Religion: Roddenberry was right!!

[USS Triumphant]

How do you define worship?

An acknowledgement of one's lesser value compared to that of the being worshipped, plus a form of love, plus a form of servitude. Usually with a bit of ritual.

That comes close to describing how I feel about my loves and my children, but not how I feel about any mere deity.

 

[Dark Gilligan]

Where is the evidence? There is none.

Well that's the point of faith, isn't it? Being illuminated by something that can't be proven physically. Some people have that ability, others (like our original poster) don't.

 

[Praetor]

A very good point, little buddy.

People believe what they believe regardless of facts. Live and let live, gents and gals.

 

[Dark Gilligan]

Post deleted.

 

[Tomalak]

People believe what they believe regardless of facts.

What a horrifying sentiment. Sadly, it is probably true.

 

[Praetor]

When it comes to religion, though, does it really matter?

I'm not talking about personal biases or anything like that, and I'm not arguing that religion is a basis for denying science; I think the two should ideally be kept separate due to specifically the reasons above, as should religion and fair government.

People can be introduced to religious and spiritual concepts in various ways, but ultimately subscribe to a religion because they find something in it that they can identify with and that gives them personal satisfaction and strength.

Regardless of what you personally think of these beliefs, and as long as they don't extend to involve harming others, what does it really matter?

Despite what Gene said about religion, I think that this is the reality that Trek presents: a time where people rise above their differences to come together from what they share in common, while also respecting those differences as part of the intrinsic individuality that makes us all human. I think that's a lesson everyone could stand to learn from, and a goal that everyone should try to ascend to.

 

[qmithani]

I think Gene Roddenberry is a great visionary, he invented Star Trek at a time when the world was torn apart by war, he included an african american as one of the main characters, at a time when they were not even allowed to use the same washrooms as whites. I think he is right, we spend so much time thinking about religion, and wars, if we put that effort into research, we would probably have warp drive (if it`s possible). I think that religion is a waste of time, most wars are being fought over religion. Atheism explains all the mysteries of the universe using science.

 

[Strider]

I think that religion is a waste of time, most wars are being fought over religion. Atheism explains all the mysteries of the universe using science.

Well I guess it's settled. Next topic?

 

[wahwahkits]

^^What???? We haven't even scratched the surface yet!

 

[blockaderunner]

When someone thinks they know to the extent that they will derive authority from it, they frequently become dangerous to others. The non-believers must be shown or slain.

This works both ways, you know.

Yeah, but if some fundy wacko tried to take out my relative, who happened to be an abortion doctor, with a high powered rifle, how else should I react?

Point is, there are people who are living their lives that way they want to and not harming anyone, and yet some shitbag God zombies take offense to their lifestyle because it goes against the "Word Of God" and often take matters into their own hands, sometimes with heartbreaking results (Tim McVeigh, 9/11, etc).

 

[kissthestar]

Such fanatics will use anything as an excuse. If it weren't religion, it would be something else.

 

[Sagart]

Atheism explains all the mysteries of the universe using science.

OK then, what's the meaning of life? What happens after death? I'm not saying I have the answers but I'm interested to know what they are if they're so evident through science.

 

[Ryan8bit]

When it comes to religion, though, does it really matter?

I'm not talking about personal biases or anything like that, and I'm not arguing that religion is a basis for denying science; I think the two should ideally be kept separate due to specifically the reasons above, as should religion and fair government.

The only reason they should be kept separate is because science/government/law/etc seem to rely on facts, while some religions boast faith that is mutually exclusive with fact. Sure, some of them try to rationalize their religion by saying it fits with science (much like a Star Trek fan will try to fix continuity errors). In theory though, a perfect religion could be in inarguable, complete harmony with science. That religion just isn't any of the ones that stemmed from Judaism.

Regardless of what you personally think of these beliefs, and as long as they don't extend to involve harming others, what does it really matter?

It doesn't. But it depends on how you define harm. Willful ignorance can be harmful to a developing society. Sometimes faith is substituted for knowledge or worse yet is proclaimed as fact. That's only harmful if it becomes the norm.

