Separation -- my point exactly! Under no circumstances should religion, no matter what aspect seems 'good', be used as justification for politics. If something is arguably 'good', it does not need religion to make it so. Religion, on the other hand, focuses authority in a single source. Political authority resides solely with the people -- all the people -- not demi-gods or any other kind of god.
Separation -- my point exactly! Under no circumstances should religion, no matter what aspect seems 'good', be used as justification for politics. If something is arguably 'good', it does not need religion to make it so. Religion, on the other hand, focuses authority in a single source. Political authority resides solely with the people -- all the people -- not demi-gods or any other kind of god.
Yes, but. You seem to regard religion as not a good thing in general, where I--though not religious--regard it as a possible good thing for people who practice it in their private lives with respect for the views of others. Or am I reading you wrong?
I explicitly said 'good' can be found in religion. I do not disrespect a religious person's efforts to help others, for example. But I do not credit religion as the source of that sentiment. There is no denying that religion has been used throughout the entirety of human history to cause untold suffering, slavery, torture, and death, in addtion to 'good works' that attempt to reverse those errors. My argument is strictly in the political realm. Religion is in the psychological realm and should be understood in that light.
I think perhaps we have gotten off on the wrong foot. I respect your opinion about religion and agree that it has has caused much suffering over the years. but I think it has helped sufferers as well and also helped people to do the right thing when they follow positive beliefs. People can definitely do both the right thing without religion and the wrong thing with it. It can also be used to keep people who are suffering in that state and to lead people down a path that has nothing to do with the tenets of the religion! It's no wonder people don't discuss religion--you could talk forever!
Well said. Religion is rooted in ancient emotions. Democracy strives to be rooted in common sense in opposition to concentrated religious or political authority, which is at its worst when the two are combined. Needless to say, authoritarians don't like to be told that the only source of authority and sovereignty is the people and that the people will prevail. They are about to find out.
Separation -- my point exactly! Under no circumstances should religion, no matter what aspect seems 'good', be used as justification for politics. If something is arguably 'good', it does not need religion to make it so. Religion, on the other hand, focuses authority in a single source. Political authority resides solely with the people -- all the people -- not demi-gods or any other kind of god.
Yes, but. You seem to regard religion as not a good thing in general, where I--though not religious--regard it as a possible good thing for people who practice it in their private lives with respect for the views of others. Or am I reading you wrong?
I explicitly said 'good' can be found in religion. I do not disrespect a religious person's efforts to help others, for example. But I do not credit religion as the source of that sentiment. There is no denying that religion has been used throughout the entirety of human history to cause untold suffering, slavery, torture, and death, in addtion to 'good works' that attempt to reverse those errors. My argument is strictly in the political realm. Religion is in the psychological realm and should be understood in that light.
I think perhaps we have gotten off on the wrong foot. I respect your opinion about religion and agree that it has has caused much suffering over the years. but I think it has helped sufferers as well and also helped people to do the right thing when they follow positive beliefs. People can definitely do both the right thing without religion and the wrong thing with it. It can also be used to keep people who are suffering in that state and to lead people down a path that has nothing to do with the tenets of the religion! It's no wonder people don't discuss religion--you could talk forever!
Well said. Religion is rooted in ancient emotions. Democracy strives to be rooted in common sense in opposition to concentrated religious or political authority, which is at its worst when the two are combined. Needless to say, authoritarians don't like to be told that the only source of authority and sovereignty is the people and that the people will prevail. They are about to find out.
Well said on your part too!