I hope Johnson accelerates the decline of Christianity in this country exponentially. I don't

[brewens]

Last edited Thu Oct 26, 2023, 01:30 PM - Edit history (1)

think they realize how many more people will not be the least bit afraid of speaking out against it these days. Count me as one.

If anyone were to ask me if there is a god for some reason, I'll say no and anyone that tells you there is is brainwashed or lying. Deman scientific proof or tell them to STFU!

[stuck in the middle]

1. My wife comes from a 500 year old Catholic culture...

...here in America, and she's neither brainwashed not lying.

If anyone were to ask me if there is a god for some reason, I'll say no and anyone that tells you there is is brainwashed or lying. Deman scientific proof or tell them to STFU!

[KPN]

7. Fair point. I have 4 siblings who are Christian. Only

1 of them votes Dem these days, despite the fact that our now deceased parents were both lifelong Dem voters. BTW, our parents were and raised us all Catholic as well. So yeah, not all Christians are brainwashed crazies. But there certainly are plenty who are, including a few of my own siblings who , while I haven’t told them they are brainwashed, I definitely believe they are.

[stuck in the middle]

8. "I know a Christian. She drinks blood."

Gandhi (second train scene)

[Caliman73]

16. The use of hyperbole and hostile language is not helpful, the reality however...

is that people hold religious beliefs without reliable, valid evidence. Usually cultural, social, and personal credulity drive belief.

When I was practicing Catholicism, I believed because of what I was taught by my parents and by 11 years of Catholic schooling, going to Mass every Friday and Holy Day of Obligation, the teaching of Catholic Doctrine 5 days a week. What made me stop, was actually reading the Bible and learning the history of the institution of the Church. How the Bible was created, what the doctrine says and does not say, the inconsistencies, the politics, and other problems, until I could no longer justify belief.

What many people who walk away from religion will say is that actual evidence leads away from "belief", that the Christian God (Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnibenevolent) should be able to instil belief or show sufficient evidence so that non-belief is impossible. God (at least the Christian God) knows everything, and has known everything that happened, is happening, and is going to happen before the universe came into existence. All the evil, all the choices that people are going to make and not make. Nothing is not known, and supposedly nothing is beyond the power of this God to make happen or not make happen. Yet, here we are, doubtful and suffering.

That is not to say that Christians are not intelligent, thoughtful, good people. They do however have to suspend reality to continue believing at least, in their specific God.

Another thing that people who no longer believe will say is that everyone is one step away from being an atheist, in that they will often reject all other gods, except the one in their specific faith tradition, thinking that they are "false gods", or some misinterpretation of the true doctrine. Your wife believes in the Christian God, does she accept the pantheon of Hindu gods? Does she accept Islam as a valid faith tradition? Each of those believe that they are the "true" faith and that others are heretical, or apostate, or just wrong.

The search for meaning beyond what we can see and for our place and purpose in the world, looks to be something fundamental to humans. Religion likely started as a way for humans to make sense of their world, to build community, etc... Because of another seeming fundamental human trait, the desire to control our environment, religion has also been a force for control, and has lead to a great deal of oppression, hatred of others, and violence.

It isn't just Christianity, it is just that Christianity has been the dominant religious tradition for a long time.

[stuck in the middle]

20. Religion is a part of culture.

When I first met my wife more than a quarter century ago, she told me the two main aspects of her religion.

One of them was about el cerro del Manzanillo.

She described how, some five centuries ago, her ancestors first started running away from their masters, as cimarrones, and made it to the valley.

In the valley, there was a mountain, called el cerro del Manzanillo, so they climbed to the top, looking out all around them, to see if they see Africa. When they couldn't see Africa, they played their drums and cried.

Over the years, the decades, the centuries, whenever their descendants were feeling sad, they too would climb el cerro del Manzanillo, to see if they could see Africa, and when they could not, they too played their drums and cried.

Over time, all of those tears coalesced to form a lake.

El cerro del Manzanillo is a magical geographical and mythological place.

According to Anthropologists, it is located at the very center of the world, the Axis Mundi, where heaven meets earth and hell.

As it happens, my wife was born right next to it.

More than six decades ago, there was a rumor going around Patía that the Virgin Maria has been seen at the top of el cerro del Manzanillo, so she and a friend of hers climbed to the top to see if they could find Her.

