Remarks On Organized Religion, From A Liberal Blogger (by BigBadJohnny)

Inasmuch as we have an opportunity to catch our breath, politically speaking, now that the Senate and House Of Representatives have come under Democratic control, I shall take this opportunity to discuss with my readers the pros, and cons, of organized religion.
I knew that would make you happy!
I attended a dinner, presented by a Southern US Christian church and I came away uplifted.
Perhaps I am not the only one concerned about the down side of organized religion.
It is clear that when towns and rural areas of the United states, in the 'Bible belt", or near it, immerse themselves in fantasy, when they destroy the lives of their children in unrealistic delusions, when mothers pass the hysteria through their daughters, there might be a time to un-embrace religion.
This may also be true of the worlds religions, such as Islam. The general principles are unchanged.
In connection with this, DERANGER, at a youthful, threaded site, said:
"...there are NO peaceful solutions to this problem....it is a root problem of doctrine. Islam, in it's radical state, is a religion that teaches violence to enemies, until they convert. This will never happen, so violence is what will result. Its an unfortunate fact that the Middle East is unable to decide things in a peaceable way, but it is a fact."
What follows is my reply, which I herewith bring to your attention.
"Islam, in it's radical state, is a religion that teaches violence to enemies, until they convert. This will never happen, so violence is what will result. "
Whoa!! That's just it in a thumbnail!
So many so called "modern" religions in America punish the Heathens who don't attend their churches, punish those that they perceive as being already punished by God.
I'm wondering, then if religions evolve over time. Perhaps, "devolve" would be a better word. Maybe many of the worlds religions start in infancy as beautiful, wonderful, and good; serving God and man according to high minded rules, rules such as these from The Christian Bible, Book of Mathew:
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
Then, perhaps in isolated areas, remote regions of America, or The Arab world, spurred by human imperfection, or lust, or greed, these good religions lose some of their goodness.
Religion induced guilt swings the pendulum to delusions of vast superiority, which necessitates actions to sustain the new superiority.
In some areas, immorality may replace moral behavior. Pride, Greed, Extravagance (later Lust), Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth, all may develop. Incest may rise it's cruel, destructive head.
"Islam, in it's radical state, is a religion that teaches violence to enemies, until they convert. This will never happen, so violence is what will result. "
That's the wonder of the World Wide Web. When we can share thoughts with those in far away regions, we can get a more correct scope of world situations.
If my son tells me he is an angel, I tell him "Son, God didn't make you an angel.He made you a man. So, be the best man you can be and continue to learn and grow all your life. "
Lies are the building blocks of the devil. The Devil is the "Father of Lies" the "prince of Darkness"
We use our sight, and our hearing, and our minds to the best of our abilities, and the truth will set us free.
Maybe people have two options. They can remain aloof from their neighbors, sure of utter supremacy, sometimes trying to drive their neighbors away, or punish them for their inferiority, or they can learn communication, perception, tolerance... they can learn to reach out.
Religion is supposed to be a positive thing. Don't underestimate God. He wants us, I think, to evolve, improve, learn wisdom.
So pardon my obnoxiousness, I really enjoyed the dinner.