Hyper-Religiosity and it's Danger to Individuals and Society

[boatsnguitars]

Hyper-religiosity refers to an excessive and obsessive devotion to religious beliefs and practices. While religion can provide many benefits, including a sense of purpose and community, hyper-religiosity can be dangerous to both individuals and society. In this debate, I will argue that hyper-religiosity poses a significant danger, leading to harmful behaviors and attitudes that can cause harm to both individuals and society.

Argument 1: Hyper-Religiosity Can Lead to Extremism

Hyper-religiosity can lead individuals to take their religious beliefs to an extreme level, leading to extremism. Religious extremism has been responsible for many acts of violence, including terrorism, hate crimes, and even wars. When individuals believe that their religious beliefs are the only truth, and anyone who does not follow their beliefs is wrong or evil, they may become more prone to acts of violence. Such extremism can be dangerous not only to individuals but also to society as a whole.

Argument 2: Hyper-Religiosity Can Lead to the Rejection of Scientific Evidence

Hyper-religiosity can lead individuals to reject scientific evidence that contradicts their religious beliefs. This can have serious consequences, particularly when it comes to public health. For example, some hyper-religious individuals may refuse medical treatment for themselves or their children based on religious beliefs, even when that treatment is proven to be effective. This can lead to the spread of preventable diseases, putting not only the individual but also the wider community at risk.

Argument 3: Hyper-Religiosity Can Lead to Discrimination and Intolerance

Hyper-religiosity can lead to the belief that one's religious beliefs are superior to others, leading to discrimination and intolerance. This can manifest in various ways, such as religious discrimination in the workplace, hate crimes against individuals who do not follow their religious beliefs, or even the persecution of religious minorities. Such intolerance can create division and conflict within society, leading to harm to both individuals and society.

Counterargument: Religion Can Provide Positive Benefits

It is true that religion can provide many positive benefits, including a sense of purpose, community, and comfort during difficult times. However, it is essential to recognize that hyper-religiosity goes beyond normal religious practices and can lead to harmful attitudes and behaviors. It is not religion itself that poses a danger but rather the excessive and obsessive devotion to religious beliefs that can be harmful.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, hyper-religiosity poses a significant danger to both individuals and society. It can lead to extremism, the rejection of scientific evidence, and discrimination and intolerance. It is essential to promote a balanced and healthy approach to religion that recognizes the benefits of religious practices while avoiding the dangerous extremes of hyper-religiosity. Which is ultimately ironic, since Christians admire Jesus's extreme commitment to his religious faith, but are very adamant to not raise their children to be as zealous as Jesus.

Here are some things Jesus required of his followers:
1. Denial of self: Jesus taught that his followers should deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow him (Matthew 16:24). This means putting aside their own desires, ambitions, and comfort for the sake of following Jesus and doing what is right.

2. Love your enemies: Jesus taught that his followers should love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). This is an extreme teaching because it goes against our natural human inclination to seek revenge and hold grudges.

3. Give to the poor: Jesus taught that his followers should give to the poor and needy, even if it means giving away everything they have (Matthew 19:21). This is an extreme teaching because it requires sacrificial giving and a willingness to put the needs of others before our own.

4. Turn the other cheek: Jesus taught that his followers should not resist an evil person, but instead turn the other cheek when struck (Matthew 5:39). This is an extreme teaching because it goes against our natural instinct to fight back and defend ourselves.

5. Forsake all and follow him: Jesus told a rich man that if he wanted to be perfect, he should go and sell all his possessions and give to the poor, and then come and follow him (Matthew 19:21). This is an extreme teaching because it requires complete surrender of one's material possessions and personal desires.

6. The implication that the Bible is true, and the word from God, yet, few people read it, even fewer study it to understand it. And the few that do either become atheist, or turn into apologists and perpetuate the many lies I've documented. (If I believed the Bible was truly the word of God, I'd immediately do everything Jesus said. Most Christians don't, because, as every prayer circle and Bible study group knows: most people aren't really Christian.)



