Thread: Religion versus Science

For better clarification, please read this article: The Nightmare of Christianity | The Nation

I don't care what people believe in regards to the origins of man, because any explanation has no day-to-day relevance. I get fed up when religion willingly ignores medical science through faith healers, the power of prayer alone, and just claiming anything as simply "an act of the devil". These examples make me out to be anti-Christian, but other beliefs are equally guilty (regrettably, I am not knowledgeable of others except for Scientology being against certain medicines, but I leave that to you to add more to this discussion in that area). Religion is not a bad thing, but like anything else, it needs a more moderate approach than what many zealots allow. Any thoughts?

Religion is bad and good; it all depends on the individual that follows it.
For those that find religion as a positive and essential part of their lives argue that religion teaches strong values, morality and posses the "truth"
Now, truth is a big concept. For something to posses the absolute truth it means it holds all answers to any potential questions, right?
Otherwise it would not be "whole" thus not "absolute"

This why the Christian church jumps in quickly to offer their own interpretation, so they can make it THE interpretation.
They do this by either validating or invalidating. When they can't find a proper religious logic that aligns to their doctrine, what is left?
Blame it on that which can only be accepted through faith (blind faith if you ask me).

It is bad and we don't want you to believe on it? Created by the devil, Satan is trying to tempt you and your soul will be lost if you follow it.
It is good and we can't explain it but we want credit for it because it will serve as proof of our unmatchable power? Miracle, prayers were answered.

Regardless, there is one thing that they will keep telling you to do: pray. If you pray, then Satan will stop tempting you. If you pray, miracles will keep occuring.
There's a simple formula: you praying=their power being reinforced

Now, I do not mean to offend individuals that follow Christianity. I admit that I disagree with some core beliefs (such as using the bible for guidance), but my main bias is against power abuse from the Church.

I am a social science individual, it pisses me off when the Church tries to meddle in social policy issues.
Especially healthcare *hint hint*

Anyways, I could keep ranting forever, but thank you for the interesting information.

You could most definitely keep going forever.

Science for me, any day over religion. I have been to church a few times only to hear phrases like, "We must repent all sin for at this time we are not worthy to kneel at the feet of Jesus and eat the crumbs landed by his feet" (something along those lines).

I permanently feel like I'm being judged.

At least with science you know where you stand, you don't spend your entire life hoping you have been good enough to "maybe" have a good afterlife.

When you are dead ... you are dead ... simple

As a scientist I must say rather harshly that individuals that do not believe in evolution are too stupid to live.

Sorry if this offends (not really)

If we are to reach humanity's true potential then we must abandon mysticism and the supernatural. Instead we must focus on empirical evidence and reason. With claims of the supernatural we must use the same system of proof that all other claims are subjected to. Is the claim extraordinary? Then the supporting evidence must be equally extraordinary. A book from the bronze age simply will not do as evidence and should not do for any thinking person.

Religion was a means for primative peoples to explain a very confusing universe. Existence is puzzling and religion was the best tool long ago. However, man has come a long way and new tools have been created to give a more complete answer to universal questions. Science, empirism and secular humanism are the new tools. It is now up to us to adapt or die. Will we throw off the shackles of mental slavery that religion imposes onto us and allow ourselves to unlock humanity's true potential? Or will we continue to allow mysticism, superstition and the worship of the supernatural to enfeeble our minds?