Incidentally, here's a video documentary about my wife's religion, by an anthropologist who is an expert in her religion, culture, and history. The last half has some great views of el Cerro del Manzanillo.

Bambuco Patiano - Bambuco Negro

[edhopper]

38. What does

Where Earth meets Heaven and Hell even mean?
There are most likely similar places that most cultures have.
Did any of them realize you can't see Africa from Latin America.
It's interesting, but no more magical than any other place.
And that is a problem with many religions, they all say they are special and unique.

[stuck in the middle]

72. So what you are saying is...

...that different cultures and religions compliment each other due to their intertwined histories?

And that is a problem with many religions, they all say they are special and unique

Interesting thought.



Gobernación del Cauca- Mi Cauca

[edhopper]

79. I wish they did compliment each other more

rather than being at war with one another.

Good music though.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

63. Your logical fallacy is"

Argumentum ad antiquitatem--an appeal to tradition. Something being old doesn't make it true. If you want to trot that out, then you need to become a Hindu. Or a Buddhist. Both have been around *much* longer than the demigod torture cult. Or you need to support the idea that the sun goes around the earth. That idea has been been around a long time, too.

You want us to believe in that demigod torture cult? Your feelings and "visions" mean jack. Cough up evidence that not only conforms with reality but also can be replicated by anyone--including by atheists.

And good luck with that. So far, none of the demigod torture cult "thinkers" or followers have managed that one.

[stuck in the middle]

65. What a bizarre and inexplicably hostile post.

[DFW]

73. So does mine, but she escaped.

She even has a book of her family genealogy, and the first entry is from the year 1473. For the first decade of her life, she was a devout Catholic, knew nothing else. Her second decade was different.

When some of the priests in her small village, halfway between Osnabrück and Oldenburg, had to make sudden departures after their child molesting became public, she, already the future social worker, said, this whole thing is total BS, and I’m never going to be part of it ever again.

Her parents remained Catholic, although enlightened ones. She, like my parents and my siblings, has no use for religion. We would never force someone to abandon their religion. But we will fight fiercely for the right to never have someone else’s religion imposed upon us.

[sarisataka]

2. Tell Biden...

Is he brainwashed or lying?

[stuck in the middle]

6. It's up to the OP to prove that...

...President Biden is either brainwashed, lying, or both.

Notice how the OP tried to shift the burden of proof onto President Biden.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

66. About this? Yes, he's brainwashed.

He was brainwashed from a very young age, and it was done with intent, right in the open. His brainwashers have never been secretive about it, either. After all, that flavor of the demigod torture cult has publicly stated, 'Give me the child until he's seven years old.' Did you not grasp why they said it? Gee, probably because they know those 'formative years' are when human minds are at their most malleable for pumping full of their agenda. It's a lot harder to dislodge an idea from people's heads if they've literally been conditioned from birth to believe it.

And I will tell him that, anytime you like, mate. Set up the meeting; I'll be there. I don't make an exception for him just because he's POTUS.

[stuck in the middle]

69. The fundamentalist macho bravado in this thread is hilarious!

And I will tell him that, anytime you like, mate. Set up the meeting; I'll be there. I don't make an exception for him just because he's POTUS

Academia de San Francisco - ESGRIMA COLOMBIANA - Esgrima de machete y bordón - LAS SIETE PARADAS

[Sky Jewels]

76. Totally agree.

The Catholic Church is all about mind control and getting people to believe patent nonsense so they can manipulate them and keep their terrible grifting ring going.

[sarisataka]

82. I'm sure you would

I won't ask what you think about those who are members of the "demigod torture cult", many of whom are Democrats.

I will however give you credit for giving a direct answer

[PortTack]

3. Organized religion in this country is on a serious decline...I'm here for it!

Yes, there are those that use their religion for good, but just as many that don’t.

The middle east is a perfect example of what organized religion has done.

[3Hotdogs]

53. Organized religion in this country is on a serious decline.

THANK GOD !

[PortTack]

74. God obviously doesn't like being given such a bad reputation by a bunch of greedy power hungry

Inhumane beings!

