sure why not...
religion is a simply just a medicine for common people
to keep them from commiting crimes or sins as they refer, it
helps societies... some of them is just their to fixate what to
appeal to themselves of their mistakes in the past and move on,
so i say its a good thing and important for families...
though i say depending on the religion though, some of them really
is just there brainwash people... obsession and overwhelmed believe
can really make you a social outcast in the today's society, might
want to keep it at as a simple on and off visit for a tribute to your
life style.
Manga Poll
Manga is the Japanese equivalent of comics
with a unique style and following. Join the revolution! Read some manga today!
Join #baka-updates @irc.irchighway.net
RSS Feed
Forums
Is it good to believe in God?
Poll
Yes
No
Don't Know
From User
Message Body
Member
3:20 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 370
3:20 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 370
Ooo~ Custom Title!
Member4:01 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 1279
what kind of question is that?
Is it good?
I'd say it's nice to have someone to relay on when you have no one else to turn to.
________________
Click the Pokemon.
Is it good?
I'd say it's nice to have someone to relay on when you have no one else to turn to.
________________
Click the Pokemon.
2nd wave MU user
Member9:16 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 7784
From my point of view, I find it unnecessary, but
I do know why people do believe in it.
There are many doctrines that can be used for
the good of the group. You can pull separate people
into a group in the times of need or you can use
the doctrine as a weapon by manipulation.
It totally depends on the era, but I must say
that it is not that great thing nowadays when
it just restricts people, unlike in the past where one
could send armies to die in the name of their god.
If you think that they never used it for such causes,
then you can ask yourself the reason of a state religion.
I must still vote a no for this.
Religions make my life harder.
I do know why people do believe in it.
There are many doctrines that can be used for
the good of the group. You can pull separate people
into a group in the times of need or you can use
the doctrine as a weapon by manipulation.
It totally depends on the era, but I must say
that it is not that great thing nowadays when
it just restricts people, unlike in the past where one
could send armies to die in the name of their god.
If you think that they never used it for such causes,
then you can ask yourself the reason of a state religion.
I must still vote a no for this.
Religions make my life harder.
Member
9:27 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 4030
Depends on what kind of god you believe in. Usually, just believing in something is good, it gives one hope and whatnot (although depending on how you look at it, hope, isn't always good). So yes, I think it's generally a good thing.
Religion, I think, is not so good ><
Religion, I think, is not so good ><
Member
9:30 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 6
9:30 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 6
Depends on the religion, In my opinion, if the god of the religion someone is worshiping is an embodiment of goodness, than by all means go for it.
And when I say that it an embodiment of goodness, I meant that as in a way that the religion itself is a path for people to follow if they have nothing else to follow. The religion and their god should not make any money whatsoever and should promote self-awareness and provide help, strength, and knowledge to others. Stuff like Buddhism and the teachings of Confuciusism. I'm bit touchy on Christianity and Catholicism and all those related, cause some of them is really there to help people in need, and then there are those on t.v trying to sell you a book and get you hooked on an addiction of knowing that your wrong and only their god can save your sorry ass, now pay 9.95 for your salvation.
But in the end I still voted no, cause god was a general excuse some people used some hundreds of years ago to conquer and kill many other people. If god existed then why didn't he stop most of them. Timely death and fate always plays a part entwined with life, god is more an abstract thing to me.
Plz don't flame everything in life is based on opinion. Something people hate others cause they can't get others to understand their religion and themselves. And sometimes I hate others because I can't get people to understand my theology. Life's like that but you don't have to be a jerk about it, sometimes...
And when I say that it an embodiment of goodness, I meant that as in a way that the religion itself is a path for people to follow if they have nothing else to follow. The religion and their god should not make any money whatsoever and should promote self-awareness and provide help, strength, and knowledge to others. Stuff like Buddhism and the teachings of Confuciusism. I'm bit touchy on Christianity and Catholicism and all those related, cause some of them is really there to help people in need, and then there are those on t.v trying to sell you a book and get you hooked on an addiction of knowing that your wrong and only their god can save your sorry ass, now pay 9.95 for your salvation.
