Who thinks religion is abused?
488925
I think so. Religion usually starts out as an attempt at some sort of spiritual connection and then evolves into a force for exerting control and power over people. One example is the religion of Islam. It was started by Muhammad as "submission," but others who used Islam after Muhammad's death certainly didn't have that in mind. One example of this is the Umayyad caliphate. At first, it ruled its conquered places without attempting to impose religion upon them. Instead, they would have soldiers stay in places separate from the others in conquered lands. They found, however, that this was not effective at all. Because of this, they then used Islam as a unifying force; they converted the conquered peoples to Islam because, under the banner of religion, they would be easier to control. This is an example of Muslims using their religion as a political tool. Of course, there is the other example of terrorists and suicide bombers who believe that they will get 72 virgins for extinguishing the lives of many in the name of Allah. In my opinion, though, the Quran would support that kind of behavior because Muhammad slaughtered many in Mecca so that he could establish Islam there. So, I guess that wouldn't be a misuse of their religion. \nAnother example is the religion of Christianity. Used by the Catholic Church, it then warped into something that can hardly be recognized as Christianity. It has a pope, a so-called "vicar of Christ" who could exercise power over Christians by changing doctrine and teachings at whim. This is nowhere in the Bible. Also, look at the atrocities committed in the name of Islam. The Spanish Inquisition, which killed many Jews and Muslims and ended with the capture of Granada in 1492, was simply disgraceful. There was also the Crusades. Though, to a regular person, it seemed like a religious conflict for the capture of Jerusalem, it had a political cause. King Alexius I of the Byzantine Empire was simply afraid that the invading Seljuk Turks would capture his land. For this reason, he went to Pope Urban II and asked him for help in beating them back. And then it evolved into "Deus lo volt!" (or whatever the Latin expression is) and killing the Muslims and capturing Jerusalem and whatever. Besides, the Roman soldiers who were supposed to be working for the Christians attacked the Christian city of Acre. So, as you can see, there were many other interests in the Crusades disguised under religion. Another is Christianity used as justification for discrimination. One example of this is the Jews. They were simply hated, especially because they went into business, which, according to Catholic doctrine, was more or less not spiritual or holy or whatever. Because of this, the Jews in the middle ages were blamed for a lot of things. If they ever ran out of money, they would criticize them for lending too much money with their banks. The Catholic Church even tried to blame the Jews for the Black Plague, saying that they poisoned the wells.\nThe point is that religion has been abused a lot and it continues even today.
659563
The bible actually condemns what these television evangelists are doing.  I'm not sure where I read it in the bible, but it does say that using religion for profit is an inexcusable offense.
126266
i think this will answer you , whatever your question is \n\nthe abuse is being from the following aspects :\n\n1- muslims never had the drawing of thier prophet mohmmad peace be upon him approved or accepted by all mean , since we were in kindergarten they taught us about him , about how did he struggled to awake the mankind by teaching them the REAL islam , the religion of peace and love ,which nobody knows about it today , you only know the damaged version , the tortured-image version , so they never told us this is his picture , we didn't wish to see his face as much as we wished to be capable of applying all things he ordered us to do and follow , that's why we feel insulted when they draw him , and what a draw ! oh please ! did you see those cartoon , please? now if you don't like the way our faith and religion is , please don't bother yourself with it , buddhist or hindus can worship a cow , we don't like somebody to draw our prophet , any problem?\n\n2- again , if it was just a nice picture for a sweet man who looks gentle , maybe some muslims around the world would appreciate that ! they may say now we can imagine a good picture for our prophet and we may feel we are closer to him , but what happened is all far from this , they depicted him in the worst picture a muslim can posess : \n\na - some muslims knows nothing about islam , they don't really follow the right islam , they bomb others and kills innocent without being in a legal war , now , when those danish draw our prophet wearing a bomb on his head , and moreover written on it the sentence that 1.300.000.000 muslims say each day in each pray in 5 prayers ( la elaha ella allah ( no true god but allah ) mohammad rasolo allah ( mohammad is the messenger of allah) , for god sake what reaction are you waiting for ? he was blaming his fellows if they kill an insect or an animal without a purpose ! this is the real islam how dare they put a bomb above his head , peace be upon him .\n\n\nb- " We ran out of virgins " , what a cartoon!!!! you won't even allow me to depict your father doing that , or even your bf , then how can i keep silent when the one i believe he is the best man of humanity is being depicted like that ? our prophet had 12 wives , yes , but please did the one who drew the cartoon read islam histroy before doing that? did he know where did each wife of them came from? did he know that we call them -his wives- :" mothers of believers " , and all muslim women try to follow them in the fabulous way they lived , can't I say : objection please , this is very offensive !! \n\nc- a man with a beard and a knife in his hand ,,, and 2 women behind him with the dress more than 30.000.000 million women in the islamic world usually wear it ( included iran and saudi arabia ) ( i.e : vail and long black dress and only eyes appear) , please , what kind of freedom was that ? what kind of human those who are going to accept it? \n\nthat was a description of 3 out of 12 cartoon , how was that? convinsing?\n\nnow , continueing my points : \n\n3- the world care so much about the human rights , right ? human rights knows no time or specific place to be applied at , let's ask those who don't believe in our prophet mohammad peace be upon him and they made cartoon about him : doesn't he has human rights like all others? if some people who claim to follow him did bad things to you , what's his fault ? a simple example : if a man killed your father , what is his son guilty for? \n\nand imagine , after all what i have just said , good muslims around the world have condemned burning embassies and killing or destroying anything because it's anti-islamic behaviour , they called only for boycott , the simplest right,\n\nso now who owe the other one an apology and who's the real guilty?
