If your question / main point of this post is: Either way, can't religion be improved and changed for the better?
The answer is yes... But why would you even call it a religion after you change anything? Or rather, why would you follow it... or even dismiss the notion of the faith you believe in, but still want to be under the guise of it?
This is like me claiming I'm a Christian right now, at this very moment. You know, the only things that are different is that I don't believe that the god, or any gods exist. And of course, I don't follow the bible because I think most of the things in it are horrid and dangerous... and of course, I don't follow what my fellow Christians do, because I don't believe it's right. I've totally improved Christianity for the better!
...Oh wait, I just pretty much described someone who isn't Christian. So why would I go under the guise of one?
Makes no sense.
Religion can certainly be improved... by getting rid of it completely.
You have to understand... Most people follow a religion not because they choose to, or they think it's right (although some people may believe it is,) but because they honestly BELIEVE that if they stray from it, it would feel wrong, or they'd feel tainted, and evil, and don't want to risk it.
Religion is based on a certain mindset, and fear. Changing an entire religion would feel "wrong" to such a mindset. You'd know that "God" or "Jesus" etc, would be very displeased, and thus, you'll be punished. That's the VERY basis of religion.
Now, of course, don't get me wrong... Religion can be improved in minor ways... and has been, but that's where apologists and the line between "moderate" Christians, and those crazy, insanely strict Westborough Baptist Church nuts come into play. The WBC sticking "true" and literally taking the bible as how it was seen in past times.
The answer is yes... But why would you even call it a religion after you change anything? Or rather, why would you follow it... or even dismiss the notion of the faith you believe in, but still want to be under the guise of it?
This is like me claiming I'm a Christian right now, at this very moment. You know, the only things that are different is that I don't believe that the god, or any gods exist. And of course, I don't follow the bible because I think most of the things in it are horrid and dangerous... and of course, I don't follow what my fellow Christians do, because I don't believe it's right. I've totally improved Christianity for the better!
...Oh wait, I just pretty much described someone who isn't Christian. So why would I go under the guise of one?
Makes no sense.
Religion can certainly be improved... by getting rid of it completely.
You have to understand... Most people follow a religion not because they choose to, or they think it's right (although some people may believe it is,) but because they honestly BELIEVE that if they stray from it, it would feel wrong, or they'd feel tainted, and evil, and don't want to risk it.
Religion is based on a certain mindset, and fear. Changing an entire religion would feel "wrong" to such a mindset. You'd know that "God" or "Jesus" etc, would be very displeased, and thus, you'll be punished. That's the VERY basis of religion.
Now, of course, don't get me wrong... Religion can be improved in minor ways... and has been, but that's where apologists and the line between "moderate" Christians, and those crazy, insanely strict Westborough Baptist Church nuts come into play. The WBC sticking "true" and literally taking the bible as how it was seen in past times.
I like the way you think!
...But please stop thinking, it's not you.
...But please stop thinking, it's not you.
