Weird and Religious
In 7th century Arabia, poetry was so culturally important that public recitations could raise or destroy a tribe’s reputation. Poets were seen as having almost supernatural verbal power, and verses could function like political weapons long before written law was widespread.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1649, Drogheda in Ireland. Oliver Cromwell’s troops stormed the town and killed many defenders and civilians after surrender disputes. Supporters portrayed the killings as divine judgement against Catholic enemies and rebellion, using biblical language to defend harsh punishment and intimidation.
Fact
In Zoroastrianism, truthfulness is a key virtue, and Zoroastrianism opposes deception as aligned with destructive forces.
Religious success
Religion succeeded because it answered emotional needs while reinforcing authority. It created shared identity, justified leadership, reduced fear, and offered stability in exchange for obedience. These were practical advantages that served society well, yet they reveal nothing about the truth of the beliefs themselves.
Quote of the day
“So far as I can remember, there is not one word in the Gospels in praise of intelligence.” Bertrand Russell.
Ask the right question
Why do accounts of angels, demons and spirits closely resemble myths from surrounding cultures of the time?
Religious Crooks
Keith Raniere led NXIVM, a group framed in part with spiritual and self improvement language, and was convicted of racketeering and sex trafficking, with the organisation described as using quasi religious authority to control and exploit members.
For more information, google the name.
Almost all of the crooks appearing in this section have their own wikipedia page.Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
If a real God existed, would he allow crooks to act on his behalf?