Religion is slowy "dying out"

Originally posted by Devil King
I wouldn't go so far as to say religious influence and power is going away. It simply seems to work in cycles. Look at all this Palin hype and the fact that the republicans are already headed to New Hampshire to begin preparing for the next election. In fact, listening to the talking heads in these few days since the election, I'd venture the opinion that this election was apparently lost for the republicans, and they knew it, before a candidate was even picked and that McCain was talked in to picking Palin so she could spend the next four years furthering the very religious influence on politics that so often bring the republicans back into power. Religion will play a big part in elections in the US for a very long time to come, even though it really shouldn't.

If a government is going to govern a society effectively, it should reflect that society...

I say we round up all the religious people in one place, give them spoons and let them go at it, last religion standing wins 😱 😛 😬 😐

Originally posted by Grand-Moff-Gav
I don't know if it shouldn't, I think the religious policy of "love thy neighbour" and "render unto Caesar" would be quite useful ethics for any society...

If a government is going to govern a society effectively, it should reflect that society...

Sadly, the vast majority of the American population are religious in name only. Actually, most people of one faith or another are only adherents when it comes time to pass judgement on others. The US is a nation of the faux religious who spend very little of their time subscribing to their religion until it becomes effortlessly convenient for them to do so.

What happens with those who are ardent followers of their religion is that they seem to think that a good, moral descision can only be made by people who somewhat share their perspective on god. If a catholic walks into the booth to vote for a person, they instantly think that if that person doesn't subscribe to some form of christianity that he or she is likely a morally bankrupt and dangerous individual. As you point out, "ethics" for society is in the mind of the person pulling the lever and to many followers of the (insert denomination here) religion, it ends up placing a blinder on the idea that anyone can be ethical or moral no matter what religion they do...or do not...subscribe. It's that very arrogant and self-centered idea that a person is moral or ethical or just only if they maintain even the most superficially similar religious beliefs held by the person voting for or against them.

Originally posted by Devil King
Sadly, the vast majority of the American population are religious in name only. Actually, most people of one faith or another are only adherents when it comes time to pass judgement on others. The US is a nation of the faux religious who spend very little of their time subscribing to their religion until it becomes effortlessly convenient for them to do so.

there is a new evangelical mega-church erected every 48 hours, iirc

EDIT: in the United States.

Originally posted by inimalist
there is a new evangelical mega-church erected every 48 hours, iirc

EDIT: in the United States.

The bigger the Wal-Marts get, the bigger the mega churches get.

I can only assume taking advantage of this mindset is why Mr. Pawlenty says the republicans have to focus on the "Sam's Club" voters, as he calls them.

Originally posted by Devil King
The bigger the Wal-Marts get, the bigger the mega churches get.

I can only assume taking advantage of this mindset is why Mr. Pawlenty says the republicans have to focus on the "Sam's Club" voters, as he calls them.

no, I totally agree

but still, those are 2000+ occupancy churches a lot of the time, so I don't know. Just because people attend them doesn't mean they are any more sincere in their beliefs, I was just saying, you know?

Oh, I get what you're saying and I agree, as well.

Originally posted by Devil King
Sadly, the vast majority of the American population are religious in name only. Actually, most people of one faith or another are only adherents when it comes time to pass judgement on others. The US is a nation of the faux religious who spend very little of their time subscribing to their religion until it becomes effortlessly convenient for them to do so.

What happens with those who are ardent followers of their religion is that they seem to think that a good, moral descision can only be made by people who somewhat share their perspective on god. If a catholic walks into the booth to vote for a person, they instantly think that if that person doesn't subscribe to some form of christianity that he or she is likely a morally bankrupt and dangerous individual. As you point out, "ethics" for society is in the mind of the person pulling the lever and to many followers of the (insert denomination here) religion, it ends up placing a blinder on the idea that anyone can be ethical or moral no matter what religion they do...or do not...subscribe. It's that very arrogant and self-centered idea that a person is moral or ethical or just [b]only if they maintain even the most superficially similar religious beliefs held by the person voting for or against them. [/B]

Your sweeping generalization is kinda made moot by the fact most Catholics voted Obama...also, from my understanding most Catholics don't regard his, or most other forms of protestantism as real Christianity...

Originally posted by inimalist
no, I totally agree

but still, those are 2000+ occupancy churches a lot of the time, so I don't know. Just because people attend them doesn't mean they are any more sincere in their beliefs, I was just saying, you know?

Soon as they start speaking in such a manner, red flags start to go up. They'll screw you over because God/Bible told them that they should.

Originally posted by Grand-Moff-Gav
Your sweeping generalization is kinda made moot by the fact most Catholics voted Obama...also, from my understanding most Catholics don't regard his, or most other forms of protestantism as real Christianity...

I would say you were right if there was a remote chance that every one who said they were catholic and voted for Obama were as diehard about being catholic as you. As I said, most people in the US profess one faith or another, but practice it only when it suits them.

Originally posted by Devil King
As I said, most people in the US profess one faith or another, but practice it only when it suits them.

Have you met most Americans?

If not, then why are you so sure of that statement? Speaking for over 50% of 300-million people is pretty bold.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Have you met most Americans?

If not, then why are you so sure of that statement? Speaking for over 50% of 300-million people is pretty bold.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Have you met most Americans?

If not, then why are you so sure of that statement? Speaking for over 50% of 300-million people is pretty bold.

Originally posted by Devil King
I would say you were right if there was a remote chance that every one who said they were catholic and voted for Obama were as diehard about being catholic as you. As I said, most people in the US profess one faith or another, but practice it only when it suits them.

So your inferring that I, and all devout Catholics, don't believe non-Christians have a suitable moral framework and thus don't vote for them?

Originally posted by Grand-Moff-Gav
So your inferring that I, and all devout Catholics, don't believe non-Christians have a suitable moral framework and thus don't vote for them?

You cant deny that Catholics don't believe that non-Catholic denominations, much less non-Christians, have a suitable moral framework. 😈

Originally posted by Grand-Moff-Gav
So your inferring that I, and all devout Catholics, don't believe non-Christians have a suitable moral framework and thus don't vote for them?

Originally posted by Da Pittman
Maybe not all but it does seem to be quite prevalent, when was the last time you have ever seen a non-religious person ever run for president? In just my experience it is better that I say I believe some other faith then saying that I'm Atheist.

There will be some religion involved because its in our fabric as a Nation. Its instilled in us as children,the first colonies that started,what would become America, were searching Religious freedoms. Our Money has "In God we trust". Our Pres. swears on a Bible at inauguration. The only reason G.W.Bush said he was a Christian is because C.Rove saw the power in the numbers. B.H. Obummer is as much a Christian as Heinrich Himmler.

Originally posted by Lycanthrope
There will be some religion involved because its in our fabric as a Nation. Its instilled in us as children,the first colonies that started,what would become America, were searching Religious freedoms. Our Money has "In God we trust". Our Pres. swears on a Bible at inauguration. The only reason G.W.Bush said he was a Christian is because C.Rove saw the power in the numbers. B.H. Obummer is as much a Christian as Heinrich Himmler.

Originally posted by Quiero Mota
Have you met most Americans?

If not, then why are you so sure of that statement? Speaking for over 50% of 300-million people is pretty bold.

So, you are only disagreeing with his numbers, but not the general concept?

Originally posted by Shakyamunison
So, you are only disagreeing with his numbers, but not the general concept?