3 ms·

Join a religious organization to fight loneliness is like start smoking to loose weight.

by fbn79 9mo ago

PlatoIsADisease 9mo ago
Yeah I thought that was weird, along with joining ethnic organizations. I don't really need to explain the religion thing, but ethnic organizations are weird since you are forming an identity based on your unchoosable parent's DNA. I've seen both used by leaders to weaponize their members at their members detriment. Although, if you are doing politics, I can see this being pragmatically useful.
- juggerl3 9mo ago
  [flagged]
  - throwaway38297 9mo ago
    Telling people to bond over traits they can't choose seems like an excellent way to isolate people with rare traits they can't choose. I have more in common with a factory worker in China than I do with the president of my own country, even if we happen to share the same skin tone. I am defined by my experiences, after all, not things like genetics, culture or history.
- ecshafer 9mo ago
  So in my city there used to be some clubs, like the Ukrainian Lounge, the Polish Club, etc. which was a club where people paid dues and the only real requirement was to be part polish, ukrainian etc. It was basically just a bar to hang out at. The reason I put it there is that those guys seemed to get lifelong companionship and socialization out of it. Instead of shaming people for what may drive them, I am throwing out options I have observed.
Barrin92 9mo ago
it also doesn't even fight loneliness. Loneliness isn't solved by merely not being physically alone. I grew up in a Catholic environment but because I bought exactly none of it the religious environments were exactly where I felt most isolated. You're not solving loneliness by joining a cult or a gang. You can only deal with it by making authentic connections to people you actually want to be with. Countless of people are lonely and miserable within families.
- swat535 9mo ago
  I agree, unless faith actually means something to you, forcing yourself to go to church won’t help. Sitting through Mass miserable, disbelieving, and avoiding everyone defeats the whole purpose. Churches get brought up a lot because they regularly gather people (weekly or even daily) and offer events, volunteer opportunities, and so on. The point is to find an activity you like, with a specific group of people and consistently attend. P.S As a fellow Catholic, I’m really sorry you went through such an isolating experience. I hope things feel much better for you now

Join a religious organization to fight loneliness is like start smoking to loose weight.

by fbn79 9mo ago

Join a religious organization to fight loneliness is like start smoking to loose weight.

Yeah I thought that was weird, along with joining ethnic organizations. I don't really need to explain the religion thing, but ethnic organizations are weird since you are forming an identity based on your unchoosable parent's DNA. I've seen both used by leaders to weaponize their members at their members detriment. Although, if you are doing politics, I can see this being pragmatically useful.

juggerl3 9mo ago
[flagged]
- throwaway38297 9mo ago
  Telling people to bond over traits they can't choose seems like an excellent way to isolate people with rare traits they can't choose. I have more in common with a factory worker in China than I do with the president of my own country, even if we happen to share the same skin tone. I am defined by my experiences, after all, not things like genetics, culture or history.
ecshafer 9mo ago
So in my city there used to be some clubs, like the Ukrainian Lounge, the Polish Club, etc. which was a club where people paid dues and the only real requirement was to be part polish, ukrainian etc. It was basically just a bar to hang out at. The reason I put it there is that those guys seemed to get lifelong companionship and socialization out of it. Instead of shaming people for what may drive them, I am throwing out options I have observed.

Barrin92 9mo ago

it also doesn't even fight loneliness. Loneliness isn't solved by merely not being physically alone. I grew up in a Catholic environment but because I bought exactly none of it the religious environments were exactly where I felt most isolated. You're not solving loneliness by joining a cult or a gang. You can only deal with it by making authentic connections to people you actually want to be with. Countless of people are lonely and miserable within families.

swat535 9mo ago
I agree, unless faith actually means something to you, forcing yourself to go to church won’t help. Sitting through Mass miserable, disbelieving, and avoiding everyone defeats the whole purpose. Churches get brought up a lot because they regularly gather people (weekly or even daily) and offer events, volunteer opportunities, and so on. The point is to find an activity you like, with a specific group of people and consistently attend. P.S As a fellow Catholic, I’m really sorry you went through such an isolating experience. I hope things feel much better for you now