[hlthe2b]

4. RW "Christianity" (Xianity) is actually doing that and has been for decades...

Whether it be the so-called "Prosperity Gospel" (only the rich are blessed) forms behind the mega-church movement, the hate-filled homophobic, racist, misogynistic White Nationalist populist form exemplified by a majority of MAGATs, or the newest and related incarnation, the "hate the poor" (along with all the previous) and "ignore the New Testament because that Jesus guy was just a liberal conceit" form emerging in prominence now--it is all that that is killing Christianity.

Now, that is not to say there is no pushback from those forms of Christianity that actually believe in the tenets of Christ and the New Testament-- and yes include a lot of classic liberal thought, but given the MSM has chosen to largely ignore they exist and only highlight the hypocrisy and hate-filled message of the RW denominations, there will be a trend of diminishment, just as there was in the UK and much of Europe for some time to come.

[keithbvadu2]

5. This far right political Christianity is becoming the public face of Christianity in America.

https://www.democraticunderground.com/1016367109

Far Right Wing politics is abandoning the Christian gospel, labelling it "Weak, Liberal"
=====================================
Donald Trump Jr. tells young conservatives that following Jesus’ command to ‘turn the other cheek’ has ‘gotten us nothing’

https://baptistnews.com/article/donald-trump-jr-tells-young-conservatives-that-following-jesus-command-to-turn-the-other-cheek-has-gotten-us-nothing/#.Y0SyKEzMLyQ

[BootinUp]

9. I had similar thoughts. K&R

[Runningdawg]

10. It seems many have forgotten less than 100 years ago the GOVEREMENT would come to your house and take your kids

if you were a Native. They took them to "boarding schools" where they were tortured until they learn to pray to jesus in english. AND before I hear - ancient history and not all christans are responsible, this was still happening when I was a child 60 years ago and the only thing I heard from christians was amen. Now the government has taken border kids, can't explain where they went, won't give them back to their parents and STILL....crickets from ALL religions.
Not a chance religion is ending soon, quite the contrary.

[brewens]

15. I know Christianity was forced on Native Americans and that indoctrination works. I still question why they

would set foot in a white man's church. If there was a God, he was looking out for them before Europeans came here. It's almost like they acknowledge they needed them to come here to teach them about God.

[LiberalFighter]

11. If god was all powerful than why has Johnson become a member of Congress?

[MyMission]

59. Perhaps it was a punishment

For him, or for us, or for the US, or for Louisiana? Many possibilities.

Or perhaps it was in order to motivate or challenge the majority of us to vote against these RW christofascists.... since you asked!

[brewens]

12. These good Christians I've always heard about have had since the 50s to push back against the fundamentalists

and didn't want to. What was that all about? Separation of church and state should have prevented them from putting God on the money or in the pledge. Did they think going along and doing nothing would mean more Christians and that would be a good thing?

They better wise up and help us put these Christian white nationalists down. If they don't want to we make them want to or we do it for them and might not be too concerned about their getting screwed too.

As far as I'm concerned, we start by yanking the tax exemptions. I don't think there is any reason to worry about who violates the prohibition on political activity. Makes it simpler to just end it. If it's so important to them, they can pay taxes on their property like anyone else.

[MistakenLamb]

13. Do you need to be reminded that not only is our Democratic President a Christian

but the majority of our Democrats and the country as a whole. There are excellent and loving Christians, Jews , Muslims, Atheists, Sikhs, etc in this county who should be considered allies. Religious or a-religious chauvinism is gross no matter which side of the political spectrum you belong and shouldn’t be tolerated

[edisdead]

17. Nobody in infallible

Religion unfortunately sometimes is necessary as it has formed our societal norms.

At the end of the day you are still worshipping an invisible being with no evidence it exists in hopes of being rewarded in some way.

If you didn’t claim it was to a god you woukd be considered nuts.

[MistakenLamb]

19. Are you calling the fact that our leaders are religious as unfortunate?

[edisdead]

21. yes.

I find it to be a human flaw.

[MistakenLamb]

22. Exactly what I was saying you are nothing but a gross chauvinst

I'm an atheist but I don't pretend like I have some fucking moral authority over religious people. Sad that you decided to take that path, hopefully one day you will learn to stop loving the smell of your own farts so much

[edisdead]

23. I am a gross chauvanist?

Last edited Thu Oct 26, 2023, 05:49 PM - Edit history (1)

Neat name calling. Do all of your arguments contain such insults?

