The centerists social group

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by piece-itpete

Many who disparage the Constitution are unhappy because it might prevent them from forcing their beliefs on others.

Btw, this relic from an ancient civilization has been very, very successful.

Pete

Like the ones who insist on ignoring this part;".......shall pass no law regarding an establishment of religion."??

Dave

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by neophyte

I happen to agree with you. Given that many, if not most supporters of such thinking blindly follow the bible, a superhero fantasy from thousands of years ago, one shouldn't be the least bit surprised.

One ought also make note of the positive influence that "superhero fantasy" has had on the development of Western culture. Now, before one tosses back the greatness of the humanist movement and the Renaissance, consider that the ever broader and deeper reach of human knowledge could likely occur only under the nourishing umbrella of the church. A perusal of history will immediately demonstrate that most thinkers emanated through the church.

The U.S. Constitution has a mechanism for change and that clearly differs from the assumed sanctity of The Bible that fundamentalists hold so dear. One need only point out that absurd foray by Progressives regarding alcohol to realize Constitutional change is possible.

[neophyte]

Originally Posted by bhunter

One ought also make note of the positive influence that "superhero fantasy" has had on the development of Western culture. Now, before one tosses back the greatness of the humanist movement and the Renaissance, consider that the ever broader and deeper reach of human knowledge could likely occur only under the nourishing umbrella of the church. A perusal of history will immediately demonstrate that most thinkers emanated through the church.

The U.S. Constitution has a mechanism for change and that clearly differs from the assumed sanctity of The Bible that fundamentalists hold so dear. One need only point out that absurd foray by Progressives regarding alcohol to realize Constitutional change is possible.

though some organizational and institutional aspects of christianity did serve to centralize, publish, and distribute knowledge, and thus stimulated wider thought and technological development, it is unreasonable to suggest this could have only happened via church influence. It was, and probably still is, by default, the most pervasive authoritarian construct in human history. One cannot argue against the fact that many positive things have occurred down through history during this period of mass theist mania, but many occurred before it as well, and this does not even address the crushing weight of senseless violence, injustice and mindless guilt this same engine of mind control has concurrently imposed on our species. were it not built on principles that embraced and enforced censorship and inhibition of free thought, hence cultivating selective ignorance, the contribution of "the church" would seem more palpable to me. Human ingenuity is not a function of theist doctrine, but, it has been controlled by it, in both positive and negative ways.

[BlueStreak]

Originally Posted by neophyte

though some organizational and institutional aspects of christianity did serve to centralize, publish, and distribute knowledge, and thus stimulated wider thought and technological development, it is unreasonable to suggest this could have only happened via church influence. It was, and probably still is, by default, the most pervasive authoritarian construct in human history. One cannot argue against the fact that many positive things have occurred down through history during this period of mass theist mania, but many occurred before it as well, and this does not even address the crushing weight of senseless violence, injustice and mindless guilt this same engine of mind control has concurrently imposed on our species. were it not built on principles that embraced and enforced censorship and inhibition of free thought, hence cultivating selective ignorance, the contribution of "the church" would seem more palpable to me. Human ingenuity is not a function of theist doctrine, but, it has been controlled by it, in both positive and negative ways.

Good post.

I believe it was Criteas who wrote;

"What great and ingenius a mind that conceived of religion. In this way one can control the thoughts and actions of men, even in private." (Paraphrased.)

Is there anything more invasive, absolute and controlling than a system that convinces the masses that they will either suffer penalty, or reap reward for eternity in regards to what is presented as "Gods Law"? The one thing none of us can escape or avoid is death.

I believe religion can and has in some instances served to advance good. But, to ignore the fact that it has also been the catalyst for terrible evil is foolish at best.

To refuse to face the fact that it is used to control minds is naive beyond words.

Dave

[piece-itpete]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Like the ones who insist on ignoring this part;".......shall pass no law regarding an establishment of religion."??

Dave

I have never argued for a theocracy...

Originally Posted by neophyte

.... and this does not even address the crushing weight of senseless violence, injustice and mindless guilt this same engine of mind control has concurrently imposed on our species. were it not built on principles that embraced and enforced censorship and inhibition of free thought, hence cultivating selective ignorance, the contribution of "the church" would seem more palpable to me. Human ingenuity is not a function of theist doctrine, but, it has been controlled by it, in both positive and negative ways.

The only avowed athiest system was much more effective at killing and mind control than anything the Catholic church ever did.

Religion can be used as a weapon. But of course anything can and will be, as long as humans are human.

Pete

[noonereal]

Originally Posted by Big_Bill

All things are relative Dave,

Even those that call themselves Left or Right Wingers, seldom agree on everything.

But if your more toward the center than the far right or left, you may be a centrist.

Bill

Well, I always agre with Dave.

[noonereal]

Originally Posted by BlueStreak

Good post.

I believe it was Criteas who wrote;

"What great and ingenius a mind that conceived of religion. In this way one can control the thoughts and actions of men, even in private." (Paraphrased.)

Is there anything more invasive, absolute and controlling than a system that convinces the masses that they will either suffer penalty, or reap reward for eternity in regards to what is presented as "Gods Law"? The one thing none of us can escape or avoid is death.

I believe religion can and has in some instances served to advance good. But, to ignore the fact that it has also been the catalyst for terrible evil is foolish at best.

To refuse to face the fact that it is used to control minds is naive beyond words.

Dave

and this is a good example of why I agree with him.

[merrylander]

Billshit gentlemen, all those people blindly following religion? That same religion that says "Thou shalt not murder", or that says "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven". Some blind followers, users maybe, followers never.

[Charles]

Having been on and around committees, I can define a centrist.

A centrist is the one who just wishes that all of the church wimmen would select whatever shade of off white they desire in order that he can order the damned paint and go home for a needed drink.

And knows damn well better than to ask if they would prefer gloss, semi, or eggshell.

Chas