Ch. 14: There Is No "Eastern" Solution
Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 5:48 pm
God Is Not Great
Ch. 14: There Is No "Eastern" Solution
Ch. 14: There Is No "Eastern" Solution
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It’s not that we view religion as being entirely dysfunctional, but a great many people are unaware of, or completely ignore that dysfunction… so we put it in their face! :ninjafist:DWill
Where I differ from Hitchens and probably most other atheists is that this indivualism they value (rightly, in my culture-bound view) may itself have been fostered by Judaism and Christianity. They appear to view religion only in terms of its dysfunction, and are not open to the paradox of a mixture of benefits and evils.
Yes, I think it is the "in their face" aspect that might separate someone who doesn't believe from an atheist. I'm not being critical of the "in their face," part, by the way.Frank 013 wrote: It’s not that we view religion as being entirely dysfunctional, but a great many people are unaware of, or completely ignore that dysfunction… so we put it in their face! :ninjafist:
You don't need a religion, I don't need a religion, but I think you recognize that others do think they need a religion. I don't need a political party, either, but many think they do. It seems to be a simple matter of pluralism, unless there are good reasons to object to religion in particular situations.Another thing is weather religions are needed at all… one less corruptible bureaucracy in this world would be a good thing in my opinion…
Of course, some have thought they've found a better alternative to capitalism...but the point I was after is simply that many weigh both its benefits and evils and decide that there is no less harmful system.so comparing religions to capitalism or other human constructed ideas is a mute point, unless you have a better system waiting in the wings. Unlike capitalism religions need no replacement (morality and ethical) lessons abound in our culture.
This is getting more mainstream acceptance, for example Obama's recognition of non-believers in his inaguaral address.It is entirely possible to become a good, responsible, caring, healthy, law abiding and useful member of society without religion or belief in a punishing, ever watchful supernatural sky daddy.
That's good.Religions need us more than we need them…Later