U.S.A. is not a Christian nation

[Chapped Ass]

Pluralism is defined as a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist. Religious pluralism is the attitude or policy regarding the diversity of religious belief systems co-existing in society. America was founded with religious pluralism in mind. The US Constitution prohibits establishing a national religion specifically. The founders, influenced by enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, were trying to prevent the seemingly never-ending religious wars in Europe. The United States is largely considered the first modern nation established with a completely secular government. We don't play favorites. We are free.

 

[Flerbost]

I saw this pic on Reddit, it is in reference to the crazy noise going on at University of Oklahoma since November.

Check out THIS LINK to get a low down of the story from several viewpoints.

Crazy times.

 

[Goddamn_Prick]

Yup. The Cristian-nationalists are sure worked up in a lather because of how Daddy Trump may be chosen one.

I don't care for religion, I don't want to abolish it, I just want it out of the fucking government, also I'm ok with a religious group using lobby techniques to get favor from politicians AS LONG as they lose their tax exempt status as soon as they do that.

 

[Syenite]

The only reason why I don't want organized religion abolished is because I am not for thought policing and I can't think of any way that laws like that wouldn't be abused.

But I fucking hate religion and a large majority of the ding dongs that practice it.

 

[Chapped Ass]

The only reason why I don't want organized religion abolished is because I am not for thought policing and I can't think of any way that laws like that wouldn't be abused.

But I fucking hate religion and a large majority of the ding dongs that practice it.

I remember hearing an argument years ago that there is literally no way to get rid of religion. Not because it would be impractical, but because it would be disastrous. Like society would collapse if you suddenly introduced that kind of vacuum into people's lives. Even if you could re-set society from the beginning to be secular, religious ideas would invariably take root and spread. The human mind, according to the argument, just isn't naturally built to withstand credulity in large populations or over long periods of time. In other words; bullshitting ourselves is like an evolutionary trait that you can never separate us from.

It's a very dystopian take, but it's one I haven't been able to shake since being introduced to the idea.

 

[Titty]

Think of the lives lost because of religion. Not just war and genocide and random acts of discriminatory violence, but things like refusing medical aid or intervention due to beliefs.

Imagine basing your entire life around an imaginary being who sets forth a convoluted system of rules and edicts that can be interpreted and enacted capriciously. People so desperately require that raison d'etre, they're willing to kill (and die) for it. I just can't wrap my head around such willful ignorance and allegiance to something that can never be proven.

Sure, we humans should have some sort of moral code that separates us from our animal brethren. But those ethics need not be implemented in the name of a higher power.

 

[Syenite]

I remember hearing an argument years ago that there is literally no way to get rid of religion. Not because it would be impractical, but because it would be disastrous. Like society would collapse if you suddenly introduced that kind of vacuum into people's lives. Even if you could re-set society from the beginning to be secular, religious ideas would invariably take root and spread. The human mind, according to the argument, just isn't naturally built to withstand credulity in large populations or over long periods of time. In other words; bullshitting ourselves is like an evolutionary trait that you can never separate us from.

It's a very dystopian take, but it's one I haven't been able to shake since being introduced to the idea.

See, I think that it is important to distinguish spirituality with religion.

I am not saying everyone should be atheist, or agnostic or whatever. I think that spirituality holds value for a lot of people and gives meaning to a lot of people's lives. Look at the twelve step program. It has been successful for a lot of people, and doesn't require a specific belief, but does require an acceptance of a higher power.

The problem I have is with organized religion. With churches and the power (and corruption) they can hold over people. There is a very fine line between a church and a cult, and those lines seem to get blurred more and more every day. Imo scientology, Jehovah Witness, the LDS, evangical Christians, Mormons and likely many others all fall into cult territory. These days a lot of political groups are flirting with cult status as well.

They are dangerous. They do not encourage self exploration or discovery. They directly discourage critical thought. And imo, the world would be much better off if we at least had some sort of regulation in place that limited their ability to gain power. Removal of tax examption status would be a great first step.

 

[Chapped Ass]

Sure, we humans should have some sort of moral code that separates us from our animal brethren. But those ethics need not be implemented in the name of a higher power.

Indeed. I would argue objectively that secular morality is our best and greatest attempt at morality. It is an almost pure perspective, save for the unjustified focus on and deference to humans.