Originally posted by Digi
Crime rates are down, average life span is up, and there are hosts of variables that suggest an improvement of life, in the US at least. Nothing is ever perfect, and many things are still "bad," but if we're talking about better or worse in the country, religion probably isn't the root cause of either one.In terms of its structure, religion is a notoriously strong memeplex, and I use meme in the sense that it was originally coined, not the internet usage of the term. But in terms of how it spreads through minds, it can indeed be described as virus-like.
That said, I'm not using "virus-like" in a negative sense. Many ideas can be described in similar terms, positive or negative. A catchy song that sweeps through the country is an incredibly strong analogue to the behavior of viruses, for example. I'm describing only its mechanical structure.
I was hoping this thread would lead us into meme theory as it applies to religion. Alas, the OP is on a needless rant that is neither specific enough to produce any productive insights, nor sensitive enough to the variations and uses of religious thought to do anything but offend.
How's America managing to keep it's ailing economy going by raping other nations working out for Africa and the Middle East? As India, China and Brazil rise, things will get very interesting. It was easy to damage Russia, e'll see how easy it is to do that to India. How are tings for the Poor in America, hey who owns Detroit now?
Your Dawkinesque explanation of religion is fine. Dawkin and you miss a lot though, as religion does have roles for some poor people which are positive e.g. hope and for the state as a control, lever etc. All reasons our economic model needs changing. All other arguments.
I live in a beautiful apartment in a compound, that looks out onto an upmarket street for ex pats in a third world capital. In the doorway of the 7-11 200 yards from the compound entrance is a man sleeping in carpets, he gets up washes and gets changed at the local mosque and goes to work for the day. Then he works 16 hours and comes home to no home. The mosque does serve a purpose, he serves a purpose, he reminds me of my humility and I try to give him something every week.
He also reminds me that regardless of our differences we are all just upright hairless chimps and sadly our behaviours reflect this. Would we have tribal and national disputes without Religion? Certainly! It serves our leaders and the Economic structure where I watch a flat screen T.V. and eat out and have a filipino maid and he sleeps in a blanket.
Does religion help some people by giving them a false hope sure... While it does though nothing will change for them.
Does religion make it harder for many people to see through the minor differences of race and ethnicity? Sure it adds another cultural layer of hate and bigotry on both sides.
Can I do anything about it.. Hell no! Does it sometimes make me feel dirty having so much relatively when surrounded by those who have so little. All the time.
Do I believe because a story in a book is old, the laws of physics then were different. No, and neither should anyone else.