I think that can be true if you separate the repressive behaviors of religion from the religious awe. For instance, there were times I remember feeling a confidence and rightness with the universe and my placement in it, I felt like I was a part of the majesty of this great created kingdom when I was a believer. But then it would immediately be spoiled by the invasion of concepts of worthiness/unworthiness, of earning your place and failure, and anxiety and loss constantly coloring any feeling of security or foreknowledge I thought I had. Here I am a part of the great plan, the plan made for me as a beloved creation of a Father figure and yet there were expectations that came with it, which meant failure was possible and happened often. How often did I lose sight of the beauty of creation and the wonder around me because I was focused on my manufactured guilt and manipulated into submitting to the control and authority of others.
It would be fine if religious feelings were all about the wonder of nature, the excellence of the human mind and progressive thought, and this embrace of an unwavering confidence of who you are and your placement in "what does it all mean?" But most religions that do that AND skip the shame and guilt cycles are more eastern, yeah? Any of the dominant religions in the West come attached with a structure of control that makes them more harmful than the benefit you might get from the playing pretend reality you have to submit to.
I don't think it is healthy to think about someone sacrificing for your mundane actions. I don't think it is healthy to feel absolved for your truly horrific or unethical actions. In all ways, Christ's sacrifice is not empowering but a weight and an unreasonable damaging one. How harmful is the concept "I need to be saved"? Especially in regards to imaginary foes and unhealthy expectations.
It would be fine if religious feelings were all about the wonder of nature, the excellence of the human mind and progressive thought, and this embrace of an unwavering confidence of who you are and your placement in "what does it all mean?" But most religions that do that AND skip the shame and guilt cycles are more eastern, yeah? Any of the dominant religions in the West come attached with a structure of control that makes them more harmful than the benefit you might get from the playing pretend reality you have to submit to.
I don't think it is healthy to think about someone sacrificing for your mundane actions. I don't think it is healthy to feel absolved for your truly horrific or unethical actions. In all ways, Christ's sacrifice is not empowering but a weight and an unreasonable damaging one. How harmful is the concept "I need to be saved"? Especially in regards to imaginary foes and unhealthy expectations.