Debate questions:

1. How can the extreme following of a religion created by God Himself, sanctioned by Jesus himself, lead to such evil? Why would following Jesus be good for society and individuals when done lukewarmly, but when done to the extreme, causes harm?
2. It is common for the average Church goer to say something like, "Gee, pastor, I sure admire your Faith." and then, privately, say that they think the pastor is too religious, and they often will keep the pastor at arms length. They are happy to see his weekly, hour-long, one man cabaret show on Sunday, but rarely have him over for dinner.

Put another way:
Is there a contradiction in society's admiration of religious faith while simultaneously criticizing religious leaders for being too religious, and if so, how can this be reconciled?

I think we all know the answer: we know if it were true, we'd all want to be as pious as the most fervent zealot, but because we all know it isn't true, we simply admire it as an ideal, not an actual virtue.


So, debate why religious zealotry leads to bad things when it's based on the "Truth and Goodness of God"?

[boatsnguitars]

[Replying to JehovahsWitness in post #39]

You do realize that your constent ad and links seem like a used car salesman selling lemons right? It's so cringe.

But, gee, I'm reading about JW. When I think it can't get crazier, I go to the actual JW sites. Sorry, that is a cult. Straight up.

The distinction between a cult and a religion is often a matter of perspective and can be a sensitive and controversial topic. However, there are some general points that can be used to distinguish between the two:

Age and tradition: Religions tend to have a long history and tradition, often dating back centuries or even millennia. Cults, on the other hand, are usually new and lack an established tradition. JW founded in 1872 in Pittsburgh by Charles Taze Russell.

Size and organization: Religions are usually large and well-organized, with millions of followers and a clear hierarchical structure. Cults, on the other hand, are usually small and loosely organized, with a charismatic leader at the top. JW are in the 0.1% of "Other Religions".

Beliefs and practices: Religions typically have well-established beliefs, practices, and rituals that are shared by their followers. Cults, on the other hand, may have idiosyncratic or unorthodox beliefs and practices that are not widely accepted.JW is clearly unorthodox.

Accessibility and exclusivity: Religions are generally accessible to anyone who wishes to join, regardless of their background or beliefs. Cults, on the other hand, may be exclusive and require a high level of commitment or adherence to specific beliefs and practices. JW is known for harsh rules and practices.

Control and manipulation: Cults often use manipulation and control tactics to keep their members in line, including isolation from friends and family, sleep and food deprivation, and other forms of psychological and emotional manipulation. Religions, on the other hand, generally do not engage in such tactics. JW tries to limit it's members from discussing anything with non-JW.

Regular attendance at meetings and preaching activities: JWs are expected to attend weekly meetings at their Kingdom Hall, as well as participate in door-to-door preaching activities.

Abstaining from certain behaviors: JWs are expected to avoid behaviors that are considered sinful or immoral, such as smoking, drug use, premarital sex, and extramarital affairs.

Dress and grooming standards: JWs are expected to dress modestly and conservatively, and avoid tattoos and piercings (other than a single piercing in each ear for women).

Strict adherence to JW doctrine: JWs are expected to accept and follow the teachings of the Watchtower Society, which is the organization that governs the JW religion.

Limited association with non-JWs: JWs are encouraged to associate primarily with other JWs, and may be discouraged from socializing with non-JWs, particularly if those individuals are perceived to be engaging in sinful or immoral behavior.

Refusal of blood transfusions: JWs are taught that the Bible prohibits the ingestion of blood, and as a result, many JWs refuse blood transfusions, even in life-threatening situations.

[JehovahsWitness]

And anyway if you don't think Jesus meant everything then we're basically agreeing that you get some stuff but you don't get to be so greedy you're trampling people to get a TV that's a full 2 inches bigger diagonally than the one you had.

Okay on that I can agree. Jehovahs Witnesses have wrongfully and unjustly been classified as extremists in Putins Russia but who is extreme really? the peaceful Witnesses thrown in prison, beaten and tortured for reading their bibles jn their homes or this violent world?

[JehovahsWitness]

DO JEHOVAHS WITNESSES DISAPPROVE OF SEXUAL IMMORALITY AND ADULTERY ?

JWs are expected to avoid behaviors that are considered sinful or immoral, such as smoking, drug use, premarital sex, and extramarital affairs

Yes; this is true. We absolutely do not approve of sexual immortality and extramarital affairs.



