What I don't get is why people of most religions get so hung up on belief. What the fuck does it matter what one believes, as long as they are a good person or at least try hard to be a good person. By that I mean, don't harm other people, treat others as equals, be as generous as you are able, things like that.
Why do so many religious people think that those who have different beliefs are going to spend eternity or part of eternity in a very unpleasant afterlife? Actually, the concept of an afterlife is insane to me, but I do realize it brings a lot of people comfort to think they will be reunited with their loved ones and pets after they die. There is no evidence of that, other than what religious myths or as my son refers to them, fairy tales claim. People have delusions, hallucinations and desires, but that doesn't make them true.
Plus there's perception. Some people think that the current president is a great person, but those of us with working brains know he's a very sick man with symptoms of psychopathy etc. Since I'm skeptical that we have free will or at least much free will, even the most evil person for lack of a better word, can't help who they are. The way I usually put it is that we are all victims or benefactors of our genetic and environmental influences. If you're born with damage to the frontal cortex, you might have psychopathic tendencies. If you're born with a healthy brain and body and raised by caring, loving parents who teach you good morals, you will likely be a good person.
And what is this obsession that Christians have with sin? Nobody is perfect, but not being perfect doesn't make one a "sinner". People make mistakes, especially when they are young. Most people are not sinners to use the stupid religious word.
People can be influenced by others both positive and negative. If you're a poor young boy who grows. up in a rough, poverty stricken neighborhood full of gangs, and your mom is single, working hard to provide for you, you might become another gang member. On the other hand, your mom and some other family members might have the time to show you some love and teach you how to be a better person. People with mental illnesses are usually harmless, but not always. Someone might hear voices in heir heads telling them to hurt someone else etc. I had a patient who went into a rage if we didn't address her as Queen. She suffered from a serious mental illness, that gave her serious delusions. if we humored her, she was harmless. Some stupid people think that people like her are "demon possessed" WTF. These people suffer from brain disorders. Christianity doesn't even mention that in their old book that comes in a variety of versions and translations. Which one does a Christian choose to follow?
My ex is a fanatical Baha'i, supposedly the newest of the progressive religions, but Baha'is think it's wrong to be gay. I don't know how they explain that, but since the religion started in Iran, formerly known as Persia around the mid 1850s, it's no surprise that they were homophobic. Bahai's don't believe in hell, but they do believe all need to convert to their religion to bring peace to the world. Yeah, Right!
Religion is nuts! Still, if you need it fine, just don't force it on others, especially not in government. We know how well that goes.
ok. I apologize for the rant. Sometimes these discussions just get to me and make me want to scream.
I don't hate those who need religion. I just don't understand that need much after being raised by evangelical Christians and married to a Baha'i, who was emotionally abusive for nine years, It seems to me that generally speaking, religion does much more harm than good with few exceptions.
@Learner. Would you please tell the street preachers in my town that Jesus doesn't approve.