My belief is just as valid as yours. I didn’t personally insult anyone. It’s my belief. Thanks.

[Scrivener7]

24. Lighten up, Francis.

[edisdead]

25. Also.

So I find it pretty hilarious that I stated my belief and then you insult and attack me and accuse me of moral superiority whilst telling me how much better you are.

That is precious. I think you need to look inward and explore yourself a bit. Or not.
We could be friends.

I do see religion as a lack of enlightenment. Sorry if that makes me a terrible person. Religion has been a social pyramid for a long long time. And societies use it for all sorts of power schemes. They use it as justification for all sorts of horrors dating back to the dawn of time. I don’t pretend to know if there is a deity in charge of what is going on. Not at all. I just try to live my life and do good where I can. I am perfectly fine with others practicing their religion so long as it doesn’t interfere with life but well…. Far too often that isn’t the case.

Sorry my post was upsetting for you.

[phylny]

78. Can anyone prove that there *isn't* a God, or a Creator?

I don't assume the Creator or God is what we as humans think he/she/it is, but really, there's not proof either way.

[Ferrets are Cool]

97. And, they would be "excellent and loving" PEOPLE even without the religion.

Religion has NOTHING to do with how loving a person is.

[hunter]

14. What is excellerates?

Anti-intellectualism of all sorts, religious and ideological, has always been a danger to democracy, worldwide.

I've frequently expressed my own personal vendettas against anti-intellectualism here on DU, most especially the Mike Johnson flavors of Christianity. The god these ignorant incurious clowns worship is a cruel and capricious asshole, small enough to live in their pants.

My own religious background is along the lines of Joe Biden or Jerry Brown, two extremely competent and progressive politicians. My mom was always at war with the Catholic Church for one reason or another, but many of the activists, politicians, and intellectuals she most respected were Catholic.

You'll find the similar intellectual traditions within many other religions as well.

One often discovers that certain brands of "Christianity" are simply a mask people wear, and that if they set aside the mask, they remain the same hateful people they've always been.

"Christian" anti-intellectualism isn't any more or less dangerous than atheist anti-intellectualism.

[CanonRay]

18. Hopefully this is the zenith of Christian Nationalism.

Dog help us if they ever take over.

[amsterdunkz]

81. Nice post

Last edited Wed Nov 1, 2023, 08:00 AM - Edit history (1)

Nice post and please provide more information. Thanks for sharing.

indigo card
jjsploit.click

[LakeArenal]

26. Never paint any group with a broad brush.

I have had Amish friends. Just like any religion, even Amish, differ from sect to sect.

Some of the generalizations I’ve heard about the Amish made my eyebrows raise up.

[Eko]

27. So, as I am an Atheist let me ask this of the good Christians on here.

And I do indeed know there are a lot on here. Some I respect so very much. Full truth. There is nothing in Atheism that makes me believe anything bad will happen to you if you are not an Atheist. In the Christian religion it is the opposite.
Mark 16:16 ESV
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
How can you believe that? And if you don't then why do you believe the other things in the book? Isn't that cherry picking?
How do you think I should feel about that? Why should I be respectful of a religion that says that about me?
There are plenty more.
2 Thessalonians 1:8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Honestly how would you think I would feel about those? Am i just supposed to not say anything about them? Am i just supposed to take the opinions of others that the religion is good when it says things like that?
Eko.

[stuck in the middle]

28. As I understand it, ...

...if you climb el cerro del Manzanillo and make a pact with the devil and exchange your soul for various powers for earthly reasons (to gain fortune, military victories, women, etc...), it often leads to ruin.

But violinists who make pacts with the devil in exchange for violin lessons somehow manage to escape this fate, which of course makes them cultural heroes.

Does this negatively impact your life in some way?

Vídeo clip Esclavo de amor Son del Tuno

[Eko]

29. Seeing as how you didnt anwser any of my questions

I don't really feel the need to respond back to yours. Thank you for commenting though.
Eko

[stuck in the middle]

31. Let's turn the quesion around.

Why should I be respectful of a religion that says that about me?

Why should you disrespect the religion?

Remember, respect is the default. It's disrespect that needs explanation.

[Eko]

32. Uhhh

Mark 16:16 ESV
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
2 Thessalonians 1:8 He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Was that not clear? Respect is a two way street. When the book says not to respect me I don't feel the need to respect the beliefs from that book. Pretty simple.
Eko.

