Part 2 - The religion wars!
Come to think of it - almost all the major religions in the world have had issues with one another and it has all been to do with who wants to have control! And there have been wars inter and intra religions from time immemorial! And it has still NOT ended.
The more people each of these religions can draw to themselves, the more power they can hold and the greater their clout! So at the end of the day, thats what it is all about. Increase followers, increase clout have a greater say in the way the world is run! Not one religion says live the way you want to, its all about don't do this, don't do that, do this, do that and you will attain eternal nirvana.
It's like a bribe. You shalt not do this, in return you shall get this. You shalt pay me 1crore INR and in return you shall get my votes! Votes for cash to heaven for cash - its not a massive change!
I get the preacher's point of view but what is the motivation behind the followers? Being sheep! Human beings as a species have never done well being alone! Irrespective about all the brouhaha about privacy and individual rights (otherwise would FB have been such a big hit?), at our core we are like sheep. We like being part of a herd, we are lost without that protective feeling of being part of a larger mass!
Think of a mob resorting to stone throwing, burning tyres and vehicles. Take one guy out and ask him to do it alone! He would never have the courage! Herd mentality is what drives us.
And thats where religion comes in! They allow people to be a part, to be able to share something common, to be part of a herd, where they can mix in and not have to stand out! Where they can look for solace and succor without having to do anything on their own.
Reminds me of an extract from "The Fountainhead"
“Thousands of years ago, the first man discovered how to make fire. He was probably burned at the stake he had taught his brothers to light. He was considered an evildoer who had dealt with a demon mankind dreaded. But thereafter men had fire to keep them warm, to cook their food, to light their caves. He had left them a gift they had not conceived and he had lifted dardness off the earth. Centuries later, the first man invented the wheel. He was probably torn on the rack he had taught his brothers to build. He was considered a transgressor who ventured into forbidden terrritory. But thereafter, men could travel past any horizon. He had left them a gift they had not conceived and he had opened the roads of the world." ... " I recognize no obligations toward men except one: to respect their freedom and to take no part in a slave society."
And that is why I cannot be religious, I cannot be part of a crowd! I do NOT want to be a bowl of porridge all congealed with one part not being distinguishable to another. I want to rationally examine what is right and wrong and not follow what is laid down by someone seeking to further his/her own goals!
I have nothing against the religious, just don't expect me to swallow some cock and bull story about walking on water, building bridges across countries with an army of monkeys or flying to heaven on a unicorn! Let me be with my opinions and beliefs and do not expect me to follow your ways like I do not expect you to follow mine!
The more people each of these religions can draw to themselves, the more power they can hold and the greater their clout! So at the end of the day, thats what it is all about. Increase followers, increase clout have a greater say in the way the world is run! Not one religion says live the way you want to, its all about don't do this, don't do that, do this, do that and you will attain eternal nirvana.
It's like a bribe. You shalt not do this, in return you shall get this. You shalt pay me 1crore INR and in return you shall get my votes! Votes for cash to heaven for cash - its not a massive change!
I get the preacher's point of view but what is the motivation behind the followers? Being sheep! Human beings as a species have never done well being alone! Irrespective about all the brouhaha about privacy and individual rights (otherwise would FB have been such a big hit?), at our core we are like sheep. We like being part of a herd, we are lost without that protective feeling of being part of a larger mass!Think of a mob resorting to stone throwing, burning tyres and vehicles. Take one guy out and ask him to do it alone! He would never have the courage! Herd mentality is what drives us.
And thats where religion comes in! They allow people to be a part, to be able to share something common, to be part of a herd, where they can mix in and not have to stand out! Where they can look for solace and succor without having to do anything on their own.
Reminds me of an extract from "The Fountainhead"
“Thousands of years ago, the first man discovered how to make fire. He was probably burned at the stake he had taught his brothers to light. He was considered an evildoer who had dealt with a demon mankind dreaded. But thereafter men had fire to keep them warm, to cook their food, to light their caves. He had left them a gift they had not conceived and he had lifted dardness off the earth. Centuries later, the first man invented the wheel. He was probably torn on the rack he had taught his brothers to build. He was considered a transgressor who ventured into forbidden terrritory. But thereafter, men could travel past any horizon. He had left them a gift they had not conceived and he had opened the roads of the world." ... " I recognize no obligations toward men except one: to respect their freedom and to take no part in a slave society."
And that is why I cannot be religious, I cannot be part of a crowd! I do NOT want to be a bowl of porridge all congealed with one part not being distinguishable to another. I want to rationally examine what is right and wrong and not follow what is laid down by someone seeking to further his/her own goals!
I have nothing against the religious, just don't expect me to swallow some cock and bull story about walking on water, building bridges across countries with an army of monkeys or flying to heaven on a unicorn! Let me be with my opinions and beliefs and do not expect me to follow your ways like I do not expect you to follow mine!
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