But in the end I still voted no, cause god was a general excuse some people used some hundreds of years ago to conquer and kill many other people. If god existed then why didn't he stop most of them. Timely death and fate always plays a part entwined with life, god is more an abstract thing to me.
Plz don't flame everything in life is based on opinion. Something people hate others cause they can't get others to understand their religion and themselves. And sometimes I hate others because I can't get people to understand my theology. Life's like that but you don't have to be a jerk about it, sometimes...
Member
9:37 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 221
It depends.
On one side of the coin, they're believing in a being that is just as provable as a unicorn, so I have a difficult time agreeing with the belief in God from the intellectual point- such a belief only hampers learning, since it closes the mind from science if said belief is extreme enough.
As for everything else, I'd have to say that the idea of it is honorable, but the extra baggage makes it deplorable.
On the good side, religion attempts to enforce morality and a sense of community. It also helps with hope, both in life (oh, maybe being good will let me get an opportunity to move out of poverty) and death (death isn't scary or bad; it's just a step into the next world).
On the bad side, religion causes discrimination, hate, and wars. Its basis on "morality" skews the believers' thoughts on the subject (making incorrect claims that say morality just never existed before religion; also saying that genocide in God's name is fine) and the entire foundation is said "morality" normally is founded through fear, not good will (Heaven vs. Hell). It can also easily lead to closeminded attitudes on a wide range of subjects, with the only reasoning for the opinion to be cited as either "God said so" or "my holy text decrees ____." People can also easily live in poverty on the possibly false assumption that it doesn't matter how they live their life on the "mortal plane" as long as they succeed in going to a "better place" after they die.
So, I'd have to say "No, religion is not good on a whole." Originally I was planning to compare it to Communism (good in theory but bad when actually attempted), but that's not true. The very basis of religion is somewhat corrupt. Sure, it creates communities, but everyone outside of the communities are basically considered infidels and hated.
However, if someone just believes in a divine being, it's much easier to not discriminate, since there's no divine text declaring such an act necessary. So, on the subject of believing in a god without any organized religion involved, then the "evils" of it, so to speak, are greatly lessened, making it, on the hope standpoint, to be good. But, considering the importance in understanding the world (the sciences) in the modern day, I'd have to say that it's still not such a good thing in that respect. I guess I'll vote "I don't know" in the poll, but only because it's pretty much a draw.
On one side of the coin, they're believing in a being that is just as provable as a unicorn, so I have a difficult time agreeing with the belief in God from the intellectual point- such a belief only hampers learning, since it closes the mind from science if said belief is extreme enough.
As for everything else, I'd have to say that the idea of it is honorable, but the extra baggage makes it deplorable.
On the good side, religion attempts to enforce morality and a sense of community. It also helps with hope, both in life (oh, maybe being good will let me get an opportunity to move out of poverty) and death (death isn't scary or bad; it's just a step into the next world).
On the bad side, religion causes discrimination, hate, and wars. Its basis on "morality" skews the believers' thoughts on the subject (making incorrect claims that say morality just never existed before religion; also saying that genocide in God's name is fine) and the entire foundation is said "morality" normally is founded through fear, not good will (Heaven vs. Hell). It can also easily lead to closeminded attitudes on a wide range of subjects, with the only reasoning for the opinion to be cited as either "God said so" or "my holy text decrees ____." People can also easily live in poverty on the possibly false assumption that it doesn't matter how they live their life on the "mortal plane" as long as they succeed in going to a "better place" after they die.
So, I'd have to say "No, religion is not good on a whole." Originally I was planning to compare it to Communism (good in theory but bad when actually attempted), but that's not true. The very basis of religion is somewhat corrupt. Sure, it creates communities, but everyone outside of the communities are basically considered infidels and hated.
