There is an eternal inner knowledge (hidden, timeless cosmic potential of information), which any man can attain in some degree. This inner knowledge is very clear on its own level of existence but also very evasive and corruptible when man tries to interpret it from his point of understanding. When some set of these interpretations became institutionalized it turns into – religion (or some kind of “ism”). Then in the course of time this institution slowly makes further corruptions of knowledge, because it works more and more just for enlargement of its own power.
When I read BartendingBear comment my first association was not about religion but about much more contemporary social force: cap...

There is an eternal inner knowledge (hidden, timeless cosmic potential of information), which any man can attain in some degree. This inner knowledge is very clear on its own level of existence but also very evasive and corruptible when man tries to interpret it from his point of understanding. When some set of these interpretations became institutionalized it turns into – religion (or some kind of “ism”). Then in the course of time this institution slowly makes further corruptions of knowledge, because it works more and more just for enlargement of its own power.
When I read BartendingBear comment my first association was not about religion but about much more contemporary social force: capitalism with his consumer related “freedom of market forces”. To keep man in constant “consumer anxiety state” market forces need “…to keep the lower IQ underlings in line with their desires by using Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt against them”.
No religion no any type of “ism” can stop us from our insane path towards global self-destruction. What we need – what every human being need - is deep individual awakening and honest will for inner knowledge, which only can liberate us from Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt.
Inner path to this knowledge is intimate and authentic for every single man, but outer path is only one for all of us: we need to open our hearts for other people; we need to start to share resources.

Being a Christian, I completly agree with idea that "Religion" is a trouble that must be dealt with. "Religion" forgets what the purpose of what it's main purpose is. "Religion" is the continuious reminder of all the things one has to do, to be right with God. Sit, Stand, say this prayer so many times, hold this item and pray, remember to eat this, but do not eat that. Remember to wear this, but no that. As you can see it can be a bit daunting for to comprehend what the purpose of "Religion" really is. It gets bogged down in it's own mire of tradition, that it gets lost. That is why knowing Jesus is not a "Religion" but a FAITH. Faith with Christ is a one on one relationship. No vei...

Being a Christian, I completly agree with idea that "Religion" is a trouble that must be dealt with. "Religion" forgets what the purpose of what it's main purpose is. "Religion" is the continuious reminder of all the things one has to do, to be right with God. Sit, Stand, say this prayer so many times, hold this item and pray, remember to eat this, but do not eat that. Remember to wear this, but no that. As you can see it can be a bit daunting for to comprehend what the purpose of "Religion" really is. It gets bogged down in it's own mire of tradition, that it gets lost. That is why knowing Jesus is not a "Religion" but a FAITH. Faith with Christ is a one on one relationship. No veil, wall, book or person can stand in ones way to talk to, pray to or be with Christ.

I guess I'll weigh in with my response.

There can't be an us vs them in atheism. Atheists are too diverse a group of people. The only thing they have in common is that they don't believe in god. That's it. You can't have an us vs. them if atheists don't form a collective, cohesive group.

I think what the other posters like wiccantexan and kwonsu say are good points. Some "religions" are less dogmatic than others. All religions, though, IMO, promote ideas that cannot be objectively tested. Dharmic religions rely on karma, correct? How do you test karma? How can you prove it exists? Wiccans I've known believed they could affect the world through spells. If this is true, they should try for R...

I guess I'll weigh in with my response.

There can't be an us vs them in atheism. Atheists are too diverse a group of people. The only thing they have in common is that they don't believe in god. That's it. You can't have an us vs. them if atheists don't form a collective, cohesive group.

I think what the other posters like wiccantexan and kwonsu say are good points. Some "religions" are less dogmatic than others. All religions, though, IMO, promote ideas that cannot be objectively tested. Dharmic religions rely on karma, correct? How do you test karma? How can you prove it exists? Wiccans I've known believed they could affect the world through spells. If this is true, they should try for Randi's Million dollar prize.

When any religion expects its followers to believe things that cannot be proven, they are continuing to create individuals who are unable to question the world in an objective way. If the objective, scientifically arrived at conclusions do not jive with their view of reality, they reject them.

Take abstinence education. It doesn't work. It's been shown not to work, yet the US government spends $176 million on a program that doesn't work. Religious individuals promote abstinence education. They believe it works, even though it doesn't. See this link for more info, or watch Penn and Teller's Bullsh!t episode on sex.

It's true that the Exodus never happened. There is no archaeological evidence to support that it happened. Yet people believe it happened. Why? Because someone told them to.

What I'm saying is that religion teaches that faith and belief are more important than trying to find the truth. It teaches that feelings matter more than facts.

I became an atheist because I questioned everything. The truths I found weren't always easy. But they make more s