JEHOVAH'S WITNESS


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[JehovahsWitness]

I'm reading about JW.

I'm glad to be of help.

If you have any other questions dont hesistate to ask, maybe in a more appropriate subforum. : Questions for a specific group : viewforum.php?f=45

JEHOVAH'S WITNESS


You can learn more about what Christians believe by going to our website www.jw.org



Have a most excellent weekend,

Kind regards


JEHOVAH'S WITNESS

[Purple Knight]

And anyway if you don't think Jesus meant everything then we're basically agreeing that you get some stuff but you don't get to be so greedy you're trampling people to get a TV that's a full 2 inches bigger diagonally than the one you had.

Okay on that I can agree. Jehovahs Witnesses have wrongfully and unjustly been classified as extremists in Putin's Russia but who is extreme really? the peaceful Witnesses thrown in prison, beaten and tortured for reading their bibles in their homes or this violent world?

The Christians preaching pure pacifism and pure asceticism are extreme. Whether they are right or wrong, they're extreme. JWs take flak wrongly. Mormons too have been persecuted and not a lot of people know about it. In the past, the US government has ripped extra wives away from Mormon families in Utah, and has even exterminated Mormons. In a country founded on religious freedom. How quickly people forget that once, they were the ones who had to flee persecution.

But this is where I agree with Boaty's point about being too pacifist. Why do some sects of Christianity take so much flak, so wrongly? Maybe it's because people do not expect violence to occur when they target Christians, so Christians are easy targets. This is not about right and wrong, but about the practical, real-world effects of being too nice and too forgiving.

This is not a popular sentiment because it is (rightly I suppose) classed as victim-blaming. But I don't think people should dress provocatively and walk down the street after nightfall in a bad neighbourhood either. They have a right to and the law ought to protect it, but they still shouldn't do it.

[Purple Knight]

Beliefs and practices: Religions typically have well-established beliefs, practices, and rituals that are shared by their followers. Cults, on the other hand, may have idiosyncratic or unorthodox beliefs and practices that are not widely accepted. JW is clearly unorthodox.

If you read the Bible critically, you'll find a lot of points where the fringe sects have it right and they're being denounced by salad bar Christians who have probably never read a Bible cover-to-cover.

The biggest example is Paradise versus Heaven. Ancient Jewish lore didn't even have an afterlife. They believed that the breath was the life, rather than in a soul. Heaven was just where God was. In keeping with that, the reward Jesus promised after death, had to involve anybody who had earned that reward but died before the day it was given, being physically resurrected.

In JW lore, only a few people go to Heaven but most good people still go to Paradise. This is canonical. Jesus talks about people being physically raised from the dead.

This idea that most good people go to Heaven and are not in the flesh is probably a result of Greeks adding their ideas of afterlife to Jewish lore when it wasn't terribly compatible.

[Miles]

As one of Jehovahs Witnesses I agree that extremism can lead to dangerous ideologies and behaviours, I would certainly personally avoid such a religion.

Yet Jehovahs Witnesses don't feel the following are extreme in the least. (One has to wonder about their definition of "extremism.")

Shunning those thrown out of the religion (disfellowshipped), even by close family members

Considering homosexuality and premarital sex, to be "serious sins" ....

Prohibiting the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood....

Abstaining from celebrating religious holidays such as Easter, and Christmas, plus birthdays and Halloween

Shunning May Day, New Year's Day, and Valentine's Day celebrations because of their pagan origins.

Refusal to work in industries associated with the military, and serve in the armed services ...

Refusal to salute or pledge allegiance to national flags or sing national anthems or other patriotic songs.

source: Wikipedia. Jehovah's Witnesses practices

.

No, not in the least. Why should we ?

Because it's far from normal.

extreme
[ ik-streem ]
adjective, ex·trem·er, ex·trem·est.

1 Excessive, or far beyond the norm.

2 considered unreasonable by most people

3 very unusual; an extreme case:

4 of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average:

.

[JehovahsWitness]

As one of Jehovahs Witnesses I agree that extremism can lead to dangerous ideologies and behaviours, I would certainly personally avoid such a religion.

