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All religions have in common some appeal to the intervention of the supernatural. Which is why atheism is not a religion.
The Bible defines itself as true. The Bible has this feature in common with the holy books of other religions.
I agree. Belief in some unknown or at least unproven (supernatural) entity that can be bribed or wheedled into providing some benefit in this life or a supposed next is what Theism/religion is.
You can of course have the meaning of religions that are merely rituals, but those would merely be play -acting; no more than black mass scenarios for the neighbourhoos swinger's club or the annual Star-wars costume -convention.
In the practical sense, all religions believe in a god, or quasi -god, like Karma or Thetans.
I also agree that they seem to have the feature of claiming a certain explanation as True, simply because they claim it. What is made to look like proof, is really observation of data which then requires an explanation. There is one made up and presented as an Answer, which (the peddlars of the doctrine hope) is seized on by the faithful as it provides quick and easy answers, as well as promises of free gifts which they fondly hope for even if none ever turn up. Aside from a raise at work, a small lottery win or even finding a twenty dollar bill on the sidewalk....
All religions have in common some appeal to the intervention of the supernatural. Which is why atheism is not a religion.
For many it is a cult based on the fantasy of 'rationalism' and that one can perfct knowledge of all variables and predict all outcomes with accuracy. It's merely a pseudo-intellectual variation of astrology and self-worship. Not to all, of course, but to most of its current fanatics. We have a lot Psycho Historians here, for instance , who apparently can travel back in time and read minds.
For many it is a cult based on the fantasy of 'rationalism' and that one can perfct knowledge of all variables and predict all outcomes with accuracy. It's merely a pseudo-intellectual variation of astrology and self-worship. Not to all, of course, but to most of its current fanatics. We have a lot Psycho Historians here, for instance , who apparently can travel back in time and read minds.
What is the difference between a cult and a mainstream religion?
According to Google:
Cult
Noun
1. a relatively small group of people having religious beliefs or practices regarded by others as strange or sinister.
2. a misplaced or excessive admiration for a particular person or thing.
According to Wikipedia:
Cult
The term cult usually refers to a social group defined by its religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs, or its common interest in a particular personality, object or goal. The term itself is controversial and it has divergent definitions in both popular culture and academia and it also has been an ongoing source of contention among scholars across several fields of study. In the sociological classifications of religious movements, a cult is a social group with socially deviant or novel beliefs and practices, although this is often unclear. Other researchers present a less-organized picture of cults saying that they arise spontaneously around novel beliefs and practices. Groups said to be cults range in size from local groups with a few members to international organizations with millions.
Christianity was a cult, until it outgrew it's origins and became a mainstream religion.
Many Christians consider the Mormons and the Jehovah's Witnesses to be examples of cults. But their membership runs into the millions. I think we can all agree that the Heaven's Gate group qualified as a cult. Groups that have millions of members however blur the definition of "cult." When a mainstream religion maintains beliefs that others perceive as a "fantasy of 'rationalism,'" that is simple doctrine versus common experience and common observation. It's unwavering faith versus practical reality. It's a case of "I believe it so don't bother trying to confuse me with the facts."
For many it is a cult based on the fantasy of 'rationalism' and that one can perfct knowledge of all variables and predict all outcomes with accuracy. It's merely a pseudo-intellectual variation of astrology and self-worship. Not to all, of course, but to most of its current fanatics. We have a lot Psycho Historians here, for instance , who apparently can travel back in time and read minds.
The 'Many' that you refer to here, must be true believers with a very funny idea of what atheists, Rationaiists and indeed scientis are and how they think, as your description is as much a ludicrous fantasy as the bulk of the bible.
For many it is a cult based on the fantasy of 'rationalism' and that one can perfct knowledge of all variables and predict all outcomes with accuracy. It's merely a pseudo-intellectual variation of astrology and self-worship. Not to all, of course, but to most of its current fanatics. We have a lot Psycho Historians here, for instance , who apparently can travel back in time and read minds.
Now I understand. Your loathing is only for straw man atheists.
And if you can not see the probable motive in what people write, then that is your problem, not ours.
You may also want to reflect on the fact that you 'KNOW' what books I have read, even though I have never read them.
According to Wikipedia:
Cult
The term cult usually refers to a social group defined by its religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs, or its common interest in a particular personality, object or goal. The term itself is controversial and it has divergent definitions in both popular culture and academia and it also has been an ongoing source of contention among scholars across several fields of study. In the sociological classifications of religious movements, a cult is a social group with socially deviant or novel beliefs and practices, although this is often unclear. Other researchers present a less-organized picture of cults saying that they arise spontaneously around novel beliefs and practices. Groups said to be cults range in size from local groups with a few members to international organizations with millions.
Ah, yes, thanks for verifying that many 'new atheists' are indeed cultists. You finally see the light.
It wouldn't help if he read one word every half hour. Clearly comprehension is not what is wanted here, but bias confirmation. Trying to bring Oberon around to the concept of open -mindedness and understanding (rather than demonising) the Other Side is wasted effort. So we just invite browsers to see what religious Faith does to the mind.
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