What is the purpose of religion?
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
More dead 'bad' people, gods have always been up for killing those that annoy them. You would think they would be above all that kind of stuff, but they seem to share many common character traits with despotic bronze age kings. Why is a mystery. http://www.legends.egyptholiday.com/sekhmet_hathor.htm[^] Obviously, any similarity to certain stories in the bible is completely accidental, beacuse as we know, the old testament is historical fact :P Ryan
O fools, awake! The rites you sacred hold Are but a cheat contrived by men of old, Who lusted after wealth and gained their lust And died in baseness—and their law is dust. al-Ma'arri (973-1057)
-- modified at 12:10 Tuesday 6th December, 2005
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
Basically, religion merely serves as a basis for social organization. As human societies grew more complex, religioun provided the most logical way for humans to organie their daily lives, and define their relationships in ways that were beneficial to the largest number of indiviudals. Any set of princples around which human beings organize themseslves functions inherently as a 'religion'. That is why it is impossible to escape religion. Human beings will always need a means of setting standards and rules of conduct based upon some source of moral authority. You simple cannot maintain civilization without it. That is the irony and the impossibility of modern concepts of separation of church and state which really do nothing more than free the state up to assume the inherent responsibilities of the church - achieving just the opposite of what they were originally intended to do. "Patriotism is the first refuge of a patriot."
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Basically, religion merely serves as a basis for social organization. As human societies grew more complex, religioun provided the most logical way for humans to organie their daily lives, and define their relationships in ways that were beneficial to the largest number of indiviudals. Any set of princples around which human beings organize themseslves functions inherently as a 'religion'. That is why it is impossible to escape religion. Human beings will always need a means of setting standards and rules of conduct based upon some source of moral authority. You simple cannot maintain civilization without it. That is the irony and the impossibility of modern concepts of separation of church and state which really do nothing more than free the state up to assume the inherent responsibilities of the church - achieving just the opposite of what they were originally intended to do. "Patriotism is the first refuge of a patriot."
Reverend Satan wrote:
That is the irony and the impossibility of modern concepts of separation of church and state which really do nothing more than free the state up to assume the inherent responsibilities of the church - achieving just the opposite of what they were originally intended to do.
So, is that an argument in favor of theocracy? ( It certainly looks like it could be used as one). I would argue, instead, that the most valid reason for insisting on a separation of church and state is to deny the state the ability to defend its actions by simple appeal to devine guidance (or worse) devine authority. A state able to defend its every act by citing an unappealable higher authority would be a dangerous beast indead. That said,the principle of separation of church and state should not be mistaken for an excuse for the state to suppress any paricular religion, or religion in general. The state should be relatively neutral with respect to any religion operating within the bounds of its civil laws. Absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute power Eric Hoffer All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke -- modified at 13:21 Tuesday 6th December, 2005 (I still can't type)
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Reverend Satan wrote:
That is the irony and the impossibility of modern concepts of separation of church and state which really do nothing more than free the state up to assume the inherent responsibilities of the church - achieving just the opposite of what they were originally intended to do.
So, is that an argument in favor of theocracy? ( It certainly looks like it could be used as one). I would argue, instead, that the most valid reason for insisting on a separation of church and state is to deny the state the ability to defend its actions by simple appeal to devine guidance (or worse) devine authority. A state able to defend its every act by citing an unappealable higher authority would be a dangerous beast indead. That said,the principle of separation of church and state should not be mistaken for an excuse for the state to suppress any paricular religion, or religion in general. The state should be relatively neutral with respect to any religion operating within the bounds of its civil laws. Absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute power Eric Hoffer All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke -- modified at 13:21 Tuesday 6th December, 2005 (I still can't type)
Rob Graham is a conservative I respect! I couldn't have said this better. I'd just like to remember that a secular basis for social organization was indeed provided by the classical liberal political philosophy: John Locke, Rosseau (in the theory of state) and (later) John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham(in law philosophy, where do rules come from). Most of the principles of american "founding fathers" (Jefferson in particular) are based on them. Patriotism is the willingness to kill and be killed for trivial reasons. Bertrand Russell (1872 - 1970) Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it. George Bernard Shaw (1856 - 1950) Patriotism is often an arbitrary veneration of real estate above principles. George Jean Nathan (1882 - 1958) Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.