However, if someone just believes in a divine being, it's much easier to not discriminate, since there's no divine text declaring such an act necessary. So, on the subject of believing in a god without any organized religion involved, then the "evils" of it, so to speak, are greatly lessened, making it, on the hope standpoint, to be good. But, considering the importance in understanding the world (the sciences) in the modern day, I'd have to say that it's still not such a good thing in that respect. I guess I'll vote "I don't know" in the poll, but only because it's pretty much a draw.
RIP
Member
11:49 pm, Jan 12 2008
Posts: 4917
honestly, i really dont care what someone belives in, i wont judge them on personal beliefs, and if it helps them get through hard times then by all means...
buuuutttttt
when people start using religon to justify things like killing of nonbelivers and other things along those lines, it really pisses me off
so basicly, as long as they dont hurt anyone, i dont care what people belive.
buuuutttttt
when people start using religon to justify things like killing of nonbelivers and other things along those lines, it really pisses me off
so basicly, as long as they dont hurt anyone, i dont care what people belive.
Member
10:10 am, Jan 16 2008
Posts: 635
Religion is a tool to control and appease the masses. It's a lot of BS. I think religion has done more bad things than good if any good things at all. Religion set morals which are pointless and stifle the scientific mind. I'm sure we would have made twice as much progress if not for religion. I also think I should mention I went to a Christian school for 6 years and have read the Bible from cover to cover. Right now I'm reading Anton Lavey's Satanic Bible and truthfully it makes so much sense to me. Basically what the man says is that there is no God because man created God therefore everyman is his own God. So instead of believing in some invisible man up in the sky I'd rather believe in myself and my abilities. I trust myself to do the right thing more than I trust a God to tell me what is right.
P.S. No offense to any religious people. I do understand that it is easier to have meaning to life when you think it's bigger than you. But the truth is life is only as big as you are.
P.P.S I voted yes because I am my own God so it's good to believe in God when your God is you.
Last edited by Meta at 10:15 am, Jan 16 2008
________________
The best darkness is strange and surprising. – Alucard
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the universe. – Albert Einstein
P.S. No offense to any religious people. I do understand that it is easier to have meaning to life when you think it's bigger than you. But the truth is life is only as big as you are.
P.P.S I voted yes because I am my own God so it's good to believe in God when your God is you.
Last edited by Meta at 10:15 am, Jan 16 2008
________________
The best darkness is strange and surprising. – Alucard
Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the universe. – Albert Einstein
Member
10:42 am, Jan 16 2008
Posts: 186
I think it's harmless (but a waste of time), as long as they're not taking it to an extreme level. I'm an atheist, but most of my friends are free-thinking catholics and I've never seen it ruin their lives or their belief in science and evolution and stuff. Just as long as they don't go too far (i.e., preaching, killing in the name of god), I can live with it. I have no choice anyway. 
I can live a full and happy life ignoring religion---but some people can't. Mostly because it's something they've already grown up with and is already hard to change.
I do think religion subconsciously divides people apart. Things like...If you're not catholic, you're not "one of us". or, people from the middle east seem so alien because they have such different beliefs. There's also the "I'm not marrying anyone of a different faith" thing.
I also hate it when religion interferes with politics. Can you believe THREE republican candidates don't believe in evolution (so what are all those fossils about?), and mike huckabee wants to change the constitution to fit "god's standards". Whose god? The Evangelical's god? But not everyone in america is evangelical... it's stupid...
Religion didn't invent morals. It developed through good 'ol human nature. Besides, I don't need a God to persuade me to do good. I can do good things without thinking that an imaginary floating man in the sky is counting all my good deeds so I can go to heaven..
Last edited by Wild Star at 11:17 am, Jan 16 2008
________________
“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
I can live a full and happy life ignoring religion---but some people can't. Mostly because it's something they've already grown up with and is already hard to change. I do think religion subconsciously divides people apart. Things like...If you're not catholic, you're not "one of us". or, people from the middle east seem so alien because they have such different beliefs. There's also the "I'm not marrying anyone of a different faith" thing.
I also hate it when religion interferes with politics. Can you believe THREE republican candidates don't believe in evolution (so what are all those fossils about?), and mike huckabee wants to change the constitution to fit "god's standards". Whose god? The Evangelical's god? But not everyone in america is evangelical... it's stupid...
