I'm an athiest and beleive that organised religion is causing our society to crumble.
FLAME ON!
edited for clarification
Well, thankyou - but I wont take up your invitation
We should also not forget the evils of General Pinochet, Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot, Chairman Mau....
All organised Atheism (of which the practioners were all Authoriatarian - GO HERE AND test yourself. It's really intersting:
www.politicalcompass.org ) and in its form is just as damageing as the evils of Organised Releigion. However I would argue it is worse for it lacks hope of anything better - any escape from the evils of this mortal world - that is to say what you have is your lot - and thats it, then you die.
Where would we be without Religeion though - I doubt that we would be anywhere near as ahead as we are now. Look at the greeks - Romans, and Egyptians - Societies based on Religeion all of which with an advanced knowledge.
Infact if the Egyptians had beaten the Romans to be the most predominent society I argue that we would be even farther ahead than we are now, for example: The construction of the Pyramids is still being argued about, despite our "advanced" knowledge of construction and materials. Religion and society were intertwined.
The Catholic Church is essential the continuation of the institution of the Roman Empire, and as a result you will find secular things making there way into it - and its the secular things that lead to the evils. Secular meaning Man, without God. I could just as easily pledge my alligence to a football team - where the shirt and go around beating people up - but would I be a true fan? Would I be a true supporter?
Im a Christian first, and an Anglican second (cos thats my flavour). For me the organisation is just that - an organisation, and not my faith, and that is how Christ always meant his message to be spread - in the early days you had all kinds of churches springing up: some heavy on the seremoni, some happy clappy. Singing it differently - but singing the same message of peace, hope, love and salvation.
Happy new year!