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Reverend Satan wrote:
That is the irony and the impossibility of modern concepts of separation of church and state which really do nothing more than free the state up to assume the inherent responsibilities of the church - achieving just the opposite of what they were originally intended to do.
So, is that an argument in favor of theocracy? ( It certainly looks like it could be used as one). I would argue, instead, that the most valid reason for insisting on a separation of church and state is to deny the state the ability to defend its actions by simple appeal to devine guidance (or worse) devine authority. A state able to defend its every act by citing an unappealable higher authority would be a dangerous beast indead. That said,the principle of separation of church and state should not be mistaken for an excuse for the state to suppress any paricular religion, or religion in general. The state should be relatively neutral with respect to any religion operating within the bounds of its civil laws. Absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute power Eric Hoffer All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke -- modified at 13:21 Tuesday 6th December, 2005 (I still can't type)
Well spoken Rob. Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
Is there a difference between religion and spirituality? Marc VS2005 Tips & Tricks -- contributions welcome!
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
obviously, the deity is terribly insecure and created religion as a way of stroking his tender little ego. Cleek | Image Toolkits | Thumbnail maker
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Is there a difference between religion and spirituality? Marc VS2005 Tips & Tricks -- contributions welcome!
Some would argue that there is a difference. I’ve heard some people say something like I am not religious per say, the do believe that man is more than the sum of his parts. Or, that man does have a soul the lives on after the body dies. Never really understood what they were getting at however. It seems like mysticism to me. Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
I will not be generalizing but talking as a Muslim: I think the dictionary definition of religion is known and as such if you ask a Muslim about Islam you might hear it’s ‘a way of life.’ As for the purpose of religion is like asking a Muslim [at least me] for the purpose of the creation of Man. We know from the Quran that that is for worship.
Mirza Ghalib wrote:
but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
We know even if mankind musters all of the forces available, we cannot either help or harm Allah in any way.
Ibrahim:07 And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." Ibrahim:08 And Musa said: If you are ungrateful, you and those on earth all together, most surely Allah is Self-sufficient, Praised;(Hadith Qudsi Related by Muslim, At-Tirmithi and ibn Majah) "My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in any way. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in any way. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, anymore than a needle decreased the sea if dipped into it. My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself."Ultimately Allah has wisdom for whatever he does, and he does what he wills. We might know some of that, but the rest is of the knowledge of the unseen. So in this case we see some of Allah’s attributes are manifested [ie the Most merciful, the Forgiver] -
Reverend Satan wrote:
That is the irony and the impossibility of modern concepts of separation of church and state which really do nothing more than free the state up to assume the inherent responsibilities of the church - achieving just the opposite of what they were originally intended to do.
So, is that an argument in favor of theocracy? ( It certainly looks like it could be used as one). I would argue, instead, that the most valid reason for insisting on a separation of church and state is to deny the state the ability to defend its actions by simple appeal to devine guidance (or worse) devine authority. A state able to defend its every act by citing an unappealable higher authority would be a dangerous beast indead. That said,the principle of separation of church and state should not be mistaken for an excuse for the state to suppress any paricular religion, or religion in general. The state should be relatively neutral with respect to any religion operating within the bounds of its civil laws. Absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute power Eric Hoffer All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke -- modified at 13:21 Tuesday 6th December, 2005 (I still can't type)
Rob Graham wrote:
So, is that an argument in favor of theocracy? ( It certainly looks like it could be used as one).
As I clearly stated, the argument is that theocracy, in one form or anothere, is unavoidable. Currently, thanks to modern interpretations of the concept of 'separation of church and state' we live in a secular theocracy.
Rob Graham wrote:
The state should be relatively neutral with respect to any religion operating within the bounds of its civil laws.
