Millions have a religious faith. But WHY?Are there actually any *logical* reasons?
(please, no appeals to you're not a christian, so you don't understand God! - which is neither philosophy or very sensible if you're supporting the anti-brainwash side...)
Nothing can be true without questioning. I wonder if anyone has read Aesop's fable, the Man and the Wooden God? (The one that got him chucked over a cliff by some angry priests!) I don't want that to be the main body of my argument, although it presents a starkly simple point. How do we KNOW that religion isn't just brainwashing? WHY (on what grounds) should we believe the Bible or the Qur'an, and their teachings?
(I'm only choosing Christianity and Islam because they relate rather nicely, but I suppose it could apply to many religions)
As soon as anyone tries to reason why we should believe the Bible, or indeed the Qur'an, doesn't it come down to;
Because God said so!
And where did he say so?
In the Bible.
Can any religious text make claims that are not self-justifying, and if not, doesn't this mean the Bible is just as truthful as the next Occult book? If people are brought up in a particular religion, is it anything other than brainwashing if they then never question WHY they hold that particular faith? It's interesting to appreciate that Buddhism appeals far more to philosophy on grounding it's claims, than most other religions, and encourages you to think exactly why you should accept views. If Christianity never does this, is it not spirituality at all, rather just brainwashing?
Looking at all the sides and methods used in Propaganda. they all are involved in the christian religion.
Appeal to fear: The idea of Eternal damnation.
Appeal to authority: Politicians whom use god bless, and references to a higher power.
Argumentum ad nauseam: The use of God,Jesus holy spirit in every pray and blessing.
Inevitable victory: Believe in God, and go to heaven.
Intentional vagueness: which is why there are so many questions posted on the reasons behind religion.
Common man:God loves everyone no matter what.
Testimonial: Speaks for itself.
so even if the origins of religion were nowhere near these concepts, the Christian religion of today is going along these things, intentionally or not.
(please, no appeals to you're not a christian, so you don't understand God! - which is neither philosophy or very sensible if you're supporting the anti-brainwash side...)
Nothing can be true without questioning. I wonder if anyone has read Aesop's fable, the Man and the Wooden God? (The one that got him chucked over a cliff by some angry priests!) I don't want that to be the main body of my argument, although it presents a starkly simple point. How do we KNOW that religion isn't just brainwashing? WHY (on what grounds) should we believe the Bible or the Qur'an, and their teachings?
(I'm only choosing Christianity and Islam because they relate rather nicely, but I suppose it could apply to many religions)
As soon as anyone tries to reason why we should believe the Bible, or indeed the Qur'an, doesn't it come down to;
Because God said so!
And where did he say so?
In the Bible.
Can any religious text make claims that are not self-justifying, and if not, doesn't this mean the Bible is just as truthful as the next Occult book? If people are brought up in a particular religion, is it anything other than brainwashing if they then never question WHY they hold that particular faith? It's interesting to appreciate that Buddhism appeals far more to philosophy on grounding it's claims, than most other religions, and encourages you to think exactly why you should accept views. If Christianity never does this, is it not spirituality at all, rather just brainwashing?
Looking at all the sides and methods used in Propaganda. they all are involved in the christian religion.
Appeal to fear: The idea of Eternal damnation.
Appeal to authority: Politicians whom use god bless, and references to a higher power.
Argumentum ad nauseam: The use of God,Jesus holy spirit in every pray and blessing.
Inevitable victory: Believe in God, and go to heaven.
Intentional vagueness: which is why there are so many questions posted on the reasons behind religion.
Common man:God loves everyone no matter what.
Testimonial: Speaks for itself.
so even if the origins of religion were nowhere near these concepts, the Christian religion of today is going along these things, intentionally or not.