Religion is a virus

[Moloch]

the problem is not in religions, it's in false understanding of dogmas. if you indulge fully in a religion, you have no intention of suppressing those around you

Depends on the religion... I would only agree in the case of Hinduism or Buddhism... those 2 get along with other religions

Muslims and Christians have been fighting each other for over a thousand years... Muslims love to suppress others (women are 3rd class citizens - lower than children, majority think apostates should be killed, gays should be killed, etc)... Christians love to suppress others (examples include anti-gay marriage laws, anti-abortion laws, anti-drug/alcohol laws)  Religion loves to take away the choice from people who don't even believe in their religion!

Christians hate "Sharia Law", but they love imposing their own believe system on everyone (gays, abortion, drugs, etc)

[MoonCrypt]

Religion is a virus (agreed)!! because in any way you see it religion is part of life!! not necessary by been on any popular one!! "a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion." - Dictionary definition. e.g all Blockchain believers are now forming a new kind of religion!! any how you want it look..
so Religion is a Virus with a host (satoshi) spreading across.

[Moloch]

"a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion." - Dictionary definition

Please understand that dictionary definitions are specific to the context that the word is used... this definition is only used when in a context like, "to make a religion of fighting prejudice"

The primary definition is always listed first:

1.    a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.    a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.    the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.    the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.    the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.    something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.    religions, Archaic . religious rites: painted priests performing religions deep into the night.
8.    Archaic . strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.

Idioms

9.    get religion , Informal .
        to acquire a deep conviction of the validity of religious beliefs and practices.
        to resolve to mend one's errant ways: The company got religion and stopped making dangerous products.

To pretend that the 6th definition of religion is the primary one, is not being intellectually honest (Also note, the 6th definition is the last to not be labelled "Archaic")

We have a moral duty to be honest. This duty is especially important when we share ideas that can inform or persuade others.

Intellectual honesty is honesty in the acquisition, analysis, and transmission of ideas. A person is being intellectually honest when he or she, knowing the truth, states that truth. Intellectual honesty pertains to any communication intended to inform or persuade. This includes all forms of scholarship, consequential conversations such as dialogue, debate, (...)

[Rawoyemi]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

Religion doesn't start war, its a facade - people do. That said, blanket statements about religion are rarely ever helpful considering the vast array of religions out there.

Semantics... religions do start wars

Wars are started because people refuse to settle differences through talking... religious people have no interest in settling differences with people of other religions... the majority of "holy" books (Bible, Quran, etc) state that you are commanded by god to murder anyone who even tries to convert you to another religion, even if it is your own family, parents or children trying to convert you.

If you don't believe that religious differences have started wars... you are willfully ignorant

Also, there is not a "vast array of religions out there"... I can count the religions of the world on 2 hands... 1 hand on a good day (jew, christian, muslim, hindu, buddhist)

Congrats, you're happily perpetuating ignorance.

You cant say both religions start war and then say they start because "people have no interest in settling differences".
If they are all the religions you've been exposed to, then let's be careful not to assume they are completely representative.
Finally, blanket statements about the "majority of 'holy' books" was just errant on so many levels, I just hope people don't fall for these unsubstantiated claims.

[Moloch]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

Religion doesn't start war, its a facade - people do. That said, blanket statements about religion are rarely ever helpful considering the vast array of religions out there.

Semantics... religions do start wars

Wars are started because people refuse to settle differences through talking... religious people have no interest in settling differences with people of other religions... the majority of "holy" books (Bible, Quran, etc) state that you are commanded by god to murder anyone who even tries to convert you to another religion, even if it is your own family, parents or children trying to convert you.

If you don't believe that religious differences have started wars... you are willfully ignorant

Also, there is not a "vast array of religions out there"... I can count the religions of the world on 2 hands... 1 hand on a good day (jew, christian, muslim, hindu, buddhist)

Congrats, you're happily perpetuating ignorance.

You cant say both religions start war and then say they start because "people have no interest in settling differences".
If they are all the religions you've been exposed to, then let's be careful not to assume they are completely representative.
Finally, blanket statements about the "majority of 'holy' books" was just errant on so many levels, I just hope people don't fall for these unsubstantiated claims.

If you are going to say I'm wrong, please provide an example

I have read the entire Hebrew bible, and the Christian bible.  I have read large sections of the Qur'an, Zohar, Book of Mormon, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, the Pali Canon, Tao Te Ching, and Tibetan book of the dead.  I have read Socrates and Plato.  I have read Apocryphal books that didn't make it into the canonized bible... Let me know when you have studied all the world religions, and read each of their holy books... then perhaps we can have a debate about it

Please explain how I'm wrong about Jews, Christians and Muslims having zero interest in settling their differences... When have you ever seen Jews, Christians or Muslims do anything but sling hatred and bombs at each other?

[Pmalek]

I would not call Religion a virus but I would definitely say that Religion controls the way we live our lives - if we are religious of course. Like anything else Religion has also been taken hostage by bad individuals who are trying to gain from it.
That is why it is said that Religion is a dogma - https://www.thefreedictionary.com/dogma
You either believe in the stories and doctrines or you dont, it is a way of life. Everything you do is based on your religion. It tells you what clothes to wear, what food to eat, what kind of people you spend your time with, what to do and when... 

