boatsnguitars wrote: ↑Sun Nov 12, 2023 1:15 pm
Yes. Yes. Yes. Absolutely Yes.
There is no question that Trumpism is a Cult and that Evangelicals are cult followers looking desperately for a leader.
What we have to digest - as hard as it is to swallow - is that about 20% of the population are knuckle-headed morons. Easily led, easily persuaded by the types of people that lead mega churches, self-help gurus, Anthony Robbins, EST, Revered Moon, Joel Orsteen, etc. They love the "prosperity gospel", they believe the Constitution is nigh divine, they believe the GOP and the "vote for Billionaires because they know how the system works and will save you - the peon" is a legitimate argument.
These people are the reason wars are lost, why humanity struggles to progress, why disease proliferates, why death is more common than it should be. These people are scum. They are the worst - yet think they are the best - which makes them the absolute worst. They are uneducated, ignorant, irrational, greedy, lustful... vile in almost every way. Even in their cowardice - since they actually don't do anything overtly. They always have others do their crimes: like making the State impose laws against their enemies.
They are John Calvin if they could be. They would execute half the people who support them, if given a chance. They would control all women, beat all children, and rape the men.
Just saying.
You don't feel like a bully at all do you? Some self reflection my be needed perhaps.
Imagine singling out Johnny and telling him that he is a moron, the reason why wars are lost and is the worst kind of scum. And why?... because he supports a political candidate you appose.
You are just doing it en masse, but that doesn't make it right IMO.
Murder is still wrong, even when done en masse and to the sound of trumpets. Same goes for bullying IMO.
What if you did this type of thing on a daily basis knowing full well that it causes pain and suffering to those you level it at? Should you be punished or fined by the government for it?
(Done with my derail. It just seemed so relevant due to the recent topic we were discussing on another thread...)
To the debate question...
Religions were first imagined by tribes, so yes, they are very much tribal. Many a religious person is likely more kind due to their religion though, but religion can also cause bullying and pain to those outside the 'tribe'. So religion can encourage both types of behavior, but not necessarily one over the other.
You can give a man a fish and he will be fed for a day, or you can teach a man to pray for fish and he will starve to death.
I blame man for codifying those rules into a book which allowed superstitious people to perpetuate a barbaric practice. Rules that must be followed or face an invisible beings wrath. - KenRU
It is sad that in an age of freedom some people are enslaved by the nomads of old. - Marco
If you are unable to demonstrate that what you believe is true and you absolve yourself of the burden of proof, then what is the purpose of your arguments? - brunumb