My views on religion

Submitted by Claire (United States), Apr 26, 2008 at 01:08

I don't believe in prophets, period. I don't think the Torah, Bible, Koran, or any other ancient book are "truth." I think they are writings of people in particular cultures at particular times with particular motives. Mostly I think they represent a combination of history, folklore, and the cultural engineering of the writer. I consider Moses, Paul, and Mohammed to be very successful cultural engineers--nothing more.

I don't believe in supernatural deities of any kind. My own observation is that the reason the Bible and Koran are so popular is because they were the books being bandied about when the printing press was invented, and there are many recorded cases where the Bible was the only book that could be printed--I don't know about the Koran.

I think that religion is used by the powerful to control the masses, and the masses believe religion because it brings them hope and comfort, and most religions include various guidelines and a forum for fellowship, helping those less fortunate, etc.

I think Christianity and Islam are the two most dangerous belief systems in the world today because so many people follow them and allow those who call themselves "leaders," "scholars," or "experts" to tell them what to think.

So I am very strongly for separation of church and state. I also think that people naturally crave freedom, liberty, and full participation in society. I think all countries could improve in this area.

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