Religion... a tool of the government?

Throughout the ages, political leaders have always tried to control the masses and in doing so gain more power. Is religion merely one of these tools?

Sometimes physical enforcement of laws isnt enough. I see religion as capable of controlling people on another level, so that not only do people need to worry about physical enforcement of laws, but you also need to worry about going to hell. Religion invites a sense of something much greater than yourself....a historically powerful idea. Discuss.

Originally posted by Great Vengeance
Throughout the ages, political leaders have always tried to control the masses and in doing so gain more power. Is religion merely one of these tools?

Sometimes physical enforcement of laws isnt enough. I see religion as capable of controlling people on another level, so that not only do people need to worry about physical enforcement of laws, but you also need to worry about going to hell. Religion invites a sense of something much greater than yourself....a historically powerful idea. Discuss.

I do believe that throughout history religion has been used by the government to do its will. I believe that this is one of the major occurrences in the early Christian Church. Once Rome decided it would be beneficial for it to control the Church, it manipulated many things. Also, look at the Church of England, it was created to serve the King because he disagreed with the Catholics. Look at Bush, he plays it up. I don't think he controls it, but I do believe he uses it.

I do not believe it is "merely" at tool, but it has been used from time to time.

Everythting and Anything can be used as a tool. Its no surprise that religion is used.

Sure religion has been used as a political tool.
One of the main issues between early Protestantism and Catholicism was WHO exactly was appointed by the Christian God. The Pope or the King? Or think of the Crusades.
Religions are at their root fundamentally conservative and reactionary. They are set to preserve status quo, which is probably my main “beef” with institutionalised religion.

True true!! Look at history Religions has always seemed to take on some sort of IMPORTANT role, and all to the death of many...Geez even Lincoln used it....I think most ALL Presidents used it along with The Roman Catholic church. Even taking it into the bedroom and telling what sexual position was acceptable to god and what is of Satan....Missionary Missionary position....You can only SPEAD the truth in one way....

Religious communities can socialize people to question and doubt, or they can socialize people to rely upon blind and even fanatical faith in the legitimacy of religious leaders, whatever orders they might issue. The presumption of obedience makes it easy for authority to be abused. When a person is perceived as possessing legitimate authority, they may be able to order people to do things they would not otherwise consider doing on their own. This is especially true of religious authority figures because they claim knowledge of or power over people’ s eternal fates, not simply their fate here in this life.

An old rhyme:

Lincoln lincoln I've been thinking, what the hell have you been thinking, looks like water, taste like wine, oh my god it's turpentine

Yes our religious leaders use what ever platform they can to sway people....

Yes, but TV is also a tool of the government.

many things are tools of government.

Originally posted by Alliance
many things are tools of government.

Including you? 😛

couldnt agree more.

Goverment is taking the TOOL!!..............and using it to their benefit.

You think they're stupid?

No. Government in brilliant.

Originally posted by Alliance
No. Government in brilliant.

😕 What? Is there a typo here?

Evangelism is a piece of shit if it doesn't Peace peace..

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
😕 What? Is there a typo here?

yes. can you find it?

Originally posted by debbiejo
Evangelism is a piece of shit if it doesn't Peace peace..

Peace peace peace peace peace...

Originally posted by Alliance
yes. can you find it?

Were ...IS... it? 😛

dunno.

Evangelism will be the wars to us all.........in the name of god.