[stuck in the middle]

33. Something you read In a book somewhere?

Seriously?

People treat you with respect, so you're going to turn around and treat them with disrespect just because of something that you saw in a book somewhere?

Sheesh!

[Eko]

34. No idea what you are saying.

[stuck in the middle]

35. Returning respect with disrespect.

People treat you with respect, so you're going to turn around and treat them with disrespect just because of something that you saw in a book somewhere?

[Eko]

37. You seem to think that someone acting nice

while they think that their god will condemn and punish me for not having their beliefs is respectful. That's not the way that works.

[Eko]

36. No,

People that treat me with disrespect don't deserve for me to treat them with respect. I can either be ambivalent or disrespectful. I have not said which one I would do only that I don't have to respect them.

[stuck in the middle]

39. We're talking about people who treat you with respect.

My wife treats everybody with respect, since it is a part of her religion and her culture.

But sometimes, they don't treat her with respect in return.

I'm trying to understand why not.

[Eko]

40. Does your wife belive that

Her god will condemn and punish me for not having the beliefs from her bible?

[stuck in the middle]

41. No.

Does your wife belive that
Her god will condemn and punish me for not having the beliefs from her bible?

This is just a made-up excuse for fundamentalists to treat her with disrespect. You probably just read it in a book somewhere.

[Eko]

42. 1st of all, I have never treated her with disrepect. I have never said I would you implied that.

And that book is called the bible, the foundation for Christianity.
Is she not a Christian?
If so why does she cherry pick what parts of the book to believe in or not?
Are you a Christian? Do you just believe in the parts of the bible that you like and disbelieve in the parts you don't?
Thanks,
Eko.

[stuck in the middle]

43. Answers

Is she not a Christian?

Yes, she comes from a 500 year old Catholic culture.

If so why does she cherry pick what parts of the book to believe in or not?

This doesn't make any sense. Her culture is her culture.

Are you a Christian?

No, I'm a militant atheist. I've been an atheist as far back as I can remember.

Do you just believe in the parts of the bible that you like and disbelieve in the parts you don't?

Most atheists I know don't spend too much time reading the bible.

I've always had a fondness for Isaiah 2:4. "They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks"

Or maybe something about welcoming the stranger?

[Eko]

44. So,,,

Does she think the bible is the word of God?

[stuck in the middle]

45. She doesn't look at it like you do.

Does she think the bible is the word of God?

You're looking at the bible from a fundamentalist framework.

You want to impose your western cultural framework on a non-western culture.

[Eko]

46. So explain it to me.

[stuck in the middle]

49. Her religion is a religion of war.

Last edited Fri Oct 27, 2023, 04:23 AM - Edit history (2)

In Colombia, her music is considered the music of war.

son del tuno-popayán

[Eko]

47. Catholic is non-western?

[stuck in the middle]

50. It's a palenque culture.

[stuck in the middle]

52. Keep in mind that the palenques were founded by sorcerers.

My wife, for example, considers herself a bruja. But she's a Catholic bruja.

It's just a part of her culture.

SON DE CAPELLANIAS - LA BRUJA

[Eko]

48. And you are also implying I am western without knowing I am.

[stuck in the middle]

51. Your approach to the bible/religion is.

[BootinUp]

54. What I learned is Catholic's and other Protestants have always been distinct

from Fundamentalists in interpreting the Bible. But I don't think it would be non-Western to not know that.

[stuck in the middle]

56. This is a tough one.

But I don't think it would be non-Western to not know that.

A triple-negative.



I may have to ponder that one...

The Logical Song by Roger Hodgson (former Supertramp singer songwriter)

[BootinUp]

57. Go on.

Last edited Fri Oct 27, 2023, 12:56 AM - Edit history (1)

It equals the opposing view to yours on Eko's country of origin.

[stuck in the middle]

58. I have no idea where he is from.

It equals the opposing view to yours on Eko's country of origin

[BootinUp]

61. I misunderstood the subthread because

I did't read it all.