Yet Jehovahs Witnesses don't feel the following are extreme in the least. (One has to wonder about their definition of "extremism.")

Shunning those thrown out of the religion (disfellowshipped), even by close family members

Considering homosexuality and premarital sex, to be "serious sins" ....

Prohibiting the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood....

Abstaining from celebrating religious holidays such as Easter, and Christmas, plus birthdays and Halloween

Shunning May Day, New Year's Day, and Valentine's Day celebrations because of their pagan origins.

Refusal to work in industries associated with the military, and serve in the armed services ...

Refusal to salute or pledge allegiance to national flags or sing national anthems or other patriotic songs.

source: Wikipedia. Jehovah's Witnesses practices

.

No, not in the least. Why should we ?

Because it's far from normal.

extreme
[ ik-streem ]
adjective, ex·trem·er, ex·trem·est.

1 Excessive, or far beyond the norm.

2 considered unreasonable by most people

3 very unusual; an extreme case:

4 of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average:




.

So? Being "average" and "ordinary" might be what your parents told you to aim for but I was bought up to aspire for more.

True we are not just like everybody else (we Jehovahs Witnesses march to the beat of a different drum) but what's the problem ? It might be "considered unreasonable by most people" but so is atheism. In other words being CONSIDERED unreasonable doesn't mean you *ARE*.



Exceptional is not necessarily a bad thing.





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[otseng]

Sorry, that is a cult. Straight up.

Moderator Comment

We don't allow accusations of any belief to be a cult on this forum. You are free to discuss and debate what they believe and practice, but avoid the labeling.

Please review the Rules.





______________



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[Miles]

As one of Jehovahs Witnesses I agree that extremism can lead to dangerous ideologies and behaviours, I would certainly personally avoid such a religion.

Yet Jehovahs Witnesses don't feel the following are extreme in the least. (One has to wonder about their definition of "extremism.")

Shunning those thrown out of the religion (disfellowshipped), even by close family members

Considering homosexuality and premarital sex, to be "serious sins" ....

Prohibiting the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood....

Abstaining from celebrating religious holidays such as Easter, and Christmas, plus birthdays and Halloween

Shunning May Day, New Year's Day, and Valentine's Day celebrations because of their pagan origins.

Refusal to work in industries associated with the military, and serve in the armed services ...

Refusal to salute or pledge allegiance to national flags or sing national anthems or other patriotic songs.

source: Wikipedia. Jehovah's Witnesses practices

.

No, not in the least. Why should we ?

Because it's far from normal.

extreme
[ ik-streem ]
adjective, ex·trem·er, ex·trem·est.

1 Excessive, or far beyond the norm.

2 considered unreasonable by most people

3 very unusual; an extreme case:

4 of a character or kind farthest removed from the ordinary or average:




.

So? Being "average" and "ordinary" might be what your parents told you to aim for but I was bought up to aspire for more.


True we are not just like everybody else (we Jehovahs Witnesses march to the beat of a different drum) but what's the problem ?

Other than refusing to defend one's country, unlike most everyone else---letting others fight and die for your liberties---and perhaps mistreating others through shunning, nothing. Go ahead and refrain from participating in politics. Please!

It might be "considered unreasonable by most people" but so is atheism. In other words being CONSIDERED unreasonable doesn't mean you *ARE*.

No, but some of JW beliefs and actions still remain far beyond the norm, Yes? And even extreme, Yes? I mean, how normal is it to purposely not celebrate birthdays? No need to answer. And how common is it NOT to have premarital sex before marriage? Extremely uncommon.

"[A] new study----Trends in Premarital Sex in the United States, 1954–2003," by Lawrence B. Finer----uses data from several rounds of the federal National Survey of Family Growth to examine sexual behavior before marriage, and how it has changed over time. According to the analysis, by age 44, 99% of respondents had had sex, and 95% had done so before marriage.

Exceptional is not necessarily a bad thing.

Noting your image above, we're not talking about any person being "exceptional" (your word, not mine) or anything else, but rather certain beliefs and actions as being far from normal, or extreme. One may be an exceptional person by anybody's standards and still hold extreme, far from normal, beliefs and carry out extreme, far from normal, acts.

.