05-01-2013, 07:47 AM
But who is "they"? And I'm not interested in religion as it pertains to the past. In the past you had to transcribe books by hand. In the past, the only ones who could read, write, and distribute the Christian Bible were those who were given positions in the ordained church. It's only natural that the texts have evolved to suit the socio-political whims of those in power. In regards to westernized rule, there is a very popular--and for good reason--idea that to win an election you must invoke the aid of Evangelical leaders. To even whisper that you might not be a Christian in current American society in politics is virtually a campaign killer. And for what reason? Because we were raised--religious or not--that if you don't think like me, then you're an enemy. If you don't have the same skin tone, the same likes in music, the same clothes, the same cliques, then you're obviously against me and I couldn't possibly have any commonality with you.
This is even moreso in other cultures; for example Middle Eastern. Religion is so deeply rooted in every day life and governmental function, that speaking against it literally spells out a death sentence. Particularly for women.
I think that to get to a point where debate would be possible, you would have to a.) determine empirical differences between those who follow religion in society, and those who do not, and b.) examine the causes of great harm to a society that stemmed from religion. These are just to name a couple.
It's complicated because in one instance--and I'm using fundamental Christian values--the 'harm' to society isn't viewed in the same light. While one person may see all loves, whether gay, straight, etc. as quite beautiful and unremarkable, someone who is religious might find some great disservice to society. Who was it, that actor...Kirk Cameron who said "homosexuality is unnatural, detrimental and ultimately destructive to foundations of civilization". Where does the line exist for a person to be a follower of a religion or a fucking radical nutter? What is or isn't acceptable in religion--when is too far really too far?
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