religion is the opium of the people: discuss.?
92250
Karl Marx's opinion about religion seems very good at first, and it fits perfectly into his theory of dialectical materialism.  He wanted to abolish religion, as well as all other "eternal truths," such as jurisprudence, morality etc. because they were (and are today) the root of all antagonisms within society.  He was right about this observation.  Just think, if different religions, moral codes and laws, etc. did not exist, no one in the world would be pissed at other people.  But, where he is wrong is the actual possibility of abolishing religion.  There is no way to do this except by the use of deception.
117306
It is definitely divisive!!.  Humanity is unfortunately too primitive on the most part to live without religion.  The thought that we will actually die and that's it is too difficult to handle.  Religion also justifies actions which to some (me included) is criminal.
770314
religion was invented by people themselves
444988
religion is given as the reason but greed is behind most of them
575630
Personally, I think Christians and Muslims are the most hypocritical religions in the world, but then that's my opinion.  Religion is an invention of man to control others, I'm a free thinker and I do believe in GOD, but in my own way, I don't let any religion tell me how to think.  If you are really serious about finding a humble sincere religion I suggest you try some of the eastern faiths like Buddhism.  Good luck in your quest.
776870
Given that so many wars have started, and continue because of religious beliefs, I would say religion is extremely important in society.  Anything that can evoke the kind of passion necessary to maintain the level of intensity needed to sustain a war is important.
345915
No, but I think religion should be a personal practice and have NOTHING to do with the government at all. Until that happens, yes it should be repressed from all governmental function.
521801
Not all religion. I would have to say though that FUNDAMENTALIST religion IS INDEED a tool of mind control that allows a small group of people to wield enormous influence over the masses, and I think that's wrong.
269368
Well the Issue in Afghanistan is Islam. Islam is an intolerant religion with intolerant hateful followers. Their way or no way.
874110
People manipulate religion to what they want it to mean
361521
No.... Ignorance is.  Religion is no more the cause of wars than peace, greed, hate, or the color of skin is.\n\nIf you love God and keep his commandments you love peace.
290358
It lies in the interpretation of the texts by people.  I do not think that Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha or any of the Hindi deities said it is OK to go out and kill the innocents.  It is people who are manipulating the religions for their own benefits.  Cowards.
342925
Religion, and its social impact on morality and war.
843882
Your question is decidedly ambiguous and vague and most likely an attempt to incite virulent responses from religious people.  \n\nSo, I will answer you plainly:\n\nReligion is what we turn to when we have everything else we need and there still seems to be something missing.\n\nReligion is a warm place to bask in the glow of God with your fellow human beings because God loves to show up at sincere gatherings in His name and bless people.  I've seen it happen.\n\nYou're probably a liberal, so I'll quote Marx, "Religion is the opiate of the masses."  I hear that quoted a lot by left wingers.  Is that so bad?  What's an opiate for?  Painkiller.  Euphoria.  Yeah, I do appreciate the therapeutic nature of religion. \n\nIf religion is wrong, what's the harm?  If it's right...well, I think you know the answer to that.  If you didn't care, you wouldn't be asking this question.  Find God.  You need Him.  We all need Him.
858084
It's not Buddhism because there are Buddhist warriors. Look it up. I would have to say the most peaceful religion is the one that no one practices.
841399
Racism or religion - people are passionate about both xx
322739
I think that there are two types of religious people, there are the "this is my religion and it tells you how to live your life" this is never a good way to look at religion and causes wars and personal persecution on a large scale, so for those people belonging to a religion is a bad thing for everyone. Then there's the "this is my religion and it tell me how to live my life", these people have a positive effect on society because they are living what they believe is a good way of life, such people are normally the Charity workers and the people that give without wanting to receive, for these people belonging to a religion can only be a positive thing. its a good thing to have a personal faith but it does not have to be attached to any religion. In my case I believe in myself and my own existence (its the only thing I can be 100% sure of)