An interesting comment... (edit) [View all]

[F4lconF16]

Last edited Sun May 17, 2015, 02:53 AM - Edit history (1)

A tweet which appeared on a debate between Dawkins and Pell:

"Religion shouldn't be taken literally. It's guidance... This is what creates conflict."

I found this to be a very interesting idea. I actually like it. I would have no problem with religion were it to be made explicitly clear that it is used as guidance. There is much to learn from the myths that have arisen throughout history, including the major faiths still practiced today.

On edit...

I've thought about this and reconsidered. This should be clarified.

Religion in itself is not a useful tool. The practice of religion has some positive effects--all of which can be gained by secular methods, and arguably to greater extent--with not just considerable harmful effects, but often highly dangerous ones (ranging from extreme and militant fundamentalists to widespread phenomena like what is happening to our school districts). I do not agree with the practice of religion.

Anyways, as to what I said:

"Religion shouldn't be taken literally. It's guidance... This is what creates conflict."

I found this to be a very interesting idea. I actually like it. I would have no problem with religion were it to be made explicitly clear that it is used as guidance.

This is really a case of something sounding nice, and me not thinking about it. I would still have a problem with religion for all the reasons I am currently an atheist. All of the absolutely terrible moral guidance of religion doesn't just disappear because the practice is not literal. As if that would ever be possible.

I do, however believe that a close study of the various religions throughout the world and and history as well as strong education in the physical sciences can be helpful for our communities to better understand their own religions and others. And yes, I do believe that this will result in more people becoming atheists. If balanced, honest education about the different cultures and people around the world causes it, I'm all for it. This is not forcing an "atheistic" viewpoint on anyone any more than teaching evolution in public schools is.

Anyways, yeah. I was wrong, and that was stupid.