ExclusiveSavior

I don't think religion is the reason for war. Religion is the extra spice that you stir into the masses to rally them for war. Religion is a form of social control for those in power to maintain it through spreading ignorance, fear and intolerance through which manipulation can be acquired. If anyone thinks religion is unity or love or finding God, then you are sorely mistaken.

Danlo

I believe that religion often starts out with the best intentions (ie. like minded people getting together to share in their common experience), but often tend to get warped along the way, generally as a result of increased numbers and a need for a governance (ie. power) structure.

D.

Buddha

That was beautiful.

__________________
Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission
Ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite
All of which are american dreams

Skepticologist

So why can't there be an organization that offers all the benefits of religious organizations "(ie. like minded people getting together to share in their common experience)" without all the falderal that anyone in their right mind can clearly see is baseless? I've dabbled online in the Unitarian Universalist religion, but it seems too much like church for my tastes. Does anyone out there know of such an organization? I could use a little help here.

__________________
"I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of."

Clarence Darrow

Danlo

I don't think it exists. It's not just religious groups. Look at political parties, families, the workplace, dog shows, schools etc...

Ideally you'd think they'd all be able to get along just fine, but at some point (particularly where there is a hierarchy of control) the human ego starts to take over and things go pear-shaped...

Good luck in your journey. If you find what you're looking for let me know...!!

D.

ExclusiveSavior

Sorry, I have no idea how to quote...

"I believe that religion often starts out with the best intentions (ie. like minded people getting together to share in their common experience), but often tend to get warped along the way, generally as a result of increased numbers and a need for a governance (ie. power) structure.

D."

Religion started as a group of people believing the ramblings and rantings of a 'wise man' who tried to make sense of the world. Then, I guess, it split off into religion and philosophy. Philosophy branched off into science, religion branched off into, well, sophistry, once the foundations of their beliefs were proven to be baseless by philosophy and science. So now religion is dead, and is now simply a bunch of fat people talking ****.

I seem to think religion doesn't need the government; the government needs religion. Which is something I don't like thinking.

Skepticologist: If it doesn't exist, make it up yourself. All you need is likeminded individuals, surely you'll find a bunch of them on these forums. If it does get off the ground, however, it'll turn into a business. That's where you jump ship and start again. Hopefully you leave the business with many, many problems and let them die.

Hey, I figured out how to quote.

Thanks.

Cultural Relativist

Skepticologist, some UU's are more religious, others are more political, some are social activists, others rely heavily on other causes that are important to the members. Sometimes you have to visit a few locations to see which one is inline with your beliefs!

nakamichi680zx

Try Universal Dances of Peace where there is emphasis not on the dogma that "dogs" traditional religions but celebrates the philosophies of many in a non-threatening, fun way. I urge anyone interested in seeing how different beliefs can actually co-exist in this forum.

__________________
GrassHoppah: The Great Way is not difficult for those who have no preferences.

Skepticologist

Thanks. I'll look into it a bit more deeply. Maybe it's just my locale (Houston) where so many of them feel too much like church. I have no need of religion, but I could use a bit more point-counter-point with other folks, whether they're "like-minded" or not.

__________________
"I am an agnostic; I do not pretend to know what many ignorant men are sure of."

Clarence Darrow

Danlo

How about a debating society/club?!!