 

[Ryan8bit]

Point is, there are people who are living their lives that way they want to and not harming anyone, and yet some shitbag God zombies take offense to their lifestyle because it goes against the "Word Of God" and often take matters into their own hands, sometimes with heartbreaking results (Tim McVeigh, 9/11, etc).

Are you saying McVeigh and Bin Laden were acting based on religion? It would seem their actions were purely political and religion in Bin Laden's case was a rallying cry for his agenda, not the reasoning.

 

[Vance]

Remember, according to science, it is impossible to break the sound barrier.

According to science, there are four elements.

According to science, there are eight planets, except when they're not.

According to science, England is currently underwater.

According to science, a single hydrogen bomb will destroy the entire atmosphere.

Horry for Science!

 

[Flying Spaghetti Monster]

Atheism explains all the mysteries of the universe using science.

OK then, what's the meaning of life? What happens after death? I'm not saying I have the answers but I'm interested to know what they are if they're so evident through science.

Religion doesn't explain it either. Religion is a bureaucracy created by man that exists between man and God. It began as a fear of the unknown, stories that were meant to comfort the tribe, to let a group of people know that death happens to everyone. Religion is, as Bill Maher says, the idea o selling people an invisible product. Despite its claims, it has nothing to do with God at all.

 

[Sagart]

Atheism explains all the mysteries of the universe using science.

OK then, what's the meaning of life? What happens after death? I'm not saying I have the answers but I'm interested to know what they are if they're so evident through science.

Religion doesn't explain it either. Religion is a bureaucracy created by man that exists between man and God. It began as a fear of the unknown, stories that were meant to comfort the tribe, to let a group of people know that death happens to everyone. Religion is, as Bill Maher says, the idea o selling people an invisible product. Despite its claims, it has nothing to do with God at all.

Did I say anything about religion? I'm just asking what are the answers to those two questions as atheism sees them.

 

[USS Triumphant]

OK then, what's the meaning of life?

(Pure Science Perspective) This is entirely dependent on whom you think is doing the "meaning". Since there is no solid empirical evidence of a Creator that would have had a meaning for His/Her/Hir/Its creation, then one would assume that providing a meaning for your life would be left to you.

Put another way, life is what you make of it.

(My Perspective, stolen from Curly in the movie "City Slickers") One thing. And when you figure out what that one thing is for you, then you'll get somewhere.

What happens after death?

(Pure Science Perspective) You cease to exist as a sentient entity of any kind. The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out, the worms play pinochle on your snout.

(My Perspective) There's another place, but it isn't really any better than here, just different. It's where you came from, and it is where you'll go. And then maybe you'll get to go somewhere else for a while. I could expand on this A LOT, but I'll leave it at that.

(Prince's Perspective) I'm here to tell ya - there's something else. A world of neverending happiness. You can always see the sun - day or night. So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills - you know the one, Dr. Everything-Will-Be-Alright - instead of asking how much of your time is left, ask him how much of your mind. Because in this life, things are much harder than in the afterworld. In this life, you're on your own. And when the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy, one time. Go.

 

[wahwahkits]

Remember, according to science, it is impossible to break the sound barrier.

According to science, there are four elements.

According to science, there are eight planets, except when they're not.

According to science, England is currently underwater.

According to science, a single hydrogen bomb will destroy the entire atmosphere.

Horry for Science!

It was through science that electricity was discovered, which powers the computer you used to post that message.

It is science that allows you to enjoy every comfort you have, from going on holiday to air conditioning.

It is science that is allowing to explore the galaxy, from the moon landings through to Hubble and now Keppler.

Religion does none of the above, it is holding the human race back whilst science allows us to advance.

 

[Amaris]

If you believe that all of reality is a web, with each strand ultimately and in some way joined to every other strand, then there is no separation from Goddess.

Indeed. And since the overmind of God(dess) is batshit crazy (or completely ineffable to us, which may as well be the same thing for our purposes) then there's no point in worshipping anything. Personally, I like to say "howdy" to Her from time to time, and have a hotdog on the occasional Friday, but worship is right out.

How do you define worship? Actually, I am curious to see responses from everyone here on that?

For me? Breathing.
I make no willfull level of worship, but I believe the simple act of breathing is such.

J.