7 comments

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  Roy Wallen

  1 year ago

  Unfortunately, no distinction is made here between religion (which I'll define here as man-made systems of belief) and faith (defined here as what one believes, one's worldview). I have trouble arguing against the thesis that religions are cults and the definitions provided in your article are as good as any I've read. In addition, the fact that these systems were created by men or are part of a so-called discovery is also valid. The real questions are: What is the source of what we believe? In what will we put our faith? If we are only relying on a man-made system, that faith would (I claim) be futile because of its inherent flaws. If, however, we rely on some form of absolute authority, the devices of man cannot infringe. It is on the latter that I hang my faith and count on my future.
  Regarding evolution and "science falsely so called", I believe it takes much more faith to believe in random evolution producing the ordered world that we can physically observe and measure. In my view, it takes much less faith to believe that some all-powerful, all-knowing Being put all the puzzle pieces together. There is simply too much evidence to support creation ex nihilo (for example, demonstrate a method for a bombadier beetle to evolve). There are many smart people who are pursuing research to demonstrate the viability of ex nihilo creation.
  Finally, please provide data on the percentage of scientists and engineers who completely deny the existence of God.
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  Kyle Brady

  1 year ago

  Hey Roy,
  
  I'm not saying that I think all religion and/or faith should be invalidated, but just expressing my opinions along with an interesting article I found.
  
  As for the articles, a basic Google seach comes up with:
  http://www.atheists.org/flash.line/atheism1.htm
  http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,917...
  http://www.godandscience.org/apologetics/why_ar...
  
  Two of those three are obviously biased in certain directions, but I've seen articles on this subject in TIME, Newsweek, etc. The numbers are always different, but large enough to defend my statement either way.
  
  --Kyle
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  Roy Wallen

  1 year ago

  Thanks for the references. Yes, I will agree that the first two references are biased. If we believe the study cited in your third reference -- and the methods seem valid -- a minority of scientists disbelieve in God. That is to say, approximately 2/3 or respondents believe in God.
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  Kyle Brady

  1 year ago

  No problem.
  
  I don't necessarily agree with the "2/3 believe in God", but I can't really argue since that's what I referenced. But I've seen numbers in supposedly non-biased publications as high as 60% (don't believe in God, or some higher power).
  
  --Kyle
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  Braden Dutch

  4 months ago

  Dictionaries define "cult" in numerous ways, but the main definition reads: "a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader."
  By this definition, are mainstream American religions cults? Absolutely not. Statistics show that over 50% of Americans attend church nearly every Sunday, so indeed, believers are not extremist members living outside of conventional society. Just because you don't buy into a set of religous beliefs does not make them extremist or cultish.
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  Kyle Brady

  4 months ago

  That's a nice try, better than the usual religion trolls, but...
  
  Saying something is valid just because a majority of people do it is not good logic. Not only that, but it's circular to the point of the absurd...
  
  * Slavery had a large majority behind it for how many hundreds of years?
  * The average European/American, not too long ago, used to be OK with witch burnings.
  * Many modern, and dumb, Americans believe that God somehow created the world, and that Jesus coexisted with dinosaurs. Despite the Vatican putting its weight behind Evolution, which has been solidly proven for decades at this point.
  * The same group of people also believe the LHC is the antichrist, going to create blackholes, or otherwise cause the destruction of humanity.
  
  Do you need me to continue? Next time you should try a little harder. Maybe you'll eventually get it right.
  
  Oh, and by the way... I'm not saying that a certain religion or two is "extremish or cultish" because I "don't buy into [their] set of religious beliefs". I'm saying that ALL religions are cults, but not necessarily extreme.
  
  If you want someone more famous and pedigreed than myself speaking on this topic, look at Richard Dawkins. He'll destroy you.
  
  --Kyle
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  noreligion

  1 month ago

  I agree all religions are cults. Nobody knows the truth how we evolved or what happens when we die until we are dead. Religions were made for people to feel they belong. We were born alone and we will die alone. Life is facade of other people's opinions and lies.
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