In Reply to: Re: control of religion posted by ray on March 15, 2003 at 21:24:10:
I don't know. I think we are born with some concept of what is right and wrong, but religion continues to form that conception. In the jungles of Africa you have cannibalism which is accepted as morally right, in Hindu and Islam cultures you have polygamy which is accepted as correct, in Holland sex between a minor and an adult is acceptable as well as taking pot and hash, in Japan it is completely illegal and can result in serious trouble if caught. A lot of these rules come from religion and that society's interpretation of what is right and wrong, as well as many traditions found in the society. Christmas, although many of the traditions of it are not founded in Christianity, is recognized as a Christian celebration, the Japanese 'Obon' festivities are also founded in the Japanese rememberance of their departed ancestors which is a part of the religion and culture of the country.
So, I recognise the need for religion to lay the foundation of what is right and wrong, but I think there could come a time when people could bypass the religion and find moral guidelines without it.
Einstein said "Ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death."
When I read that after having come out of the cult it made a lot of sense cause I realised how much of my life was being dictated by religion and what I could or could be in the afterlife according to my religious beliefs here on earth. I was sick of it and wanted to just be who I was and be happy with it without all this pressure of the future and its possibilities. Since making that decision to forgo religion and just live my life according to a few basic rules--don't purposely and maliciously hurt others, don't infringe on the rights of others, take special care of the children, and be honest to yourself and to others, I found myself much happier.