The problem, however, is that you cannot point to a single example of the state remaining neutral. Rather, the state, in all known instances, assumes the role of the devine authority. It becomes the very thing that is was supposesd to separated from. "Patriotism is the first refuge of a patriot."
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I will not be generalizing but talking as a Muslim: I think the dictionary definition of religion is known and as such if you ask a Muslim about Islam you might hear it’s ‘a way of life.’ As for the purpose of religion is like asking a Muslim [at least me] for the purpose of the creation of Man. We know from the Quran that that is for worship.
Mirza Ghalib wrote:
but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
We know even if mankind musters all of the forces available, we cannot either help or harm Allah in any way.
Ibrahim:07 And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." Ibrahim:08 And Musa said: If you are ungrateful, you and those on earth all together, most surely Allah is Self-sufficient, Praised;(Hadith Qudsi Related by Muslim, At-Tirmithi and ibn Majah) "My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in any way. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in any way. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, anymore than a needle decreased the sea if dipped into it. My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself."Ultimately Allah has wisdom for whatever he does, and he does what he wills. We might know some of that, but the rest is of the knowledge of the unseen. So in this case we see some of Allah’s attributes are manifested [ie the Most merciful, the Forgiver]A.A. wrote:
Ultimately Allah has wisdom for whatever he does
Hey, is that the same Allah dude who keeps having people blown up all over the planet? Sorry, but he kind of seems like an asshole to me. What I'm curous about is where he finds all those virgins. "Patriotism is the first refuge of a patriot."
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For mankind it is probably an excuse to start a fight, but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
Mirza Ghalib wrote:
but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
What an interesting question. I think I remember being told not to ask such questions when I was a little kid in sunday-school. But I think it is still a great question. Why would an entity that posses the knowledge of the universe care whether or not a dysfunctional group like us worships? It really does defy rational thought. One fun story that took a shot at this question is "American Gods"[^] by Neil Gaimon. If you truly are interested the question I’d recommend it. Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
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obviously, the deity is terribly insecure and created religion as a way of stroking his tender little ego. Cleek | Image Toolkits | Thumbnail maker
Yeah, they should bring back the greek pantheon. All that squabbling and hot nymph action, now they were gods who's motives you could understand. Ryan
O fools, awake! The rites you sacred hold Are but a cheat contrived by men of old, Who lusted after wealth and gained their lust And died in baseness—and their law is dust. al-Ma'arri (973-1057)
-
I will not be generalizing but talking as a Muslim: I think the dictionary definition of religion is known and as such if you ask a Muslim about Islam you might hear it’s ‘a way of life.’ As for the purpose of religion is like asking a Muslim [at least me] for the purpose of the creation of Man. We know from the Quran that that is for worship.
Mirza Ghalib wrote:
but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
We know even if mankind musters all of the forces available, we cannot either help or harm Allah in any way.
Ibrahim:07 And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." Ibrahim:08 And Musa said: If you are ungrateful, you and those on earth all together, most surely Allah is Self-sufficient, Praised;(Hadith Qudsi Related by Muslim, At-Tirmithi and ibn Majah) "My servants, you will not attain harming Me so as to harm Me, and you will not attain benefiting Me so as to benefit Me. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any one man of you, that would not increase My kingdom in any way. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any one man of you, that would not decrease My kingdom in any way. My servants, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to rise up in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, anymore than a needle decreased the sea if dipped into it. My servants, it is but your deeds that I reckon up for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself."Ultimately Allah has wisdom for whatever he does, and he does what he wills. We might know some of that, but the rest is of the knowledge of the unseen. So in this case we see some of Allah’s attributes are manifested [ie the Most merciful, the Forgiver]A.A. wrote:
As for the purpose of religion is like asking a Muslim [at least me] for the purpose of the creation of Man. We know from the Quran that that is for worship.
Vain son of bitch isn't he? Sounds almost human. Ryan
O fools, awake! The rites you sacred hold Are but a cheat contrived by men of old, Who lusted after wealth and gained their lust And died in baseness—and their law is dust. al-Ma'arri (973-1057)
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A.A. wrote:
Ultimately Allah has wisdom for whatever he does
Hey, is that the same Allah dude who keeps having people blown up all over the planet? Sorry, but he kind of seems like an asshole to me. What I'm curous about is where he finds all those virgins. "Patriotism is the first refuge of a patriot."
