Do you think religion was created to control people

[Brooke92]

Full on. I definitely think that religion was invented to control people. People in leadership positions have been doing it for thousands of years. that's why so many people have broke away and made their own religions because they didn't like the ones they were told to follow. Over time religion became associated with the beliefs of different people, and truthfully religion is a mask that people accept to place themselves in a position of no responsibility. People should drop religion, drop the facade, and have the *bleep* to come out and say what they really mean and what they really believe.

[jeannia2]

Religion is a crutch!

It is for those that can't say or accomplish something themselfs and believing some higher power is making this happen.....

Seriously there is alot of control in religion, it is very sad that people can't figure things out on their own.

I believe the Holy Bible was given , not to control people. but to give a road map to live righteous. There a poem I written. It goes like this. There' a book everyone should read. This book will lead you through life. And show you the way to eternal life. You read this book over and over again. Each time you read it, you will have peace within.Do you feel sometime like you're falling apart. Then read this book it will lift you up. That's what the love of Jesus will do for you. He's always there to see you through. And He will make your mind renew. Follow this book and what it says. And Jesus will be with you all the way. This book call the Holy Bible. The first book in the beginning of time, It will guide you and lead your life. Like a road sign.Jesus will give you great blessing you see. And one day when you leave this place. You will see Jesus face to face. { I DON.T THANK RELIGION IS A CRUTCH}

[Falconer02]

This book will lead you through life. And show you the way to eternal life. You read this book over and over again. Each time you read it, you will have peace within.Do you feel sometime like you're falling apart. Then read this book it will lift you up. That's what the love of Jesus will do for you. He's always there to see you through. And He will make your mind renew. Follow this book and what it says. And Jesus will be with you all the way. This book call the Holy Bible. The first book in the beginning of time, It will guide you and lead your life. Like a road sign.Jesus will give you great blessing you see. And one day when you leave this place. You will see Jesus face to face.

Many of the things I've read in it can make any decent person gasp in sheer horror and shut the book for good. Why would such things be in a book that you dub peaceful and mind-renewing?

[falcon9]

{ I DON.T THANK RELIGION IS A CRUTCH}

Based on what, the 'wheelchair' of 'faith'? 

[prtee33]

[falcon9]

Surprisingly fitting.

[jkunert]

Spirituality is different from other religion.  One it doesn't control you,  you have to have an open mind,  u take responsibility for how ur life came out u don't blame the devil or god.  You can be str8 bi, gay, man, or women and it won't matter.  u r what u r. 

[floorlady]

I love this chart, pretty dead on. I believe that organized religion was created for the purpose of control and money. But a persons own belief in god or gods is their own, I do not think this belongs in a money making organization. (btw I was raised a JW)

[falcon9]

Spirituality is different from other religion.  One it doesn't control you ...
 

The term, "spirituality", is vague.  Even one desires that vagueness, "control" is asserted via how much influence such vagueness has upon the proponent.  Either it has little or no influence, ("control"), because it isn't practiced except in some vaguely incoherent manner or, it is practiced with some degree of coherency and thus influences the practitioner to some degree.

[SherylsShado]

 I think those that follow & love God should be able to demonstrate a great deal of self-control on their own.  I think people created "religion" to control people--- God knows there's no shortage of self-righteous, smug, holier-than-thou's always trying to boss everyone else around.  For some reason, some people get a little dose of religion and they think they're "clouds-above-better" than everyone else.  I'm not sure where that attitude comes from, it surely DOESN'T come from Jesus!  Jesus' example was being a humble servant of God, and spreading love & kindness---NOT acting all superior and treating others like they're stupid.  People need to forget "religion" and get themselves some "Jesus".  They need to "come back down to earth a bit" and work on themselves because they aren't fit for Heaven yet...or they'd be there!

[falcon9]

I think those that follow & love God should be able to demonstrate a great deal of self-control on their own.

Yet, so many of them don't that one is inclined to wonder why that is so.  Shall we speculate? 

I think people created "religion" to control people--- God knows there's no shortage of self-righteous, smug, holier-than-thou's always trying to boss everyone else around.  For some reason, some people get a little dose of religion and they think they're "clouds-above-better" than everyone else.  I'm not sure where that attitude comes from ...

Were I to speculate, I'd speculate that it comes from too much blind faith and too little use of critical thinking and reasoning processes. It seems it's easier for some to wrap themselves in the former than to engage in the latter.


 

[gramev64]

Religion in its self does not save you and like you said, one or more peoples opinion does not mean its God's opinion.  I believe he gave us the bible to teach us the right way to live, and I myself believe it is the blueprint to life here and life everlasting. 

[healthfreedom]

Religion is good in that it allows people to express and practice their spiritual convictions. However when evil rulers are in control, they can use reliogion as a tool to enforce loyalty to them.

[dmahoney]

What a way to start pepole arguing in here.

[falcon9]

What a way to start pepole arguing in here.

It was posted in the debate & discussion subforum though.