Weird and Religious
During the European witch trials, animals called “familiars” were believed to be demons in disguise helping witches. A pet cat, toad, or even a fly could be presented in court as evidence of a pact with the Devil.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1996, Afghanistan, including Kabul. The Taliban seized power and imposed severe punishments, public executions, and strict social rules. They justified coercion and violence as enforcing Sharia, purifying society, and restoring Islamic order after chaos, labelling opponents as un-Islamic or corrupt.
Fact
In Sikhism, humility is praised, and Sikhism teaches avoiding pride and recognising dependence on the divine.
The illusion of control
Early humans did not understand bad weather as bad luck or atmospheric physics but as displeasure expressed by higher powers. Drought meant anger, flood meant punishment, and storms meant warning, which gave humans a sense of control because if events had intention behind them, then behaviour mattered. Appeasement became possible, and through rituals, sacrifices, and obedience, people created the feeling that something could be done. The illusion of influence was preferable to helplessness, and although these actions achieved nothing, they reduced anxiety and made existence feel more ordered and less arbitrary.
Quote of the day
“Religion can be defined as a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power, but it is also a system of control.” Madalyn Murray O’Hair.
Ask the right question
If morality is written on the human heart, why do moral rules differ so widely between cultures and eras?
Religious Crooks
Asaram Bapu is an Indian Hindu guru who built a large following and network of ashrams and was later convicted of raping a minor, with courts finding that his spiritual authority was used to exploit a devotee.
For more information, google the name.
Every country in the world has its fair share of spiritual crooks.
Throughout history and still to this day, there has never been a shortage of religious leaders who were not always following their own spiritual advice.