Weird and Religious
In ancient Rome, there was a festival called Saturnalia where normal social order was briefly reversed. Slaves could mock their masters, gambling was allowed, and public behaviour loosened. Religion created a scheduled period where rules were suspended under divine approval.
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 Islam, the example of Muhammad’s life, known as the sunnah, is treated as a model for behaviour, and Islam encourages imitation of his conduct in both religious and everyday matters.
Intelligence and Religion
Intelligence does not guarantee immunity from religion. Educated and clever people fall for the same biases, and in some cases, intelligence makes belief harder to dislodge because it provides better tools for rationalisation. Arguments are constructed after conclusions are reached. Theology and philosophy flourish here, not because they uncover truth, but because they offer endless ways to protect belief from evidence. Complexity is mistaken for depth, and obscurity is mistaken for wisdom. The brain congratulates itself for cleverness while avoiding the central question entirely.
Quote of the day
“I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.” Richard Dawkins.
Ask the right question
Why would an all loving deity create a system where doubt can lead to eternal loss?
Religious Crooks
Wayne Bent, also known as Michael Travesser, led a small apocalyptic Christian sect, claimed prophetic authority, and exercised strict control over followers’ lives and resources, later convicted on charges involving minors within the group.
For more information, google the name.
Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
History tells us that wherever fools gathered, there was always a religious crook to take advantage of them. The best way to stop the crooks is not to be a fool.