Quote
I recall reading this one article by some European professor who stated that without people having believed in God in the past, there would be no standard morals in the present.
Religion didn't invent morals. It developed through good 'ol human nature. Besides, I don't need a God to persuade me to do good. I can do good things without thinking that an imaginary floating man in the sky is counting all my good deeds so I can go to heaven..
Last edited by Wild Star at 11:17 am, Jan 16 2008
________________
“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
Catnapper
Member4:36 pm, Jan 16 2008
Posts: 3503
i would say as some people already said (Layhe i think), it´s good to believe in something. People tend to have beliefs, life have to have a sense of porpouse. Even "i don´t believe in God" is a belief.
Respecting the relation between religion and morality it´s wrong to think that they aren´t related and that religion hadn´t had been of relevance in the development of morality and ethics. In some sense in certain periods of history morality was equal to religion´s morality, and through a process of rationalization moral rules and laws were made. From other point of view, indirectly, moral rules and laws were made in response to religious morality. Historically speaking it´s true that modern moral standards wouldn´t be the same if religions didn´t exist (that is pretty hard even to imagine, since people have to have beliefs, i think).
I agree that religion has been used to do or to justify things that aren´t right, and that alone is a serious accusation when we are talking about "believe or not to believe". But well, if God exist there will be punishment. If not, well, maybe history will do justice.
________________
This week's favorites:
- Golden Kamui
ççççççç[Ô .Ô] tsutopodus© will eat your manga and steal your cats!
Respecting the relation between religion and morality it´s wrong to think that they aren´t related and that religion hadn´t had been of relevance in the development of morality and ethics. In some sense in certain periods of history morality was equal to religion´s morality, and through a process of rationalization moral rules and laws were made. From other point of view, indirectly, moral rules and laws were made in response to religious morality. Historically speaking it´s true that modern moral standards wouldn´t be the same if religions didn´t exist (that is pretty hard even to imagine, since people have to have beliefs, i think).
I agree that religion has been used to do or to justify things that aren´t right, and that alone is a serious accusation when we are talking about "believe or not to believe". But well, if God exist there will be punishment. If not, well, maybe history will do justice.
________________
This week's favorites:
- Golden Kamui
ççççççç[Ô .Ô] tsutopodus© will eat your manga and steal your cats!
Artificial Life
Member
4:27 pm, Jan 17 2008
Posts: 1591
i dunno
its good to have something to depend on during a tragdy
but some ppl who believe in GOD dont believe in other cultures GOD saying its the devil who is tricking u so u can go to hell (this was from a friend who is no longer a friend ^^)
so ya i dunno i personally dont care much, i believe in god from all diff. cultures (as in i believe theyre all real ) cuz i live in a diverse environment but i dont BELIEVE it to an extent to where i go like god this god that.
________________
As if handcuffed, I'm bound to the memories of you...
its good to have something to depend on during a tragdy
but some ppl who believe in GOD dont believe in other cultures GOD saying its the devil who is tricking u so u can go to hell (this was from a friend who is no longer a friend ^^)
so ya i dunno i personally dont care much, i believe in god from all diff. cultures (as in i believe theyre all real ) cuz i live in a diverse environment but i dont BELIEVE it to an extent to where i go like god this god that.
________________
As if handcuffed, I'm bound to the memories of you...
Member
4:39 pm, Jan 17 2008
Posts: 54
Well, sometimes its a good thing. I mean religion or something along those lines was like created (in its infinite forms) by people to explain the unexplained, to get rid of fear of the unknown, to give a purpose to one's life, to create a common ground for different people and to establish rules to keep order, comfort and stuff y'know? So it is/was a good thing thing. Now we have science, which is somewhat like religion if you think about it, it does most all the things that religion does for people, but its more acceptable/believable in these modern times.
Member
4:52 pm, Jan 17 2008
Posts: 277
I voted that I don't know, but it's less that than that I don't care.
I mean, you like believing in God and I like sleeping in on Sunday; if we're both happy, we're both made.
