What is it about religion that demands that the followers be held in contempt by the being that created them? What purpose does this serve man to be so far removed from good, even though they are supposedly God's favored creation?
The answer is that it doesn't serve man at all. Religion does not thrive on happy individuals who acknowledge their own triumphs and accomplishment. Religion thrives on taking away individuality and self-esteem. Religion could not thrive if little children aren't taught to hate themselves in the eyes of the Lord and get their entire self worth from the fact that God loves them, regardless of their accomplishments in school, work, etc. These children grow up to serve that same church, using their talents and skills to benefit the religion rather than themselves or their communities, all the while giving a silent, invisible being all the credit.
This demand for Bad Souls doesn't come from any human desire to tear itself down. It comes from the need for control of the masses and the squashing of individuality that makes it so easy for kings and priests to manipulate. Religion is inherently destructive to individuals, but gives enough of a false sense of community to keep the sheep in the fold.
I will never forget telling someone that the fact that I quit smoking after a flu-like illness was pretty good proof of a Higher Power of some kind because I hadn't been able to quit before. The response I got was, "But you did quit and now you don't want to give yourself credit for finally overcoming your addiction." That hit home pretty hard, as I hadn't really prayed to God for a flu or to quit smoking. In fact, I hadn't even completely made the decision to quit when I got sick.
In April, I'll be four years free from cigarettes. Thank, me. :)
Religious people who thank god for everything really do irk me. Credit does need to be given where credit is due: if you did something, you can thank yourself.
ReplyDeleteOf course, we're to believe that it is vain to take credit for one's own actions. Giving credit to god is supposed to be the humble way to do it. In reality, however, thanking the flying teapot for your own accomplishments just shows your basic misunderstanding of life, the universe and everything.
I'd love to see a religious person do nothing and still get things done. Since that never happens, it's a pretty safe bet that he or she is actually self-powered (gasp!).