

Oh, with the proviso, of course, that the demonstration not be rigged, and the demonstration not result in death or injury.


(that last part really seems to trip them up, don't it?)

(April 28, 2015 at 9:03 am)Spooky Wrote: Would there be more atheists if more people could see through the brainwashing?

People who join cults (as opposed to being raised up in them when they never had a chance) are often looking for something. Seeing that someone is a brainwashing prick doesn't change that need. They'll probably continue to seek woo in some form or other.

(April 28, 2015 at 9:03 am)Spooky Wrote: Would there be more atheists if more people could see through the brainwashing?

I don't want your product if you have to lie about it

Plus it sorta kills the magic to see the man behind the curtain

But some people just really want to believe

(April 28, 2015 at 9:08 am)thesummerqueen Wrote:

(April 28, 2015 at 9:03 am)Spooky Wrote: Would there be more atheists if more people could see through the brainwashing?

People who join cults (as opposed to being raised up in them when they never had a chance) are often looking for something. Seeing that someone is a brainwashing prick doesn't change that need. They'll probably continue to seek woo in some form or other.

Good point.

What would be society's best solution?

I'd vote for a combination of education and secular social groups.

(April 28, 2015 at 8:55 am)Neimenovic Wrote: It bugs me a lot whether organised religion is a clever shepherd leading his flock or just a herd being led by the biggest sheep...

Baaah

Meh, on the one hand you guys say we're all mindless sheep. On the other you say that we think so much about it that we've splintered into 47,850 different denominations, or whatever the current number is.

(April 28, 2015 at 9:27 am)alpha male Wrote:

(April 28, 2015 at 8:55 am)Neimenovic Wrote: It bugs me a lot whether organised religion is a clever shepherd leading his flock or just a herd being led by the biggest sheep...

Baaah

Meh, on the one hand you guys say we're all mindless sheep. On the other you say that we think so much about it that we've splintered into 47,850 different denominations, or whatever the current number is.

The number is approx. 44,000
The division into denominations was caused by disagreements within the church, mostly
I was referring to the question whether religious leaders use psychological tricks knowingly