Religion is a surveillance system that is both omnipresent and resource free.
It is a way to direct and semi-control the actions of ignorant, self centered people without building a real world justice system.
It works only to the extent you can convince impressionable young minds to accept it.
For the less impressionable, there is enlightened self interest --- understanding and accepting that the world would be a better place for all if everyone would simply do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Unfortunately, the latter has yet to reach a similar level of acceptance and popularity --- but there is always hope.
Agree - organized religion is a farce. that said, the desire for community/rituals/reflection that religions exploit to get people hooked are basic desires that 'society at large' doesn't really meet any other way.
that's why i'm wondering: is there a way to meet these desires outside of organized religion? what would a non-deranged spirituality look like?
It is a way to direct and semi-control the actions of ignorant, self centered people without building a real world justice system.
It works only to the extent you can convince impressionable young minds to accept it.
For the less impressionable, there is enlightened self interest --- understanding and accepting that the world would be a better place for all if everyone would simply do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Unfortunately, the latter has yet to reach a similar level of acceptance and popularity --- but there is always hope.