How Great Is Your Nation?

[devilsinskirts 0]

True. But religion was/is a big factor in being territorial ,no?

I would suggest that religion was more of a factor in maintaining control over a population which had already split territorially.

I did, however, read an interesting point about Inuits on this type of subject. The essence was that there was evidence to suggest that until they came into contact with "others", they lived in what could be described (by Monty Python) as an anarcho-syndicalist commune, where no one was leader, food/clothing etc was for the benefit of all.

I'm buggered if I can remember the conclusion that the report came to with regard to why this was the case.

[cavallino 2]

Perhaps he should start trying, considering that's the whole point of this thread....try harder, Narain.

Try harder to engage in a juvenile my country is better than your country debate? No

Nope. I pointed out that you weren't doing a good job answering Bruce's question....and you still aren't So when Narain says 'He wasn't trying' I suppose that was 100% correct.

I have never been in that stupid debate, my answer is I never said anything like that. I don't remember asking you or Bruce to move to India

Religion has it's benefits.

Like what

[Kay 0]

Bringing families together.

[devilsinskirts 0]

Bringing families together.

A family that comes together through religion is extremely likely to come together in any case, therefore religion is extraneous to their "bringing together" requirements.

[cavallino 2]

That would be a pretty shallow family, where people wouldn't want to see each other, but they would do it just for god

[monza gorilla 1]

I like it where I live, and that's enough for me. Sorry, that was on topic wasn't it?

Religion? Whatever floats your boat, I suppose.

[Medilloni 6]

I would suggest that religion was more of a factor in maintaining control over a population which had already split territorially.

I did, however, read an interesting point about Inuits on this type of subject. The essence was that there was evidence to suggest that until they came into contact with "others", they lived in what could be described (by Monty Python) as an anarcho-syndicalist commune, where no one was leader, food/clothing etc was for the benefit of all.

I'm buggered if I can remember the conclusion that the report came to with regard to why this was the case.

The conclusion was that it was closed because no-one could make a decision or take responsibility. In fact they are still trying to find someone to hand the keys back to.

At least I think so, I'm not sure

Mind you, some would have a damn good reason to cross dress. I think. Possibly.

[Autumnpuma 0]

Try harder to engage in a juvenile my country is better than your country debate? No

I have never been in that stupid debate, my answer is I never said anything like that. I don't remember asking you or Bruce to move to India

Take your huge brain back to the first post in this thread and read it. Bruce was asking why everyone thinks their nation is greater than America. You have taken the easy route of bashing America, but you cannot, apparently, make a case for India being a better place to live than America.

Like what

Each practitioner of a religion would give you a different answer. Personally, my religion answers some of my questions about the 'universe' to my satisfaction.

[Kay 0]

A family that comes together through religion is extremely likely to come together in any case, therefore religion is extraneous to their "bringing together" requirements.

That would be a pretty shallow family, where people wouldn't want to see each other, but they would do it just for god

Families is plural, therefore multiple i.e. it brings different people from different families together creates a community atmosphere in small villages so you can rely on others not just your direct family in times of need. I know many who have met other people through religion and have played a major role in their lives.

Oh and even singularly it works, my mum was single when I was days old with my sister around 4, she had no one to manage the house and the kids, and the people in the Church helped keep us together, she got work there, where they allowed me as a baby to be with her at the same time. Call people shallow or whatever, but you're generalisations are sickening.

[Max Mosley 2]

Religion can be useful sometimes. Of course utility does not imply verity. Atheists should form similar friendship groups, although perhaps they do but simply with friends they make in other ways.

Religion can also be harmful remember. Its easy to think that only extreme forms are harmful but its not true. The Catholic church is by far the biggest globally yet argues against contraception in all circumstances! Likewise how many Christians are in favour of banning abortion, euthanasia, gay partnerships etc for everybody, not just themselves?

[Kay 0]

Are you talking to me?

I was simply answering the question how can religion have benefits. I'm not religious myself, but had a religious first few years of my life and I'm not really saying religion isn't harmful.

But hey.

[cavallino 2]

Take your huge brain back to the first post in this thread and read it. Bruce was asking why everyone thinks their nation is greater than America. You have taken the easy route of bashing America, but you cannot, apparently, make a case for India being a better place to live than America.

I have never said that India is a better place to live than America..

Each practitioner of a religion would give you a different answer. Personally, my religion answers some of my questions about the 'universe' to my satisfaction.

Ok. I odn't consider those answers to be a positive, but of course it is entirely your choice.

Families is plural, therefore multiple i.e. it brings different people from different families together creates a community atmosphere in small villages so you can rely on others not just your direct family in times of need. I know many who have met other people through religion and have played a major role in their lives.

Oh and even singularly it works, my mum was single when I was days old with my sister around 4, she had no one to manage the house and the kids, and the people in the Church helped keep us together, she got work there, where they allowed me as a baby to be with her at the same time. Call people shallow or whatever, but you're generalisations are sickening.

There is no reason to believe such organisations would not be formed, just because many religious organisations have a monopoly over charity doesn't mean they should, or that such organisations without exist without such affiliation. I am not saying there aren't good human beings there, however Iodn't believe they would be otherwise were they not religious.

Religion can be useful sometimes. Of course utility does not imply verity. Atheists should form similar friendship groups, although perhaps they do but simply with friends they make in other ways.

