Since this has been an ongoing issue, religion, found this of interest!

[sera300]

Thought this was an interesting view of current changes since religion has been a key issue as of late; look at the opinion polls. The direct opposition of traditional standard, those who are pro gay marriage, right to terminate a pregnancy, pro death penalty, etc.

http://video.wnbc.com/player/?id=235697

Yes, there is always a debate of where there is a standing on these issues when religion is brought into the picture; However, I found the direct opposition of the beliefs [numerically] staggering. I do hope people regardless of their religion [or lack of] continue on introspective moral equality not ruled by an organization/institutions.

[DVDBear]

Interesting indeed, and hopeful. My major objection to any religion is when people stop thinking and accept doctrine blindly, whether it makes sense or not. I found that priest's point of view troubling (essentially "Once we shake out the ones who disagree we will grow again"), but it's more of a problem for them than for me. I don't think he's correct . . . rigidity will lead to dwindling numbers of followers that won't be replaced.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by DVDBear

Interesting indeed, and hopeful. My major objection to any religion is when people stop thinking and accept doctrine blindly, whether it makes sense or not. I found that priest's point of view troubling (essentially "Once we shake out the ones who disagree we will grow again"), but it's more of a problem for them than for me. I don't think he's correct . . . rigidity will lead to dwindling numbers of followers that won't be replaced.

I agree with you, the numbers who will follow will decline; in fact they are. The odd part the polling is a Catholic, Republican based in NY! I accept the Church as doctrine interpretation only, I do not agree with it or believe as they do, understand they will not change; however, I find more a shifting away and will stay away. Honestly as a Catholic, I do not attend Church & refuse to for personal reasons--I strongly disagree with their blind faith followings, people need to learn to think for themselves. Same with Government, you know what is acceptable, you have ethics & morals, I do not believe as I am told to without questioning why! This year I will vote Democratic...the only issue I have with whomever is our next President; they will be charged with devaluation of the US dollar. I do not wish to see either Democratic Candidate fall b/c of this.

[Browser]

I believe that the threat of damnation is no longer necessary for mankind and that organized religion should fall by the wayside.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by Browser

I believe that the threat of damnation is no longer necessary for mankind and that organized religion should fall by the wayside.

Well I do agree partially since many cannot think for themselves and would be lost; furthermore, tell that to the religion! They do maintain a system of checks & balances/systems [not in a positive connotation] yet the choice to participate is an individual one. However, its much like saying do away with governments...reminds me of the fall out which one viewed through symbolism in the the book by Golding; "Lord Of The Flies".

[Browser]

Good book. The same ideas can be taught in a secular manner, however, and thus eliminate the negative aspects of religion.

[Thresher_V]

Religion is an obsolete form of mind control. It has always been a way for a select few to use faith as a form of control. Shamans in the time of early man were the first recorded to use this tactic. After ingesting certain herbs they would go into a trance-like state in order to talk to their "god". As time would go by, the "god or gods" would change name and style, but generally be the same.

Question Everything....

[-wittyphrasehere-]

Originally Posted by Thresher_V

Religion is an obsolete form of mind control. It has always been a way for a select few to use faith as a form of control. Shamans in the time of early man were the first recorded to use this tactic. After ingesting certain herbs they would go into a trance-like state in order to talk to their "god". As time would go by, the "god or gods" would change name and style, but generally be the same.

Question Everything....

Perhaps. I'm starting to find a stage of spirituality beyond worship and following doctrine and wondering if the stability of organized religion is merely keeping us back from a higher love and understanding of the world around us.