270343
Some people are religious fanatics, unfortunately. Others believe that only their opinion/religion is the correct one and you aren't allowed to think any differently, sorry this is me also ranting. You're absolutely blummin right!
1059437
It's a crazy cycle. They go to church and worship their deity, and then go home and tell a lie, or cheat on their spouse. Personally, I think organized religion should be eradicated. They're putting their faith in to one man behind a podium reading off scripture, and speaking FOR god, and yet he's a less than perfect human being with flaws of his own.
571720
I was taught to pray to what I don't know and have spent 40 years turning my life around from the disastrous teachings of religion and it terrible affect on people and the wars fought because people disagree on who's god is better.Superstition is going to destroy this beautiful planet! Here you go I forgot greedy people like ddead who want it all and leave no space for anyone else.
290206
It's not the religion itself. It's the birdbrains that think God is talking to them and telling them to do idiotic things. They're found in all religions.
1178756
No, because the people who cling to a religion are people who need discipline and restraint in their lives. Underneath all that "Jesus loves me!" euphoria they hang on to deep fears of divine wrath. Without their religion to hold them back, I honestly believe some of them would have no qualms about murder, rape, stealing, etc.
1007869
Good point. That's all they do. Brainwashing people specially young and naive. and they always use a form of religion to do that. Don't forget religion could be very dangerous.
405103
Because they were brainwashed from birth. Religion is such a crock of shit. It is funny how many people preach this garbage, and try to push it onto you. I for one do not need this in my life, I have enough complications! And if it is so great, why are there so many priests etc. raping young children? How ethical. Take your bible, shove it where the sun doesn't shine, and roll your holy asses into church where you can join your fellow wack jobs!
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.
1172574
First, I need to let you know I am not a Christian. Next, you need to do some research before you just start digging at people. Humans are the ones that make Christians jump aroud and play Simon Says, NOT God. Man has been twisting this "religion" since they figured out it could control people. There is no need to tear people up for their beliefs. Some people need it in there lives. Most belief systems teach Love and tolerance. The fact that people do not practice this is the real problem with the world today. Focus your anger and frustration on the real issues.
376866
most of them are and the ones that arent protect the ones that are!!!!!!, dont remeber god saying that it was o.k to abuse little children must have missed that bit!!!!!!!!!!! i say kill all clergymen who touch children (only probs is the the hell would there be left to carry on spewing the crap??)decided to convert to jedi much better religion to have and get the force for free,
1045037
Personally i think its all nonsense-its a shame that you should be judged by your religion and your religious beliefs, as to what you can or cannot do in this life... At the end of the day, this just leads to religious hatred. People should be accepted for their beliefs and their religion and respected regardless.\n\ni think we should all move on with the times and stop believing in fairy tales!
582184
Throughout history people have been fighting over religion. It is very unfortunate
456339
I think those who bash without having experienced the ones they are bashing are doing so on the bases of hearsay.  Years ago I was involved with a person who really tried to get me to see the way others worshiped and open my mind to the ideas that just as my worship wasn't wrong, neither was theirs.  Needless to say my experiences of worship have never been the same.
547787
This is very true. Most modern religious folks are not willing to step outside of their normal perspective on things. I find it a little sad that so many people refuse to think for themselves.