Weird and Religious
Among the ancient Greeks, the oracle at Delphi delivered prophecies while in a trance, possibly induced by gases rising from a geological fault. Her unclear words were interpreted by priests, giving divine authority to ambiguous statements.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1979, Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Islamist militants seized the Grand Mosque, leading to fighting and executions. The group claimed rulers were corrupt and un-Islamic, justifying rebellion as a religious obligation to purify Islam and restore true Islamic leadership.
Fact
In Hinduism, the Upanishads explore questions about the self, consciousness, and ultimate reality, often focusing on the relationship between the inner self and the universal principle.
Partners in oppression
Historically oppression from rulers has benefited from religious backing. Slavery, caste systems, patriarchy, and colonialism all found religious endorsement. Inequality was explained as divine order, suffering as destiny, and resistance as rebellion against god. Those at the bottom were taught to accept their place, while those at the top were assured it was deserved. Religion did not simply mirror existing hierarchies. It reinforced them and sanctified them.
Quote of the day
“Religion is based on dogma and belief, whereas science is based on doubt and questioning.” Richard Dawkins.
Ask the right question
Why do moral instincts such as empathy appear in social animals that have no religion?
Religious Crooks
Roch Thériault led a breakaway religious sect in Canada known as the Ant Hill Kids, presenting extreme spiritual authority while subjecting followers to abuse, forced labour, and total control over their property and income.
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.
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.