• Mr Fish@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    23
    arrow-down
    2
    ·
    3 days ago

    I’d say it’s more accurate to say the abuse of religion/abusive religion uses the abuse of anxiety. Yes, abusive religious organizations exist, and they all use anxiety about some cosmic punishment to excuse and enforce their abuse. I absolutely agree with you on their existence and how terrible they are.

    I don’t think that’s universal and inherent to religion. There are religious groups that are simply good sources of community with either no focus on any cosmic punishment, or that don’t agree that any “cosmic punishment” exists.

    • Zacryon@feddit.org
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      3 days ago

      There are religious groups that are simply good sources of community

      Which is an important factor for social animals like us humans. This also underlines that there is a lack of alternatives for people who seek community, social support, etc… Thereby inviting more people to become indoctrinated.

    • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      6
      arrow-down
      4
      ·
      2 days ago

      There are religious groups that are simply good sources of community

      Houses built on sand.

      A community built on lying to the gullible and anxious can never last long. It inevitably gets taken over by abusers because it’s an easy target.

      • Sabata@ani.social
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        2
        ·
        edit-2
        2 days ago

        A community built on lying to the gullible and anxious can never last long.

        There is multiple thousand year+ lineages of morons worshiping gods that they are willing to die for. Its a pretty solid system of control.

        • surewhynotlem@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          3
          ·
          2 days ago

          Oh, I meant the part where the community is supportive and a positive force for good. But yeah, once it’s coopted, it can still last a long time. Just not in a positive way.