On the other hand, i think religion is a useful andgood thing, and that it’s worthwhile to try to have people, particularly young people, participate in it and to get some of them to believe for at least as long as we can. It has some good effects. it’s calming. It kind of gives a sense of meaning and purpose. it explains reality for people in interesting, layered, resonant stories.. it specializes in boundaries. it lays down rules. it provides tradition, ritual and fellowship. it’s GOOD….i like em all. muslims, christians, jews, mormons, miscellany, whatever ya got…
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I get what you’re saying. Parts of it can be good. But it allows people to claim things that are completely irrational and have no basis in fact. And once you allow people to do that, they stop having to show any common sense or rational reason for what they’re doing. And they can claim anything they want and say it’s in the name of their god. And they can delude themselves into thinking that homosexuality is an abomination or that their neighbors should be murdered in some situations. And when you say to them, “but…” they can say, “my god told me this. I don’t need to listen to any logical arguments. I don’t need a common sense approach. I only need to follow the word of my god.”
Granted, common sense and logic are not perfect. But, using them, things can be debated and honed. Arguments can be kept up to date with the latest knowledge. Evidence is free to be scrutinized. All the facts can be considered.
