Weird and Religious
Some Islamic traditions hold that a specific black stone set into the Kaaba in Mecca came down from paradise and was originally white but turned black because it absorbed the sins of humanity. Pilgrims try to kiss or touch it during pilgrimage, not because the stone itself is worshipped, but because it is linked to a sacred story about the beginning of human history.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
2003, Saudi Arabia. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula carried out bombings against residential compounds. The group justified attacks as jihad against Western presence and un-Islamic rulers, promising religious reward for striking perceived enemies of Islam.
Fact
In Zoroastrianism, human beings are seen as having free will, and Zoroastrianism teaches that individuals must choose between truth and deceit.
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
“Religion is like a glowworm. It needs darkness to shine.” Arthur Schopenhauer.
Ask the right question
Why would a god allow false religions to flourish for thousands of years and mislead billions of people?
Religious Crooks
Elizabeth Clare Prophet headed the Church Universal and Triumphant, promoting apocalyptic prophecies and spiritual teachings while building a large organisation funded by followers, with critics pointing to failed end times predictions and heavy financial demands.
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.