Well said. That pretty much sums up how I feel about that bullshit religion. I am proud to be an infadel. Allah can kiss my ass.
Pumk1nh3ad illustrates that Intelligent Design oft goes awry. - Ed Gadziemski You did'nt get it. I over estimated you. - Josh Gray
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obviously, the deity is terribly insecure and created religion as a way of stroking his tender little ego. Cleek | Image Toolkits | Thumbnail maker
Chris Losinger wrote:
obviously, the deity is terribly insecure and created religion as a way of stroking his tender little ego.
:laugh: 5!
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Rob Graham wrote:
So, is that an argument in favor of theocracy? ( It certainly looks like it could be used as one).
As I clearly stated, the argument is that theocracy, in one form or anothere, is unavoidable. Currently, thanks to modern interpretations of the concept of 'separation of church and state' we live in a secular theocracy.
Rob Graham wrote:
The state should be relatively neutral with respect to any religion operating within the bounds of its civil laws.
The problem, however, is that you cannot point to a single example of the state remaining neutral. Rather, the state, in all known instances, assumes the role of the devine authority. It becomes the very thing that is was supposesd to separated from. "Patriotism is the first refuge of a patriot."
Reverend Satan wrote:
Currently, thanks to modern interpretations of the concept of 'separation of church and state' we live in a secular theocracy
To some extent, I agree with that observation (in spite of the obvious oxymoron). I would, however, describe that as more a case of separation of church and state being used as an excuse to suppress religion in general, which is not neutrality, but rather general opposition. All though there are no perfect examples of separation of church and state, I think that the US has done a reasonable job over its history. We are in a period of conflict between those who would have the state favor a particular religion (Christianity) and those who would have it favor the abscence of religion, so things are a bit distorted at the moment. When I say that the state should be neutral, I would qualify that by insisting that the state is obligated to excercise its neutrality with the same circumspection and respect for custom and precedent that I would insist upon from its judicial system. Some secularists (the more rabid ones) would insist on overturning both custom and precedent in order to achieve a more "perfect" separation. Secularism by definition cannot be a theocracy, since it recognizes no higher authority for moral principles than its own logic. It can however become extremist and totalitarian when it insists on overturning custom and tradition (even if the customs and traditions are those of a minority) for no better reason than to "purify" the state of religious content. When it does that, it is no better than a theocracy that enforces custom and tradition by appeal to some supreme being. The state should not enforce the customs and traditions of the majority, it is however, entitled to respect those traditions and customs of the majority that do not infringe on the rights of any minority. Absolute faith corrupts as absolutely as absolute power Eric Hoffer All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. Edmund Burke
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Mirza Ghalib wrote:
but what could the diety possibly gain from it?
What an interesting question. I think I remember being told not to ask such questions when I was a little kid in sunday-school. But I think it is still a great question. Why would an entity that posses the knowledge of the universe care whether or not a dysfunctional group like us worships? It really does defy rational thought. One fun story that took a shot at this question is "American Gods"[^] by Neil Gaimon. If you truly are interested the question I’d recommend it. Hey don't worry, I can handle it. I took something. I can see things no one else can see. Why are you dressed like that? - Jack Burton
Chris Austin wrote:
Why would an entity that posses the knowledge of the universe care whether or not a dysfunctional group like us worships? It really does defy rational thought.
if you start from irrational premises you can't expect to end up with rational conclusions. Cleek | Image Toolkits | Thumbnail maker
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Chris Austin wrote:
Why would an entity that posses the knowledge of the universe care whether or not a dysfunctional group like us worships? It really does defy rational thought.
if you start from irrational premises you can't expect to end up with rational conclusions. Cleek | Image Toolkits | Thumbnail maker
Chris Losinger wrote:
if you start from irrational premises you can't expect to end up with rational conclusions.
They have taught you well young Skywalker.