The benefits of religions?

I am not sure humanity could have reached the level of moral maturity that it has without the presence of religion, at least not as quickly as it has.

I disagree, If the Athenian golden age had lasted longer, I think we could have skipped some very dark ages in Western societies.

(with global influences of course)

Originally posted by Alliance
Indeed. As is religious artwork.

~ Kryzula

Originally posted by Alliance
I disagree, If the Athenian golden age had lasted longer, I think we could have skipped some very dark ages in Western societies.

(with global influences of course)

Maybe, I think the Golden age occurred because Christians misinterpreted the Bible and thought they were "saved" so they obviously knew better than everyone else. 🙄

Sound familiar? 😉

😆

The Athenian golden age benefited from prior religious involvement as well, I think that it would have developed later than it did with no prior religious influence.

Originally posted by Regret
The Athenian golden age benefited from prior religious involvement as well, I think that it would have developed later than it did with no prior religious influence.

Very few revolutions have overthrown religious power in society. Is it any coincidence that these revolutions happened in the most politclaly advanced and intellectual societies in hsitory?

Yes, but I am unsure if religion is not a precursor to political advancement and high levels of intellectual stimulation.

This advancement may be a response to the very illogical nature of religion, with all the illogical hogwash, someone has to step out and say, "What the hell?"

Originally posted by Alliance
Neither.

It is both. The good is indistinguisable from the bad...assuming that religon encompasses spirituality et al.

I would concur - religion need be seen as neither inherently good or bad. The possibility for both exists. It can be beneficial or destructive. At the same time, while as Polybius noted religion can be very stabilising beyond a certain point it should not be seen as a necessity in cultural stability or evolution. Initially it is a good why to create unity and adherence to social concepts, but usually there comes a time when it is not as vital - which I feel is the point we are at now. People can have their religion, but shouldn't feel the world relies on it as much, or that it is integral to the effective running of state or culture.

I am not sure humanity could have reached the level of moral maturity that it has without the presence of religion, at least not as quickly as it has.

In what sense? What was moral 5000 years ago, 3000, 2000, 500 is vastly different to today. While religion could be used as an authority on morality I would attribute philosophy, the move towards mass rule and liberal thought throughout the ages more to our current level of morality then religion, especially when religion was often used to justify stances that are often in no way in line with current western (or even eastern) morality.

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
I would concur - religion need be seen as neither inherently good or bad. The possibility for both exists. It can be beneficial or destructive. At the same time, while as Polybius noted religion can be very stabilising beyond a certain point it should not be seen as a necessity in cultural stability or evolution. Initially it is a good why to create unity and adherence to social concepts, but usually there comes a time when it is not as vital - which I feel is the point we are at now. People can have their religion, but shouldn't feel the world relies on it as much, or that it is integral to the effective running of state or culture.

Religion is personal...and should stay that way.

Such are the teachings of existentialism 🙂

Originally posted by Imperial_Samura
In what sense? What was moral 5000 years ago, 3000, 2000, 500 is vastly different to today. While religion could be used as an authority on morality I would attribute philosophy, the move towards mass rule and liberal thought throughout the ages more to our current level of morality then religion, especially when religion was often used to justify stances that are often in no way in line with current western (or even eastern) morality.

I think religion is a step in the development of morality. It's a simple stance based on nothing but my opinion, and without any researched support. It doesn't mean that religion is moral, and it doesn't mean that historically religion has always been incredibly moral, it only means I think religion is a step man has taken toward a more moral state of being. I think philosophy played an enormous role as well, but I believe religion was existent before any well thought philosophy is recorded. Even most of our great historical philosophers discussed religion in their philosophical ruminations.

Honestly, man is no more moral because of religion.

Only the enlightenment changed that, and its still not changed.

Perhaps, but I do view it as a step towards the enlightenment.

The only way that I can think of that religoin was a step towards the Enlightenment was that people had to suffer through religions persecution in order to want to throw off its yoke.

Originally posted by Alliance
The only way that I can think of that religoin was a step towards the Enlightenment was that people had to suffer through religions persecution in order to want to throw off its yoke.

I agree on that. No matter how positive the foundations are, religions have been wielded as a system of indoctrination and suppression on many occasions, in order to control and restrict the people in favor of the selfish prosperity of the rulers.
Also, religion might bring people together on a small scale, but it has divided humanity as a whole. Shit, even societies that serve the same religion but differ in their interpretation of it are willing to kill each other over that.

An not to mention the wars in the name of religion off course

Yes, indocrination has destroyed religon.

But most people need to be told how to think about anything else anyway.

Originally posted by Alliance
The only way that I can think of that religoin was a step towards the Enlightenment was that people had to suffer through religions persecution in order to want to throw off its yoke.

Reaction is one of the most influential methods of advance, imo. Reaction to error is a strong motivator for advancement. The problem is when the error is strong enough to squash any reactions that may occur. Sometimes it is worth being an ass and being wrong intentionally if the creative process of the group has become stifled.

Which is another curse of religion; the suppression of the free mind and the freedom to think and relative outside of the set rules.

The greatest achievements and inventions were made by those who were not under the restrain of religion, and dared to see beyond it's rules and demands.

Originally posted by Pandemoniac
Which is another curse of religion; the suppression of the free mind and the freedom to think and relative outside of the set rules.

Thats just human nature.

Being the herd species that we are, that is somewhat true, but enough individuals in history have proved to think and act beyond our nature, with positive results.
Without the yoke of religious ruling, many more alike might have had the chance to speak up and contribute to a better world.

perhaps.

😂 you liked my yoke.