RE: Is it true that atheism has killed more people then organized religion?...
September 9, 2010 at 11:55 am
(September 8, 2010 at 6:23 pm)Existentialist Wrote: As an atheist, I think the influence of religion on human behaviour is miniscule.
"Minuscule"? Seriously?
Religion has inspired people to go to war; to kill "heretics", "infidels", "apostates" and "witches"; to torture people; to restrict basic freedoms; to punish people (often with death) for "offenses" like being a rape victim, wearing unapproved clothing, or having premarital sex (but it's okay for that 68 year old geezer to marry a 14 year old girl).
"Minuscule"? Religion causes people to surrender a significant percentage of their income to a dubious "charity". Religion causes people to waste a sizable part of their lives in an effort to please an imaginary deity. Religion causes people to impose "morals" that were written by Bronze Age goat herders. Many people live their entire lives based upon a religion. Would Sunnis and Shiites be killing each other if not for religion? Would Muslims want to kill Jews if not for religion? Would Protestants and Catholics be at each other's throats if not for religion? Would people be strapping bombs to their bodies and blowing themselves up in a crowd of strangers if not for religion? Would the screwballs have flown planes into buildings on 9/11 if not for religion?
How can you say that " the influence of religion on human behaviour is miniscule"? There are few things in life that have as much influence on people's behavior as religion.
Quote:If we're looking at the geopolitical influences that lead to many people participating in the conflict at the same time, religion rarely if ever figures as the principal reason.
Why do you think Muslims respond to the call for jihad? It has nothing to do with defending your country. It is completely about religion! Why would a Muslim from Syria, Jordan, Pakistan or Saudi Arabia go off to fight American troops in Iraq or Afghanistan? Because they are motivated by religion!
Quote:Belief and ideology may superimpose themselves on the conflict, but I doubt you can show me where they have been the cause.
How about the Crusades? That was completely about religion. And many European conflicts were based in religion as Catholics and Protestants fought for power.
Science flies us to the moon and stars. Religion flies us into buildings.
God allowed 200,000 people to die in an earthquake. So what makes you think he cares about YOUR problems?
God allowed 200,000 people to die in an earthquake. So what makes you think he cares about YOUR problems?