We do, our groups are open to people of all origins and religions as long as they are willing to respect others

[Autumnpuma 0]

I have never said that India is a better place to live than America..

Are you missing the point of this thread on purpose or are you really being dense today? Did you even read Bruce's challenge in the original post? How have you answered that at all, even in the slightest bit?

Perhaps I was interpreting Bruce's post too narrowly. Perhaps I should ask you: "If America is so horrible, what makes India better?" Make us Americans who believe we live in a great country doubt our beliefs...if you can.

[Max Mosley 2]

Are you talking to me?

Along with everyone else, yes. But you won't be much fun if you agree with me.

[cavallino 2]

Are you missing the point of this thread on purpose or are you really being dense today? Did you even read Bruce's challenge in the original post? How have you answered that at all, even in the slightest bit?

Well to one interpretation, I have no doubt that Britain during the heyday of the empire was a wonderful place to live in for anyone with a white complexion, if a carbon based Martian with flexible complexion drops by and asks me which country he should choose to settle in (ok bad analogy, a member of the human species, separated a thousand years ago, returning to his/her home planet ), I would probably put the United States ahead of India, I am not sure if that is your definition of 'greater', it isn't mine.

Perhaps I was interpreting Bruce's post too narrowly. Perhaps I should ask you: "If America is so horrible, what makes India better?" Make us Americans who believe we live in a great country doubt our beliefs...if you can.

I have never used the term 'horrible' in my memory, using a single adjective to describe a single country is rather subjective is a bit pointless. I have often criticised my own country, I have never used the comparative argument. However, if you ask, on the issues that I have criticised your country, India has a far better record - we have never tried to annex our less powerful neighbours, or exert influence, take the case of Bangladesh for example, India has never used its substantial military might to invade another sovereign country and has refused to be part of such endeavours, we have never compromised our independence by being party to a treaty like NATO, we have acted as a leader for developing countries, and even now India is leading the debate in the WTO for the developing countries. There are of course things I disagree with, that I do criticise (unlike you, who wouldn't utter a single word of opposition and justify eveerything ever done by your country), our recent politicasl closeness to Israel for example is something I dislike.

Does that answer the question somewhat

[monza gorilla 1]

I haven't answered Bruce's original question, so here goes:

We invented everything, including America . It's not that much different here except it rains more and we're not as loud.

[Kay 0]

There is no reason to believe such organisations would not be formed, just because many religious organisations have a monopoly over charity doesn't mean they should, or that such organisations without exist without such affiliation. I am not saying there aren't good human beings there, however Iodn't believe they would be otherwise were they not religious.

So? You asked about a benefit of religion and I gave you one that had been a benefit to me, so it isn't unique to religion, but it is still a benefit of it. Just like if you said the NSPCC has the benefit of getting children out of bad situations, but it isn't exclusive to them either.

At the time, it was the only job my mum could get and still look after me. There were no other non religious organisations out there that could provide that sort of help then without risking our family being split up. Your reply to my comment was about shallow families, which show you are hardly sporting an open mind about these things. Perhaps ask for more detail rather than coming out with things like that?

I can also list many draw backs to religion, so I'm hardly defending it, I'm just saying there are plus sides even if they are few and far between. I personally, have come into contact of both sides, the worse siding leaving me as an atheist.

[Autumnpuma 0]

Ok. I odn't consider those answers to be a positive, but of course it is entirely your choice.

I do. In the end, that's all that really matters when discussing the benefits of religion.

[bajo39 0]

how are you, lol

long time since we have crossed swords,

whatsay?

alonso sucks

Crossed swords? In modern times, that has a rather gay ring to it...

Personally, my religion answers some of my questions about the 'universe' to my satisfaction.

Sorry, which religion is that?

Religion can be useful sometimes. Of course utility does not imply verity. Atheists should form similar friendship groups, although perhaps they do but simply with friends they make in other ways.

Religion can also be harmful remember. Its easy to think that only extreme forms are harmful but its not true. The Catholic church is by far the biggest globally yet argues against contraception in all circumstances! Likewise how many Christians are in favour of banning abortion, euthanasia, gay partnerships etc for everybody, not just themselves?

Religion can be harmful? It's not a difficult argument to make thet religion is harmful for some of the reasons you mention and has historically done more harm than good...

[Autumnpuma 0]

Sorry, which religion is that?

With respect, Dan, this is one argument I'll step away from

I haven't answered Bruce's original question, so here goes:

We invented everything, including America . It's not that much different here except it rains more and we're not as loud.

You've sold me.

[bajo39 0]

With respect, Dan, this is one argument I'll step away from

[AutoRacer5 0]

You've sold me.

Remember- we have guns.

[ykickamoocow 0]

Remember- we have guns.

So what

[AutoRacer5 0]

Against a burglar, I'd rather have a gun than a baseball bat.

Though, I'd rather have Chuck Norris in either case.

[ykickamoocow 0]

Against a burglar, I'd rather have a gun than a baseball bat.

The odds of someone actually breaking into your house while you are in it are extremely small. 99% of burglars break into peoples homes when there is no one at home. If someone were to break into my house i think my cricket bat would be more than enough to send the burglar to the hosbital with several broken bones and a cracked skull.