That's the short answer. The long answer is that some people find it comforting, so they do it; some don't, so they don't--but who am I to judge? I've got my little neuroses too; things I'm paranoid about that those that aren't don't understand. So if you're going to believe in God, go do as he says. I personally don't find that life is meaningless without God (If anything, I think it is less meaningless--I think it is everything we make of it; with the possibility of failure--Religion takes that away, because if someone makes you, you're important off the bat--it becomes more important to succeed), and I know better than to go around starting crap and killing others (God or not, Sins are Sins for a reason, folks: remember that killing is bad, and adultery is messed up, even if there isn't somebody telling you not to), so I'm happy how I am. And if you're happy the way you are, I'm happy for you--but only if I know you, because I don't have time to feel happy for strangers when there are things to do.
Edit:
@lanatalis: While Science maybe supplanting the role of religions more and more (from that perspective), it is by definition not religion, and nothing like religion; it is that it is completely unlike religion that makes science science. Which is why naming a religion after science (Scientology, for the slow) really gets my funny-bone just right.
________________
I am the God of Freedom. I am not revered, I have no shrines; and you have never before heard of me nor will you ever hear of me again.
I mean, you like believing in God and I like sleeping in on Sunday; if we're both happy, we're both made.
That's the short answer. The long answer is that some people find it comforting, so they do it; some don't, so they don't--but who am I to judge? I've got my little neuroses too; things I'm paranoid about that those that aren't don't understand. So if you're going to believe in God, go do as he says. I personally don't find that life is meaningless without God (If anything, I think it is less meaningless--I think it is everything we make of it; with the possibility of failure--Religion takes that away, because if someone makes you, you're important off the bat--it becomes more important to succeed), and I know better than to go around starting crap and killing others (God or not, Sins are Sins for a reason, folks: remember that killing is bad, and adultery is messed up, even if there isn't somebody telling you not to), so I'm happy how I am. And if you're happy the way you are, I'm happy for you--but only if I know you, because I don't have time to feel happy for strangers when there are things to do.
Edit:
@lanatalis: While Science maybe supplanting the role of religions more and more (from that perspective), it is by definition not religion, and nothing like religion; it is that it is completely unlike religion that makes science science. Which is why naming a religion after science (Scientology, for the slow) really gets my funny-bone just right.
________________
I am the God of Freedom. I am not revered, I have no shrines; and you have never before heard of me nor will you ever hear of me again.
Member
7:18 pm, Jan 17 2008
Posts: 2009
wow you people get way into this kind of topic. The bottom line for me is, as long as they dont bother me with their religion, then I'd be perfectly willing to socialize and make friends with them.
Bothering me includes:
[Insert holy book here] Thumping
Quoting religious text
Sayin that I'll go to [Insert evil dark place associated with non-believers]
Deriding me because I don't believe in [Insert omnipotent being here]
And using religion to guide their policies politically and socially
Bothering me includes:
[Insert holy book here] Thumping
Quoting religious text
Sayin that I'll go to [Insert evil dark place associated with non-believers]
Deriding me because I don't believe in [Insert omnipotent being here]
And using religion to guide their policies politically and socially
wtf r u doin?
Member
7:53 pm, Jan 17 2008
Posts: 372
I really don't care what anybody else believes as long as they leave me out of it. If they want to have an imaginary friend then good for them. I want to fester in my own pool of cynicism peacefully.
I am currently deliberating within myself whether I believe in Absurdism or Nihilism. Read the Absurdism wiki for a simplified table explaining the differences between these and existentialism.
________________
I am not prostrate. I am looking at the sky on the other side of Earth.
You should totally Join Vagrant Scans. No experience necessary.
You should also totally read this cool blog.
I am currently deliberating within myself whether I believe in Absurdism or Nihilism. Read the Absurdism wiki for a simplified table explaining the differences between these and existentialism.
________________
I am not prostrate. I am looking at the sky on the other side of Earth.
You should totally Join Vagrant Scans. No experience necessary.
You should also totally read this cool blog.
