How Religious are you?

[fletchisrhsm]

The institution of atheism in the last century has lead to more death, suffering and misery than any other system of belief the world has ever known. Contrast the accomplishments and failures of Christianity with atheism. How many people perished in the nightmare of communism in Russia, China, Cambodia and elsewhere. Or the fascist regimes of Europe in the first half of this century. These regimes were avowed atheist, some even reaching back to their pagan roots to undermine the Church in their lands Yes, these regimes did try and institutionalize charities that their christian counterparts had pioneered. The result? Hospitals that began to eliminate those deemed "unworthy" of life. The brutal murder of the mentally ill, of those of a race deemed to be sub-human, and so on.

Good point, but it wasn't atheism that put these people under the knife it was another form of religion. Communism and/or socialism. And as far as Pagan roots go, Christianity has its roots planted firmly in the pagan past.

 

[Preussen]

False religion is the reason why much of the worlds problems occur.

Christianity wasn't the only thing that gave us institutions of higher learning, hospitals, sciences, etc. What it did was mandated that every believer must partake in acts of mercy, and hospitals, orphanages, etc were established to meet this end. Universities in Europe were attached to cathedrals at first for theological trains, and gradually grew into free standing institutions. Oxford, for example, grew out of a chantry that was assigned to say Mass for the departed souls of the gentry in that area. There are still vestiges of this such as titles of academic leader, namely Dean, Chancellor, etc. Also, the robes that are worn at graduation are direct decedents of clerical garb from the middle ages. Princeton,
Yale, Harvard... all were originated as Christian institutions.

Do a search on the history of hospitals.

Christians can be proud to know that they virtually invented hospitals. Christians early on began to take care of the poor and sick in their neighborhoods. By the year 251, the church in Rome supported more than 1,500 widows and needy persons, all of whom were "fed by the grace and kindness of the Lord." Two great figures in fourth century Christianity, St. Fabiola of Rome and St. Basil of Caesarea went further and built large complexes with their personal fortunes. Basil's "new city, the storehouse of piety," contained hospices, training facilities for those out of work and, of course, areas to tend the sick. St. Jerome wrote of Fabiola, "Was there a naked or bedridden person who was not clothed with garments supplied by her? Were there ever any in want to whom she failed to give a quick and unhesitating supply? Even Rome was not wide enough for her pity." And, oh yes, all for free.

And what does this prove? No-one denies that Christians have done lots of good things, but so have other religions. Other countries had scholars and doctors, too. For example, China had already a high culture when most of Europe still ran around in bear skins, and they didn't need Christianity for it.
Or look at Latin America - they are very religious Christians there, but they are not really well-off, are they? I think not, especially compared to the wealthy Western countries were most of those who call themselves Christians pay only lip-service to religion and refuse to let themselves be guided by its moral rules whenever they don't feel like it.

And even if you could prove that Christianity is good for society, what would it mean regarding the existence of a God? Nothing. It would only show that religion is a good way to control people, to give order to life. No atheist ever disputed this.

The institution of atheism in the last century has lead to more death, suffering and misery than any other system of belief the world has ever known. Contrast the accomplishments and failures of Christianity with atheism. How many people perished in the nightmare of communism in Russia, China, Cambodia and elsewhere.

Zit, no matter how much you choose to claim otherwise, atheism is not a system of belief. Atheists just think that no Higher Being exists and religions therefore are false and should not be used to guide society. What system of belief to put in the place of religion is an entirely different question. As Fletch has already pointed out, what happened in Russia, China and Cambodia had nothing to do with atheism but were radical decisions of radical leaders, of which there have been enough of the religious kind in history as well.

Or the fascist regimes of Europe in the first half of this century. These regimes were avowed atheist...

They were avowed atheist? I guess that is why the German soldiers went to war with "God with us" on their belt buckle.

 

[festeringZit]

And what does this prove? No-one denies that Christians have done lots of good things, but so have other religions. Other countries had scholars and doctors, too. For example, China had already a high culture when most of Europe still ran around in bear skins, and they didn't need Christianity for it.
Or look at Latin America - they are very religious Christians there, but they are not really well-off, are they? I think not, especially compared to the wealthy Western countries were most of those who call themselves Christians pay only lip-service to religion and refuse to let themselves be guided by its moral rules whenever they don't feel like it.

And even if you could prove that Christianity is good for society, what would it mean regarding the existence of a God? Nothing. It would only show that religion is a good way to control people, to give order to life. No atheist ever disputed this.




Zit, no matter how much you choose to claim otherwise, atheism is not a system of belief. Atheists just think that no Higher Being exists and religions therefore are false and should not be used to guide society. What system of belief to put in the place of religion is an entirely different question. As Fletch has already pointed out, what happened in Russia, China and Cambodia had nothing to do with atheism but were radical decisions of radical leaders, of which there have been enough of the religious kind in history as well.




They were avowed atheist? I guess that is why the German soldiers went to war with "God with us" on their belt buckle.

Preussen,

You just said one of the stupidest things I've ever read on here.

"Atheism is not a system of belief"

I'll give you a chance to clarify this statement, before I tear it
to shreds.

 

[Preussen]

Preussen,

You just said one of the stupidest things I've ever read on here.

"Atheism is not a system of belief"

I'll give you a chance to clarify this statement, before I tear it
to shreds.

I don't see in what respect my statement needs clarification, so tear away - or try to. ;-)