Weird and Religious
Ancient Israelites used a ritual called the “ordeal of bitter water” for a woman suspected of adultery. She drank a special mixture prepared by a priest, and physical effects were taken as a sign of guilt or innocence, placing judgment in divine hands.
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 Buddhism, the Four Noble Truths explain that Buddhism begins with recognising that life involves suffering, that suffering has causes linked to desire, that suffering can end, and that there is a path leading to its end.
Population control
Religion has always provided an efficient system helping rulers control populations. Fear of punishment extended beyond death, and eternal consequences made compliance cheap and effective. Surveillance became supernatural, as god was believed to see everything, and even thought became subject to moral scrutiny. This internalised authority reduced the need for constant force because people learned to police themselves. Guilt replaced chains, and confession replaced rebellion, moving power from the body into the mind.
Quote of the day
“Men would never be superstitious if they could govern all their circumstances by set rules, or if they were always favoured by fortune.” Baruch Spinoza.
Ask the right question
If humans are uniquely created, why do we share so much DNA with other primates?
Religious Crooks
David Berg founded the Children of God movement, later called The Family International, promoting radical religious teachings while encouraging followers to surrender money and, according to former members, using sexuality and spiritual pressure as tools of control.
For more information, google the name.
If a real God existed, would he allow crooks to act on his behalf?