(Cross-posted at God is For Suckers!)
Addendum: I'm now a team member of GifS, who have welcomed me into their midst most warmly. It's always nice to be wanted.I had a bit of fun here on receiving one of those spammer scammers, and there seems to be a lot of this horse puckey going on. There was even an episode where I exploded on a family member for forwarding one of those moronic memes that the religious like to spread, like manna on the water.
Apparently, there's real life low-lives out there stealing money. Even some who were sponsored by Pat Slobertson. Hmmm, these people seem to be all over the place. (Special note: why are the majority mostly Catholic? Hmmm...)
This is only a drop in the ocean. David Kuo has pointed out that "At the end of the day, both parties played to stereotype -- Republicans were indifferent to the poor and the Democrats were allergic to faith," in regards to the 'faith-based initiatives'. And has written a book about the manipulation of religiosity for political gain.
Of course, we see a plethora of religious leaders, from Moon to Rajneesh to L. Ron Hubbard to just about any Elmer Gantry that you can name taking advantage of the gullibility of the religious. Is this religion's fault entire? No, evolution's legacy is that we follow a leader if we're not the Alpha wolf. But the meme of religion is that one has to trust the alpha shaman to the Nth degree.
This is further reinforced by the admonitions of that users' handbook the...drum roll please...ta DAH! The bible. Matt 18:1-6 (KJV) "And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
Talk about mixed messages. Between 'false prophets' and 'original sin', you'd think there would be more trepidation involved. A few extra warning labels attached. Maybe a parable about background checks. A tithing disclaimer: "Warning - the cosmic babysitter may or may NOT receive your donation. Void where prohibited'. Etc, etc, et al.
All these years, I'd thought that religion was supposed to improve people. I roll my eyes now, chuckle softly, and shake my head at the baroque meritocracies of the whimsical.
So much for the higher moral ground, I say.
That dear readers, is my nickel's worth: spend it wisely, and well.
15 comments:
RE: "No, evolution's legacy is that we follow a leader if we're not the Alpha wolf. But the meme of religion is that one has to trust the alpha shaman to the Nth degree."
I agree. I do think that we are genetically influenced to look to a leader because of the origins of our genetic selves.
Pack animals are always testing the "pecking order" to see not only where they fit in the hierarchy, but to make sure that the assumed leader fits at the top of the hierarchy as well.
There can't be a lot of follow the leader mentality expressed in my genetic make-up. I can't help but see their "feet of clay."
Special note: why are the majority mostly Catholic? Hmmm...
Why does it seem that the majority of people who molest boys are Catholic.
Why couldn't you stick the red carpet in this blog?
BBIM - Not only do they test the pecking order, some seek to peck their way to the top.
MF:
Why does it seem that the majority of people who molest boys are Catholic.
Abstinence makes the heart grow fondlers, as the bumper sticker has it.
Why couldn't you stick the red carpet in this blog?
??? Not sure...do you mean my special thanks to the folks at GifS for taking me on as a team member?
Hmmm...was unsure about the protocol re: that. I'll amend that post-haste. Thanks.
??? Not sure...do you mean my special thanks to the folks at GifS for taking me on as a team member?
Hmmm...was unsure about the protocol re: that. I'll amend that post-haste. Thanks.
Uh-uh, talking about the picture of the red carpet, literally.
KA, I was poking fun at you. I was being sarcastic about the picture of the red carpet not being in your blog. Don't worry about it.
MF - ah, okay. Usually, you throw in 1 of your anime emoticons when you do that. Caught me a wee off guard. Drat! :)
Hey K,
Haven't had much time of late. Just quickly read you ,Beep, NGB,and Phara. Glad to see you on GIFS. You deserve a wider audience.
RE: religious. It seems that people have a need to be lead. It happened in France after the Revolution, and in England, and it has happened in your America.
Hey remy - I'd wondered where you got off to.
My America? I thought it was your America too?
Hey! No one asked me to join GIFS. What have I got to do? Peck my way to the top?
Just kiddin' about. Congratulations KA ;)
Glad to see you at GIFS, too, KA.
And beepbeep would make a fine contributor as well.
Hi Remy, miss your voice at NGB.
And it's been AGES since Meso has been there...Wink, wink, hint, hint.
I said "your America" 'cause, like BEAJ, I reside in 'Kanukistan'(Canada).
Beep, You would make an excellent addition to GIFS. I don't know how the two of you find the time.
Miss you too Karen. I've been quite busy AND, the absence of reason exhibited by some of the contributors began to "get up my jumper".
Oh.
I was referring to NGB.
QUESTION? Does anyone else think that the new voice,'Phreedm is a dumbass' is in fact Darwin reborn in vitriol?
remy
I've been in almost daily contact with Darwin, and she has made a clean cut from the NGB. I asked if she was even just lurking to see what was going on and she said she'd moved on and isn't interested. I'm sure "dumbass" isn't her. But KA can probably check addresses to be sure.
remy - so you're a Canuck? I didn't know that.
'Reborn in vitriol'. I rather like that 1. No, the 'Dumbass' isn't Darwin.
I've been quite busy AND, the absence of reason exhibited by some of the contributors began to "get up my jumper".
Hmmm...I've been thinking the same thing lately.
I'll put in the good word for Beep after I've been there a bit longer. ;)
I'm so glad to hear that Dumbass is not Darwin. It would have confirmed a fear I was harbouring that she had gone off the deep end. Hope she is well.
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