geedee

Very good point.

Shard

What is it about?

I find Mormonism even more dubious than mainstream Christianity. How can they possibly believe scripture put together by an illiterate known 19th century conman? From what I can tell (having visited SLC and spoken to various followers) it is a social cult, with great social and monetary dividends available to those who choose to suppress the their doubts. And for certain male followers, other worldly delights also ensue.

iaink

Like Scientology, but with more wives....

dbd33

Mormonism!

http://www.amazon.ca/Under-Banner-He.../dp/1400032806

I don't see a major difference between irrational belief with recent prophets and irrational belief with ancient profits. I think it's splitting hairs to say that one is less bonkers than the other because it's miracles are less probable.

I generally agree but polygamous marriage and the attendant child abuse is more common in Canada, Mexico and Arizona than Utah.

dbd33

An interesting piece on living in Utah while being indifferent to Mormonism:

http://www.canyoncountryzephyr.com/2...by-jim-stiles/

Shard

I wouldn't say its splitting hairs. A religion that has "stood the test of time" and is practised the world over is more believable than one formulated almost within living memory. There is no point in lumping all religions together when some are less plausible than others.

There was a case of polygamy in the BC interior a few years ago, but I wasn't aware that it was particularly widespread in Canada. I have little knowledge of Mexico other than the Mexican's make bloody tasty food!

dbd33

Why? What is more probable about, say, Noah saving all the world's animals on a single boat than the e-meter working? Once rationality is set aside then all ideas are equal.

ultrarunner

Well said, and any rationale person will concur with that

Your hamper is on its way geezer

ExKiwilass

omg you went to the Crystal Cathedral? *jealous*

Shard

Noah's Ark is simply one part of the Christian myth, and one could (and should) argue that it is allegorical; and e-meter (Scientology) is an actual device which can be shown through science to not be fit for purpose.

I accept that rationality is absolute, but it doesn't follow that all ideas are equal. For example a Satanic cult may be as irrational as a Anglican congregation, but it is far more dangerous.

Drawing distinctions between religions spotlights their unique irrationality and aids enlightenment. IMO, of course.

Shard

Had not heard of it before. Quite an impressive structure. I do like cathedrals!

iaink

If there is a God, why would it matter to them how they are worshipped? If they really have a preference perhaps they should make it known to all to remove any future unpleasantness about who sacrificed what in what manner to whom.

So in that respect all the religions would have the last laugh over the atheists.

And if there isnt a God, then all religions seem equally bobbins I suspect.

And if there are multiple gods then lets hope they dont all talk to each other, in which case we may get away with just worshiping the one if they all think that attention was for them personally....

Shard

Would it matter? NO. A resounding NO. Would a power capable of creating the universe actually demand or expect "worship"? Is there any logic to that? An "all mighty power" expecting some kind of tribal worship, and getting offended without it...it's something an elementary school student might make up. Yet so many base their lives on such inconsistencies.

I don't see how all the religions would have the last laugh if there were a god. Unless of course you say that worship does matter. That worship is necessary in order to be "saved". You're not suggesting that, surely?

iaink

Im not suggesting anything, Im an atheist who tries to live life like Karma was a real thing...

Shard

I know you're atheist, but you're letting the side down dude/Sir (delete as appropriate) with some inconsistent commentary.