Freethought & Rationalism Archive

bruce1 · 12-17-2002, 09:09 AM

Although I am brand new member of thi infidel page, I am glad to finally find a place to intellectually discuss the basic premises and foundations of human society, especially the attempt to control all people, also known as religion. I live in the Sacramento area, and I am writing an article in my High school newspaper. It is basically a debate article. I am writing about how religion is bad for society, and rigth next to mine is an article saying that religion needs to be "brought back into the lives of our families to teach them basic morals and values."
Also, my place on the page is not guaranteed, and I'm having some trouble brain storming. I have the ideas of War caused by religion and religion is holding society back, by answereing every question with the ever echoed "God did it." But I feel I need more, please reply if you have any more ideas.
Thanks a lot. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Harumi · 12-17-2002, 11:01 AM

How in the world can people excuse war and holding progress back with the words "God did it"?

If that is indeed true, doesn't that disprove the idea of a benevolent God?

philechat · 12-17-2002, 01:18 PM

Here are a few ideas:

1. Certain religions (but NOT all religions) seem to foster an exclusivist mentality. The idea that "our" god represents all that is good and just and that nonbelievers (or other believers) represents all that is wicked and deplorable is the principle reason for intolerence.

2. Religion is (often) shown in history to oppose intellectual inquiry. From the persecution of Galileo to modern Creationism, the religious groups try to discourage free inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. (Check out the biography of Galileo, Spinoza, Copernicus, etc)

3. Historical evidence and modern evidences: Spanish inquisitions, witch-burning, terroism, forced conversion of Native Americans, scapegoating, anti-Semitism, and more.

4. Some religions especially foster authoritarian beliefs, and causes all the problems listed in 3

5. Religion (especially when only ONE religion is used), when coupled with political systems, often causes a particularly powerful tyranny over the people. The many Islamic theocracies existing in the world offer sufficient evidences. See also the Puritan society in American history, and the middle ages in Europe.

Just some points to start with...

[ December 17, 2002: Message edited by: philechat ]</p>

Shake · 12-20-2002, 10:08 AM

To tack some ideas on to Philechat's:

don't forget it's use to condone slavery, killing, and treating women as second class people. A recent example is the Promise Keepers saying that women should submit graciously to their husbands, and then they try to argue, "Well, we don't mean it like that!" I saw one of their "I {heart} my wife" bumper stickers the other day, and couldn't help but think, yeah, I love my wife too, but I also respect her as a fellow human being and an equal partner in our marriage. I'd rather she not submit to my every desire!

PS. Welcome to the boards!

[ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: Shake ]</p>

seebs · 12-20-2002, 05:21 PM

Don't forget the most important point: Be honest. Don't use every last rhetorical trick you can, every last bit of hyperbole. Your point will get lost in the things people can argue with.

bruce1 · 12-21-2002, 08:27 AM

Thanks to all for their help with the artticle, and I am glad to recieve the tips. The article is completed however, so no more idea's will be needed. I just want to say thanks again to all who helped. <img src="graemlins/notworthy.gif" border="0" alt="[Not Worthy]" />

12-17-2002, 09:09 AM	#1
bruce1 New Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Sacramneto California Posts: 3	School paper stuff Although I am brand new member of thi infidel page, I am glad to finally find a place to intellectually discuss the basic premises and foundations of human society, especially the attempt to control all people, also known as religion. I live in the Sacramento area, and I am writing an article in my High school newspaper. It is basically a debate article. I am writing about how religion is bad for society, and rigth next to mine is an article saying that religion needs to be "brought back into the lives of our families to teach them basic morals and values." Also, my place on the page is not guaranteed, and I'm having some trouble brain storming. I have the ideas of War caused by religion and religion is holding society back, by answereing every question with the ever echoed "God did it." But I feel I need more, please reply if you have any more ideas. Thanks a lot. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

12-17-2002, 11:01 AM	#2
Harumi Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: N/A Posts: 3,184	How in the world can people excuse war and holding progress back with the words "God did it"? If that is indeed true, doesn't that disprove the idea of a benevolent God?

12-17-2002, 01:18 PM	#3
philechat Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Mind of the Other Posts: 886	Here are a few ideas: 1. Certain religions (but NOT all religions) seem to foster an exclusivist mentality. The idea that "our" god represents all that is good and just and that nonbelievers (or other believers) represents all that is wicked and deplorable is the principle reason for intolerence. 2. Religion is (often) shown in history to oppose intellectual inquiry. From the persecution of Galileo to modern Creationism, the religious groups try to discourage free inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge. (Check out the biography of Galileo, Spinoza, Copernicus, etc) 3. Historical evidence and modern evidences: Spanish inquisitions, witch-burning, terroism, forced conversion of Native Americans, scapegoating, anti-Semitism, and more. 4. Some religions especially foster authoritarian beliefs, and causes all the problems listed in 3 5. Religion (especially when only ONE religion is used), when coupled with political systems, often causes a particularly powerful tyranny over the people. The many Islamic theocracies existing in the world offer sufficient evidences. See also the Puritan society in American history, and the middle ages in Europe. Just some points to start with... [ December 17, 2002: Message edited by: philechat ]</p>

12-20-2002, 10:08 AM	#4
Shake Contributor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Folding@Home in upstate NY Posts: 14,394	To tack some ideas on to Philechat's: don't forget it's use to condone slavery, killing, and treating women as second class people. A recent example is the Promise Keepers saying that women should submit graciously to their husbands, and then they try to argue, "Well, we don't mean it like that!" I saw one of their "I {heart} my wife" bumper stickers the other day, and couldn't help but think, yeah, I love my wife too, but I also respect her as a fellow human being and an equal partner in our marriage. I'd rather she not submit to my every desire! PS. Welcome to the boards! [ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: Shake ]</p>

12-20-2002, 05:21 PM	#5
seebs Contributor Join Date: May 2002 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 24,524	Don't forget the most important point: Be honest. Don't use every last rhetorical trick you can, every last bit of hyperbole. Your point will get lost in the things people can argue with.

12-21-2002, 08:27 AM	#6
bruce1 New Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Sacramneto California Posts: 3	Thanks to all for their help with the artticle, and I am glad to recieve the tips. The article is completed however, so no more idea's will be needed. I just want to say thanks again to all who helped. <img src="graemlins/notworthy.gif" border="0" alt="[Not Worthy]" />

Freethought & Rationalism Archive

The archives are read only.