[Eko]

83. I am sure someone from South Korea would know exactly what you are talking about.

And since your wife doesn't follow those things I said from the bible, doesn't believe only those who believe her religion go to heaven and the rest go to hell or get punished forever and follows an,,,, witchcraft that is a very eccentric and unorthodox offshoot of Catholicism that is open to extreme interpretation and has been modified so much, I don't see why you even replied to me. I mean, her religion doesn't say that about me according to you so why did you even reply to me? I said I dont like Christianity because of X and I don't have to respect someone who believes X and you started telling me that I was disrespectful to your wife,,,,, when your wife doesnt believe X. Its a moot point. Makes no sense.
Eko.

[stuck in the middle]

85. You asked a question, ...

...so I did my best to answer it.

I don't see why you even replied to me

I pointed out that my wife comes from a Catholic culture and that she treats everybody with respect because of her culture and religion.

I realize that you are upset with the English translations of some words that somebody wrote down more than 2000 years ago, but her culture didn't become Catholic until some 500 years ago, when her ancestors were kidnapped, branded, baptized, and shipped to America.

Did you not want anybody to try to answer your question?

You seem upset.

[Eko]

86. If the question didnt apply to your wife then why even respond back?

Did your wife believe those things, things which are a mainstream Christian belief? No. So why reply.

[stuck in the middle]

88. It did apply to her.

She's Catholic.

Sure, she comes from a different culture than you, but you can't simply dismiss her culture and religion because you consider it "unorthodox".

She respects people, regardless of their cultures and religions.

It's a part of her religion and her culture.

[Eko]

89. Seriously

My post.
Mark 16:16 ESV
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
How can you believe that? Your wife doesnt. And if you don't then why do you believe the other things in the book? Isn't that cherry picking?
How do you think I should feel about that? Why should I be respectful of a religion that says that about me? Your wife's religion doesn't say that about me as you have said.
Eko.

[stuck in the middle]

90. Her Bible is in Spanish.

My post.
Mark 16:16 ESV
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
How can you believe that? Your wife doesnt. And if you don't then why do you believe the other things in the book? Isn't that cherry picking?
How do you think I should feel about that? Why should I be respectful of a religion that says that about me? Your wife's religion doesn't say that about me as you have said.

I suspect that were I to look, I'd find a Spanish version of this same verse.

How do I think you should feel about it?

How do you usually feel about stuff that was written half way around the world more than 2000 years ago? Me, I try not to take that stuff too hard.

Now, if it turns out that this verse has implications for the treatment of the enslaved, and was behind Imperial shifts in legislation regarding slavery, then my interest in that particular verse might increase, but that would be because of practical applications of religion to law.

[Eko]

91. Cmon, my question was how should I feel about people that believe that.

It's simple.
Eko.

[stuck in the middle]

92. Call up our new Speaker.

Tell him the verse, and ask him what he thinks of it.

Then tell him what you think of it.

It'll be therapeutic.

I guarantee it.

[Eko]

87. It's literally like me saying I don't have to respect someone for believing in that

And you saying why would you disrespect my wife? (without telling me much later that she doesn't believe that.). I'm sorry, it seems very trolling.

[stuck in the middle]

93. Nobody is forcing you to respect anything.

I'm out.

[Eko]

94. I never said anyone was forcing me.

Eko.

[The Revolution]

64. It's a gift, not a punishment

I'm by no means an expert on this stuff, but I think you are looking at it backwards. Humanity rejected God, not the other way around. But God still loves us and will welcome us back and forgive our sins through the blood of Christ. It's a gift, but you have to accept it. And accepting the gift would imply that you believe this is the truth.

[Eko]

84. If someone makes the rules then its on them.

They made the rules, accept my gift or get punished forever is not a gift at all its a threat.

[milestogo]

30. Prosperity Gospel is a perversion of the Gospel

or perhaps an inversion. Material things have value, spiritual things do not.

Its much easier to make a case for social equality from the New Testament than for gross inequality. But if someone has a perverted mind they can come up with anything.

The right wing has created a bastardization of Christianity, and it will repel people from the religion.

[gulliver]

55. See Thomas Paine. Old as hell

This stuff has been done better in the recent past. Aka the American Revolution

[Solly Mack]

62. If all religion died out tomorrow, it would come back into being the next day.

New gods, new ways to worship, and new religious books, with new lists of dos and don'ts.

People will continue to search for meaning that gives them solace.

Science comforts me but I still need a hug - the benefits of which can be measured empirically.

The benefits of fellowship, people gathering (for their beliefs but not only for a belief system), can also be measured.

