RE: Is it true that atheism has killed more people then organized religion?...
September 7, 2010 at 7:29 am
Another reason to suppose that the crusaders went for religious reasons was that many of them sold their land to finance the expedition, falsifying the 'doing it for greed' theory. There was no material benefit from the crusades for anyone, except for a few of the leaders. Also, the indulgence (pardoning of sins) which was offered would have been very attractive, as it would have meant there was no need for penances, like giving up sex. Undoubtedly, religious fervour drove the crusades, making them possible, and was instrumental to the success on both sides. At one point in the First Crusade, for example, the discovery of the 'Holy Lance', which allegedly pierced Jesus' side on the cross, lifted morale.
So, whilst no-one can claim that religion actually killed people, we can see it as a major motive behind the crusades at least.
So, whilst no-one can claim that religion actually killed people, we can see it as a major motive behind the crusades at least.
'We must respect the other fellow's religion, but only in the sense and to the extent that we respect his theory that his wife is beautiful and his children smart.' H.L. Mencken
'False religion' is the ultimate tautology.
'It is just like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.' Mark Twain
'I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.' Abraham Lincoln
'False religion' is the ultimate tautology.
'It is just like man's vanity and impertinence to call an animal dumb because it is dumb to his dull perceptions.' Mark Twain
'I care not much for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.' Abraham Lincoln
