1. Different religions appear to have different functions. Compare for example the corner Methodist church in which the parishioners show up on Sunday mornings, maybe have a pot luck now and then and that's about it. Then look at the Amish in which the religion encompasses every aspect of the members' lives to the extent that they are isolated from mainstream society. Then look at the political aspects of the Sharia practicing Muslims and is that different from the political goals of the American fundigelicals? Not much, but there are differences.
One could talk about a sense of community -- but what about the monk in a monastery who lives in solitude? Purpose and meaning? What about the Zen Buddhists who turn that on its head? Absolute truth? There are groups that believe that absolute truth is for god only and the rest of us will never have it. The primary purpose of some religions is to get together and dance around singing "I'm so fucking superior, I'm so fucking superior, god loves me, god hates you, I'm so fucking superior."
I don't think that it can be boiled down to a single purpose that would encompass all religions.
2. Some activities of some religious groups do have some benefit for some societies, but the theological component has never been demonstrated to be necessary to perform activities that help people or the planet.
3. I agree with the North Korea example. Absolute devotion and blind obedience with or without a theological component is wrong.
One could talk about a sense of community -- but what about the monk in a monastery who lives in solitude? Purpose and meaning? What about the Zen Buddhists who turn that on its head? Absolute truth? There are groups that believe that absolute truth is for god only and the rest of us will never have it. The primary purpose of some religions is to get together and dance around singing "I'm so fucking superior, I'm so fucking superior, god loves me, god hates you, I'm so fucking superior."
I don't think that it can be boiled down to a single purpose that would encompass all religions.
2. Some activities of some religious groups do have some benefit for some societies, but the theological component has never been demonstrated to be necessary to perform activities that help people or the planet.
3. I agree with the North Korea example. Absolute devotion and blind obedience with or without a theological component is wrong.
A mind is a terrible thing to waste -- don't pollute it with bullshit.
