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This is probably not the place for a lengthy argument, but I'll simply note that "mainstream" religion is kind of a straw-man, and most adherents fall into one-

by dhimes 8y ago

This is probably not the place for a lengthy argument, but I'll simply note that "mainstream" religion is kind of a straw-man, and most adherents fall into one-or-another sect. I was in a church in the U.S. South many years ago, a church that is definitely mainstream there. The preacher that evening actively advocated killing Satan worshippers. Not figuratively, but literally killing them. Nobody in the congregation disagreed. "I don't want them around. Do you?" I started thinking hard about the whole God thing after that. Religion is a very powerful tool that I believe is exploited for control. I'm sorry if I offended you. But I totally stand by my claim.

jki275 8y ago
That's a very abnormal position for any member of any church in the US to take. I've been in many different ones and never heard anything like it.
- dhimes 8y ago
  It's abnormal in my experience too. But I heard it, and I watched the congregation during it. Don't dismiss it. I think a lot of us are learning that peoples' positions can be easily swayed. That's frightening.
  - jki275 8y ago
    Oh, I'm not claiming it didn't happen. I'm sure extremists can be found in plenty of places -- I'm just pointing out that particular position is outside the norm for even most extreme or "fundamentalist" types.
dougmwne 8y ago
Sorry for the inexact language. I'd say "mainstream" means not some kind of apocalypse cult, adhered to by a good number of people and not likely to demand intervention from law enforcement or militaries. I'd say that preacher was not only very fringe, but also should have been arrested. I'm not offended and it's rhetorically specious to claim that I was. I disagree with your characterization of religion because I think it's dangerous. If you call the adherents of Islam irrational, violent, and brainwashed that's a powerful tool that can be exploited to justify a war or two. Most religious beliefs are a fine addition to human culture. Some are not. Wars will be stopped by increasing our understanding and acceptance of each other, not by decreasing it.
- dhimes 8y ago
  rhetorically specious to claim that I was Chill, dude. I was offering a sincere apology. "mainstream" means not some kind of apocalypse cult Yeah, no shit. And I believe this Pentacostal church with over 7 million members worldwide would take exception to your calling them that. Talk about a specious argument. adherents of Islam irrational, violent, and brainwashed Give me a break. This is ridiculous. Wars will be stopped by increasing our understanding and acceptance of each other, not by decreasing it. I completely agree. And I think religion is too powerful a tool to sow divisions by those who wish to for whatever advantage it affords them. Your line about Islam that I snipped above, which I've never heard be used to describe Muslims in general outside of the Christian Right rhetoric, comes to mind. Take this thread as an example. I've made a simple claim that the idea of God is a powerful tool and should be, somehow, removed as a basis of political decision-making (don't ask me how, though!). Your reaction is completely over the top, including mis-representing my arguments in what I consider a hostile and divisive manner, forcing my response on a thread I would just as soon let die. Ironically, your reaction in defense of God is exactly what scares me about God.

by dhimes 8y ago

jki275 8y ago

That's a very abnormal position for any member of any church in the US to take. I've been in many different ones and never heard anything like it.

dhimes 8y ago
It's abnormal in my experience too. But I heard it, and I watched the congregation during it. Don't dismiss it. I think a lot of us are learning that peoples' positions can be easily swayed. That's frightening.
- jki275 8y ago
  Oh, I'm not claiming it didn't happen. I'm sure extremists can be found in plenty of places -- I'm just pointing out that particular position is outside the norm for even most extreme or "fundamentalist" types.

dougmwne 8y ago

Sorry for the inexact language. I'd say "mainstream" means not some kind of apocalypse cult, adhered to by a good number of people and not likely to demand intervention from law enforcement or militaries. I'd say that preacher was not only very fringe, but also should have been arrested. I'm not offended and it's rhetorically specious to claim that I was. I disagree with your characterization of religion because I think it's dangerous. If you call the adherents of Islam irrational, violent, and brainwashed that's a powerful tool that can be exploited to justify a war or two. Most religious beliefs are a fine addition to human culture. Some are not. Wars will be stopped by increasing our understanding and acceptance of each other, not by decreasing it.

dhimes 8y ago
rhetorically specious to claim that I was Chill, dude. I was offering a sincere apology. "mainstream" means not some kind of apocalypse cult Yeah, no shit. And I believe this Pentacostal church with over 7 million members worldwide would take exception to your calling them that. Talk about a specious argument. adherents of Islam irrational, violent, and brainwashed Give me a break. This is ridiculous. Wars will be stopped by increasing our understanding and acceptance of each other, not by decreasing it. I completely agree. And I think religion is too powerful a tool to sow divisions by those who wish to for whatever advantage it affords them. Your line about Islam that I snipped above, which I've never heard be used to describe Muslims in general outside of the Christian Right rhetoric, comes to mind. Take this thread as an example. I've made a simple claim that the idea of God is a powerful tool and should be, somehow, removed as a basis of political decision-making (don't ask me how, though!). Your reaction is completely over the top, including mis-representing my arguments in what I consider a hostile and divisive manner, forcing my response on a thread I would just as soon let die. Ironically, your reaction in defense of God is exactly what scares me about God.