Some attribute that sense of well-being to those specific beliefs rather than the benefits of the gathering itself and the interactions that occur - which include touching and that all powerful feeling of acceptance - the benefits of both (touching/acceptance) can be measured, you guessed it, empirically.

The benefits of a belief can be measured empirically as well. But it's not the belief itself that comforts people - it's the need that is met that causes the comfort. Those needs being met can produce a greater sense of well-being - which can be measured.

Your dearest relative dies, you believe you will see them again - fears of dying are made less and your grief is mitigated because they are not gone forever. Needs met.

The dead are watching over you. You're not alone. Someone is watching out for you. Comforting. Needs met.

You cause harm to another person, but you're forgiven. You do something wrong, but you're forgiven. Absolution - no guilt, no worries about Hell, a fresh start. You're a good person again. You feel better. Your well-being improves. Needs met.

There is power, a great deal of power, in religious beliefs.

Still, cart before the horse.

All too often, people who derive a sense of well-being from their religious beliefs don't usually go looking for the "Why?" of that sense of well-being. Primarily because religion all too often demands that it is the belief in whatever higher power, presented by whatever name, and the adherence to the dos and don'ts set down by said higher power is the reason for feeling good.

If, for example, someone believed that compassion was defined as the prevention of eternal damnation over the alleviation of pain and suffering while alive, they would teach that hunger, illness, disease, abuse, mass killing, etc. was nothing compared what was waiting for you in Heaven. Suffering then becomes noble. It becomes God's will. If you believe poverty for some is God's will, then why not also believe that Joel Osteen's wealth is also God's will? So, sending your grocery money to him is God's will. Is there anything headier than doing the will of your god? What a rush that must be! Feeling good about yourself and the promises of better things to come (hope) because you are doing God's will. The answer to why everything is going wrong in your life - God's will. Needs met.

Again, religious beliefs are very powerful. Seductive. Kill one religion off and another will take its place.

I'm only spit balling an idea.

Yes, I'm an atheist. I'm also the granddaughter of a Baptist preacher. That's preacher with a capital "P".

[BootinUp]

67. Pretty decent effort

at describing something that is complicated.

I have had my own journey which started as quite religious. But I am very cynical these days of people who are very preachy/pushy with their religious beliefs.

[Solly Mack]

68. I was called the "Devil's Spawn" for asking questions as a young child.

That got me to asking more questions. Also made "Rosemary's Baby" entertaining for me.

[stuck in the middle]

70. You're in good company.

I was called the "Devil's Spawn" for asking questions as a young child.

Religion also offers moral guidance on cultural practices such as cattle rustling.

[stuck in the middle]

71. I've seen suggestions that magical realism may have health benefits.

The Spanish Language May Hold The Key to a Perplexing Health Mystery

https://www.sciencealert.com/the-spanish-language-may-hold-the-key-to-a-perplexing-health-mystery-hispanic-paradox

But we don't talk about that.

We Don't Talk About Bruno (Oscar Edition) The Oscars - Academy Awards March 27th 2022

We Don't Talk About Bruno

[Frasier Balzov]

75. How does life emerge from non-living matter?

Once existing, how does life become imbued with the will to survive?

Why isn't life indifferent to returning to a non-living state?

You don't need to be a Christian to have questions for which science may not be capable of providing answers.

[edhopper]

80. science has the answer for some of that

though the use of "will" is questionable and not a scientific question.
But why would you assume that the answer for a question that we haven't solved is some immaterial God?

[stuck in the middle]

95. Just one of many possibilities.

But why would you assume that the answer for a question that we haven't solved is some immaterial God?

You could, of course, if you liked, say that there was a superior deity who gave orders to the God who made this world, or could take up the line that some of the gnostics took up—a line which I often thought was a very plausible one—that as a matter of fact this world that we know was made by the devil at a moment when God was not looking. There is a good deal to be said for that, and I am not concerned to refute it.

Bertrand Russell - Why I am not a Christian

https://users.drew.edu/~jlenz/whynot.html

[HAB911]

77. The sooner the better

[Ferrets are Cool]

96. I wish logic worked on these people (yes, I said that) but it does not.

Logical people understand the absurdity of believing in a "fatherly god" up in the sky that answers prayers. And when he doesn't, it's because he has a reason.