Heaven, the afterlife, and Paradise
I'm not sure when the notion of the afterlife first came into being, but it seems a fairly common idea throughout religion. Hades, Heaven, Valhalla, and all the other places where dead people can go in their spare time have been written, sang, and spoken about for generation, upon generation, as the paradise your soul is transported to after death. However, whilst the idea of this may he nice and fluffy, it has been used as a tool, especially in recent times. The promise of the afterlife is the prime tool in the use of Islamic suicide bombers. Would they happily blow themselves up if it wasn't for the promise of 72 virgins was not there? Would people be so willing to head off on foreign conquest if the promise of an eternal life was not there? Some people may think it is a side issue, but I feel it is one of the core reason why we have suicide bombers. It is different to the person sacrificing themselves on a grenade in war, or putting themselves in danger to protect people, as that act is far more altruistic. A suicide bomber is all about destruction with the aim of killing not only your perceived enemy, but yourself. Is this willful destruction simply a religious thing? Nope, it certainly isn't, but the suicide element is. It is as though the belief that they have an afterlife means that the life they have on earth is cheapened, and means nothing. I can't get my head around that.
It is not simply an Islamic thing either. The kamikaze ran suicide runs famously in the second world war. Some people think that this was not faith based, but it was for their Emperor, who was, to them, a God. remember that Kamikaze means 'Divine Wind'… Soldiers have for many centuries believed that God was on their side. This was unfortunate when both sides had God on their side, as it suggested that God was simply a shit who thrives on destruction, and mayhem, (and the religious text tend to back that up). It is interesting to note that the notion of Hell in Christianity only came about after the creation of the new Testament. At no point does the Old Testament mention hell, and it shows by the fact that Jews do not have a notion of Hell, only of eternal life.
So we have religious wars throughout history, from the Crusades, to wars between England, and Catholic countries in Europe. Now, I hear you yell, that wasn't about religion… You are right, but religion is the tool used in these wars, and the excuse. Whatever the motive, the fact that the battle cry was accompanied with a cross of whichever flavour driving on the troops. The fact the churches were complicit in backing up this nonsense makes them as guilty as anyone. Then we have the ireland issue, where grown adults pelt each other, children, etc, with stones, bottles, and explosives because of what they perceive as religious hatred… This is not even back in history. This is all recent, and is a massive shame on the people of Northern Ireland.
The Church in Africa
It has been well documented about the churches stance on Condoms, so I won't dwell in this too much. However, I feel the need to point out the utter ridiculous nature of their doctrine, and dogma, and the effect in Africa. Aids… It's not exactly nice, and it's somewhat deadly so the figures show. So why, with everything we know today, does the church still insist on proclaiming condoms, and family planning a sin? Why? Anybody know? It is fucking ridiculous, and something that proponents of it should feel utter shame that they will stand by it. Millions die in Arica due to these proclamations, and yet the church stand solid, and happily stand idly by whilst a very religious population die off, for no reason. I this compassion? Is it love? Nope, it's downright manslaughter.
The church should be ashamed.
Child Abuse
Again, not something that is rare in todays world. The church now has a reputation for abuse of children? Is it fair, or is it simply stereotype, and exaggeration? Well, a recent investigation would seem that no, it isn't. It is maybe not widespread, but it is certainly something the church knows about, and will happily cover it up if they can. This is the church we are talking about here… covering up child abuse, rape, and mental torture. This is supposed to be the beacon of hope for these people, and the people who SHOULD be the most trustworthy in these peoples eyes are the ones who they should be most wary of. A simple google search of 'Church child abuse' will find that this is not a single event. It is all over the place. Does the church think they are above mans law? Do they think that their dog collars, and self-invented titles will give them any protection? These people have preached for all their lives about God, the afterlife, and sin, and yet these people are the ones that are the worst offenders. As an addition, the letter that the current Pope Benedict sent out when he first became prefect of the whatsimacallit, informed the Archbishops, et al, to deal with cases of child abuse secretly, and to keep the information from the prying eyes of the police, and the press. This is the same Popiness that sentenced a Bishop that had committed such offenses to a lifetime of prayer, and penance... That is a sentence apparently.
The teachings in the Bible
The Bible… It's the guidelines that all Christians should work from, which is a shame, as there is so much in the Bible that has a place only in the realms of Hell. The God we know is all loving isn't he! Isn't he?
Hmm…
If you are a rape victim - Death
If you don't listen to a priest - Death
If you hit your father - Death
If you commit adultery - Death
If you worship another God - Death (For you, and the rest of your town)
If you have sex before marriage - Death
Now forgive me for being a little ignorant, but how exactly is this God an all loving, and compassionate God? That is by no means the lot either, (speaking of Lot, that's quite a story), there is genocide, murder, slavery, rape, sexism, sacrifice, etc… Hmmm… So how on earth did this little book of horror become the guide for a good and wholesome life? Fuck knows… All I know is that I'll take my atheistic ways, and morals over this crap.
This is by no means an ancient things either. People are stoned today for being a witch, or committing adultery, etc. Fine theocracies such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, etc, all hold their religious teachings very seriously. So next time someone wants a Christian country, and not a secular one, just point out how great those other theocracies are, and do they want to head down that path of intolerance, and hatred. Does the bible only lead you down a path of hatred? Seemingly, as it leaves no scope for people who may be different to you, or hold different beliefs.
Granted, many people ignore these particular teachings, but what does that say about their faith? Either the bible is the word of God, or it is the collection of short stories available at all good bookshops. Which is it. I'm not sure picking and choosing the parts of your religious text gives you much credence, and certainly shows you to be a hypocrite.
Conclusion
So what IS the church good for? Raising funds, and being a security blanket? Is that is? It has no other use apart from negative things? It gives nothing to the world. There have been no advancements made because of religion. If religion was given free reign over the world, would mankind have progressed? I don't think so, and this suggests to me that it would only retard mankind, and his progression. That leaves only one conclusion…
The church, and religion, are retarded...
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