Some insist science and religion remain non overlapping human endeavors. I don’t know. It’s a handy way to avoid political strife and allow science continued progress out from under religion’s thumb. There’s something to be said for that. But in the end aren’t both motivated by the desire to know profound truths about our universe? And in the relative end, hasn’t one delivered solidly, more reliably, than the other in recent times?
No, religion is about controlling others deeds and thoughts. Religion is the opposite of truth finding.
Robert B.says
@ 2: It depends on the religion and on the person. In general, the more organized the religion, the more it (and especially its hierarchy) are out to control people – I suspect that control is the only way religion knows how to organize, or maybe that control is what religions mean by “organized.” But I’ve met plenty of people who are religious because they want profound truths, or at least curiosity-stoppers about profound truths. Just because religion is in effect the opposite of truth finding doesn’t mean people won’t try to use it that way anyway.
To the limited extent I still call myself a spiritual being, it is in the sense of awe and wonder at the incredible immense beauty that is the Universe and the exhilaration that I am part of such an unlikely and audacious species that has developed the capacity to explore its scope and depth.
Thank you, Stephen.
Trackbacks
[…] <b>Sunday school</b> for atheists » The Zingularity – Freethought Blogs Go to this article […]
Thank you.
” But in the end aren’t both motivated by the”
No, religion is about controlling others deeds and thoughts. Religion is the opposite of truth finding.
@ 2: It depends on the religion and on the person. In general, the more organized the religion, the more it (and especially its hierarchy) are out to control people – I suspect that control is the only way religion knows how to organize, or maybe that control is what religions mean by “organized.” But I’ve met plenty of people who are religious because they want profound truths, or at least curiosity-stoppers about profound truths. Just because religion is in effect the opposite of truth finding doesn’t mean people won’t try to use it that way anyway.
Outstanding.
To the limited extent I still call myself a spiritual being, it is in the sense of awe and wonder at the incredible immense beauty that is the Universe and the exhilaration that I am part of such an unlikely and audacious species that has developed the capacity to explore its scope and depth.
Thank you, Stephen.