|
Post by username on May 25, 2008 12:12:33 GMT -5
Well, Japan may have practices that go against various churches' teachings, but they do have an ethical society. And while religion may not be necessary for an ethical society, I still believe that it may aid society's morals, as we don't know the condition of the United States without religion, or Japan with religion. And, as has already proved, Japan's condition may stem from things other than atheism, and *perhaps* they counteract their atheism. Religion has little to do with morals. All the bible does is teach you to do things you should have already known to do. To believe religion has a positive effect on the morals of society is actually quite pessimistic, as it is believing humans need something like religion to get them to do basic good.
|
|
Zenjamin
Ba Sing Se Zuko
Toko supporter
Posts: 2,617
|
Post by Zenjamin on May 25, 2008 13:15:01 GMT -5
Zenj what is this new neo-conservative movement you speak of? I recall something about that in the 60's but at present I don't understand. Has it something to do with the Iraqi war continuing? I've heard John McCain agrees with it. The Neoconsertive movement did start with Regan in the 60s. and with the riegn of Bush the second, they have taken hold of the republican party and shoved aside the traditional republicans such as Ron Paul. The neo-cons are anything but conservative. they spend more then the “liberals” and believe that it is the function of the government to hold and maintain power both within their own boarders, and abroad by using wars, the world bank, and other world trade organizations (organizations who can approve or deny loans to countries that the US has torn down, to make sure they develop how we want) But its how they seek to keep power within out own country that concerns us. And that is to pacify the people. and the symbiotic relationship between faith(not true religion, which is spiritual) and the consumerist culture. They operate under the guise of christianity to convince the more traditional americans that God approves of power, if you are rich, it is because god wants you to be rich. If you are elected, it is because god wanted it. and they use the consumerist culture to keep the other fractions satisfied. cheap things at walmart and which they depend on to maintain their way of life... which part of the psyche that searches for meaning can identify as an ideological culture. However, this is not to say that the Neo-cons are responsible for the symbiotic relationship between faith and consumerism that makes a new religion. they just use and perpetuate it.
|
|
|
Post by beautyfr.pain on May 25, 2008 20:06:09 GMT -5
I very vaguely understand neoconservatism, but I understand the combining of faith and consumerism deal. Religion has nothing to do with intellegence. Science is the study of the observable universe and is based on experiments, data, and research. The two aren't even remotely symilar. How could they be connected at all? Actually, there are some quantum physics theories that explain a lot of my ideas concerning time and the spiritual plane. Likewise, I have a strong interest in the occult and metaphysics (I use both in relation to my beliefs.). To better understand both areas, I read a lot of materials based on scientific studies. Science can pertain to anything really. Admittedly, I don't think it will ever prove or disprove any religious beliefs, but it does play a big part in a lot of people's spirituality. This sort of brought to mind Angels and Demons by Dan Brown. Granted, Dan Brown's writing has had inaccuracies due to his inadequate research, but one character, a Catholic priest/scientist's belief that science only reinforced God's existence shows one way they could be connected. In theory, of course. Well, Japan may have practices that go against various churches' teachings, but they do have an ethical society. And while religion may not be necessary for an ethical society, I still believe that it may aid society's morals, as we don't know the condition of the United States without religion, or Japan with religion. And, as has already proved, Japan's condition may stem from things other than atheism, and *perhaps* they counteract their atheism. Religion has little to do with morals. All the bible does is teach you to do things you should have already known to do. To believe religion has a positive effect on the morals of society is actually quite pessimistic, as it is believing humans need something like religion to get them to do basic good. Which is like saying an Atheist can't be a good person, right? The Bible does teach basic things that "you should have already known to do", but it gives a different reason for doing it. Some people do moral things for the benefit of others, some to benefit themselves (those who believe that good deeds help you into heaven), some to give thanks for who they believe did something great for them ["And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17]...etc.
|
|
|
Post by sgthydra on Jun 2, 2008 0:19:23 GMT -5
^Wow, thank you. I had no idea there was a name for the reasons why I don't agree with Bush. This is a debate on religion, not another outlet to diss the president (at least I tolerated Clinton, the b@$tard he was). And btw, Neocon right here. :D
|
|
|
Post by username on Jun 2, 2008 1:14:26 GMT -5
Don't bump a thread just to whine about somebody disagreeing with you.
|
|
|
Post by Blind Bandit on Jun 2, 2008 2:56:58 GMT -5
Lets get back topic shall we.
|
|
|
Post by Consonant*** on Jun 14, 2008 1:36:19 GMT -5
The reason America has such high crime rates is because we're huge, dispersed and inconsistent. With Japan, you can basically dump a billion dolllars in the Tokyo education system and half your population is set. Whereas with America, you've got 20 or 30 Tokyos spread across a thousand miles, making it a lot harder to have a good system. Plus, it doesn't help that every 8 years someone with completely polar ideas to the man before him takes over the country.
|
|