Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Pint0 Xtreme · 05-06-2002, 08:36 PM

I am doing a persuasive speech on the negative effects of god and institutionalized religion. (thesis being "Institutionalized religion is a major source of hate.")

I know there are people here who have probably read a lot of material on this particular subject matter. Though I am looking through the web's library, I would be very appreciated if someone could point to any particular articles on this site or any books they may have encountered they see fit. Any comments or thoughts on the subject matter is also welcomed. Thanks for the help.

Regards,
Pint0 Xtreme

Ron Singh · 05-06-2002, 09:30 PM

A large part of your essay should be your rebuttal. This being said, although I am a strong theist, and am disguisted when people claim that religion causes all this suffering, I wil give you some pointers. When making your case, give a LOT of DIVERSE examples. Don't focus on the crusades and the inquisition so much, dabble in other, lesser known religious events. This'll make it seem more universal for religion to lead to suffering. Also, quote people in your rebuttal. Give examples regarding key figures. Research the role of the pope in WWII. That kind of stuff. Good luck on your essay, even though you're wrong

.

DarkBronzePlant · 05-07-2002, 01:01 PM

Pint0 Xtreme,

Even though you are RIGHT

, I'm gonna move this outta EoG and into Misc Religious Discussions.

DBP

[ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: DarkBronzePlant ]</p>

ManM · 05-08-2002, 08:36 AM

You are going to need to use a strong positive argument in order to be convincing. A simple assertion can always be dismissed as superficial. I would suggest first analyzing the conditions of hate. What causes people to hate other people? Once you have done that, show how religion has contributed to the conditions of hate. If you really wish to delve into it, analyze what aspect of religion causes problems. Just keep in mind that if you wish to criticize religion in general, you have to show exactly how religion in general necessarily leads to hatred.

Gar · 05-08-2002, 10:32 AM

Just some points you might want to include. First of all one of the main causes of hate is the differences people have. Someone having a different religion can cause someone to be regarded as different and this leads to that person being feared/hated.

Also, religion is often used as an excuse or justification for hate crimes. Hitler had religious influences, and i would also look into the Salem witch trials and (obviously) September 11.

Godless Dave · 05-08-2002, 10:45 AM

...and the 50s era Ku Klux Klan.

The Other Michael · 05-08-2002, 12:15 PM

You might also take the tack of "what is it about religion that is attractive to people who already hate?"

That might give some problems with keeping on the given topic, but then it might also give you some other things to drag in.

cheers,
Michael

Pint0 Xtreme · 05-08-2002, 10:03 PM

Thanks a lot. I'll try to keep these tips in mind!

Ron Singh · 05-09-2002, 11:27 PM

All legit persuasive essays have concession paragraphs. Sikhs might be a key point in that.

05-06-2002, 08:36 PM	#1
Pint0 Xtreme Regular Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 178	Need help I am doing a persuasive speech on the negative effects of god and institutionalized religion. (thesis being "Institutionalized religion is a major source of hate.") I know there are people here who have probably read a lot of material on this particular subject matter. Though I am looking through the web's library, I would be very appreciated if someone could point to any particular articles on this site or any books they may have encountered they see fit. Any comments or thoughts on the subject matter is also welcomed. Thanks for the help. Regards, Pint0 Xtreme

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05-06-2002, 09:30 PM	#2
Ron Singh Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 163	A large part of your essay should be your rebuttal. This being said, although I am a strong theist, and am disguisted when people claim that religion causes all this suffering, I wil give you some pointers. When making your case, give a LOT of DIVERSE examples. Don't focus on the crusades and the inquisition so much, dabble in other, lesser known religious events. This'll make it seem more universal for religion to lead to suffering. Also, quote people in your rebuttal. Give examples regarding key figures. Research the role of the pope in WWII. That kind of stuff. Good luck on your essay, even though you're wrong .

05-07-2002, 01:01 PM	#3
DarkBronzePlant Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: San Francisco, CA USA Posts: 3,568	Pint0 Xtreme, Even though you are RIGHT , I'm gonna move this outta EoG and into Misc Religious Discussions. DBP [ May 07, 2002: Message edited by: DarkBronzePlant ]</p>

05-08-2002, 08:36 AM	#4
ManM Veteran Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: NW Florida, USA Posts: 1,279	You are going to need to use a strong positive argument in order to be convincing. A simple assertion can always be dismissed as superficial. I would suggest first analyzing the conditions of hate. What causes people to hate other people? Once you have done that, show how religion has contributed to the conditions of hate. If you really wish to delve into it, analyze what aspect of religion causes problems. Just keep in mind that if you wish to criticize religion in general, you have to show exactly how religion in general necessarily leads to hatred.

05-08-2002, 10:32 AM	#5
Gar Regular Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Boston, Mass Posts: 347	Just some points you might want to include. First of all one of the main causes of hate is the differences people have. Someone having a different religion can cause someone to be regarded as different and this leads to that person being feared/hated. Also, religion is often used as an excuse or justification for hate crimes. Hitler had religious influences, and i would also look into the Salem witch trials and (obviously) September 11.

05-08-2002, 10:45 AM	#6
Godless Dave Contributor Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: With 10,000 lakes who needs a coast? Posts: 10,762	...and the 50s era Ku Klux Klan.

05-08-2002, 12:15 PM	#7
The Other Michael Honorary Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: In the fog of San Francisco Posts: 12,631	You might also take the tack of "what is it about religion that is attractive to people who already hate?" That might give some problems with keeping on the given topic, but then it might also give you some other things to drag in. cheers, Michael

05-08-2002, 10:03 PM	#8
Pint0 Xtreme Regular Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 178	Thanks a lot. I'll try to keep these tips in mind!

05-09-2002, 11:27 PM	#9
Ron Singh Regular Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 163	All legit persuasive essays have concession paragraphs. Sikhs might be a key point in that.

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