[eann014]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

Sometimes, religion controlling the mindset of a person, I know somebody who is actually a Catholic and then after converting to other religion, she began to tell everything about God even if she really doesn't know what she is saying and she really didn't understand why she needs to convert on that religion. I am not really against religions but in her attitude, she really became different after she converts. She always says that she is with God and God is always with her. The truth is, she really doesn't know it, why I am saying this? Because she stole a lot of money in the office of my aunt, she is blaming some of her co-workers and not saying the truth but she claims that she is with God and I don't think that she is really with God. In that thinking, we actually thought that she is really crazy, and for her attitude, I am sure that religion is a virus.

[BADecker]

Religion is a virus that destroys destruction.   

[KingScorpio]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

luckily i am out of this stupidity of opposing and hating religions

i feel much more comfortable being now in a much better harmony with the universe than constantly questioning them

imperfection is part of the huge opportunities this world offers to us.

humanism and perfectionism of humanism will blind people for that

[Becksinsky]

Therefore, religion is not a virus. It's just a worldview that everyone can choose or not choose for themselves. The choice must be conscious. It is necessary to understand well what is religion.

[Shaftdel]

Religion is a fundamental right of every individual; irrespective. But the way of practice and from parent to children make a virus that can’t be control, affecting all aspect of humanity which make it a tool of war for selfish religious leaders.

[JSRAW]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

Religion doesn't start war, its a facade - people do. That said, blanket statements about religion are rarely ever helpful considering the vast array of religions out there.

Bro ever heard of Crusades, Jihad, Ghazwa? if not then please visit the following link for the quick note :
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_wars_of_religion
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_expeditions_of_Muhammad
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Muslim_conquests


Religion is not Virus, Humans are. We are the one who exploiting all the resources for our pleasure in the name of development. Religion is more like a Big Scam. you don't need to be religious to become a Moral person.

[shekt4]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

Yes sir! A very dangerous virus...Religion was the greater error that has happened to mankind....and to be sincere, it is a very powerful force and it is actually a good thing...just that most so called religious leaders have use it to manipulate people for their own selfish gains! Political parties and politicians use it as a means of wining an election....it's more frequent in Africa!
Hence we all need to collectively fight this trend and to preach more of humanity! Is really disheartened to see someone been killed because of following a different religion or a different believe system!

[BADecker]

Religion isn't anything. The force is the people, the devil, and God. If people didn't have a theme in life, there wouldn't be any religion, but there would still be evil among the people.

[swiftapp]

Now world religion is a controlling tool of spreading war.They are not following even what religion said.So political is binding with religion and they using it for improving racism and separate people.As humans we have a huge responsibility to minimize this problem.We must spreading humanity except racism.Religion must not going to parents to children.People can be choose what they following or not.

Religion doesn't start war, its a facade - people do. That said, blanket statements about religion are rarely ever helpful considering the vast array of religions out there.

Bro ever heard of Crusades, Jihad, Ghazwa? if not then please visit the following link for the quick note :
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crusades
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_wars_of_religion
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_expeditions_of_Muhammad
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Muslim_conquests


Religion is not Virus, Humans are. We are the one who exploiting all the resources for our pleasure in the name of development. Religion is more like a Big Scam. you don't need to be religious to become a Moral person.

What would you call a scam that only grows and leads to destruction,

Is that not a virus?

 

[cryptoperkele]

I got the flu right now, this doesn't feel like a religion. I am delirious though but this shit doesn't make me feel safe or anything I am just cold and can't think straight. Well, now this sounds more and more like a religion...

[JSRAW]

What would you call a scam that only grows and leads to destruction,

Is that not a virus?

 

I would say scam carried by virus leading to never-ending destruction.

[Sealis]

Religion is not completely a virus. It became a virus because of the mindset of most believers. See believing in God doesn't really need religion. But, religion acts as the medium of connection to God, so they believe that they are above amongst others. This makes it easy to influence other believers that as long as they follow these religious people, they will be saved. This kind of mindset is kinda stupid since your just basically offering yourself to be controlled by others.

[Moloch]

Viruses of the Mind
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viruses_of_the_Mind

"Viruses of the Mind" is an essay by British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, first published in the book Dennett and His Critics: Demystifying Mind (1993). Dawkins originally wrote the essay in 1991 and delivered it as a Voltaire Lecture on 6 November 1992 at the Conway Hall Humanist Centre. The essay discusses how religion can be viewed as a meme, an idea previously expressed by Dawkins in The Selfish Gene (1976). Dawkins analyzes the propagation of religious ideas and behaviors as a memetic virus, analogous to how biological and computer viruses spread.

Dawkins defines the "symptoms" of being infected by the "virus of religion", providing examples for most of them, and tries to define a connection between the elements of religion and its survival value (invoking Zahavi's handicap principle of sexual selection, applied to believers of a religion). Dawkins also describes religious beliefs as "mind-parasites", and as "gangs [that] will come to constitute a package, which may be sufficiently stable to deserve a collective name such as Roman Catholicism ... or ... component parts to a single virus".

Dawkins suggests that religious belief in the "faith-sufferer" typically shows the following elements:

    It is impelled by some deep, inner conviction that something is true, or right, or virtuous: a conviction that doesn't seem to owe anything to evidence or reason, but which, nevertheless, the believer feels as totally compelling and convincing.
    The believer typically makes a positive virtue of faith's being strong and unshakable, despite it not being based upon evidence.
    There is a conviction that "mystery", per se, is a good thing; the belief that it is not a virtue to solve mysteries but to enjoy them and revel in their insolubility.
    There may be intolerant behaviour towards perceived rival faiths, in extreme cases even the killing of opponents or advocating of their deaths. Believers may be similarly violent in disposition towards apostates or heretics, even if those espouse only a slightly different version of the faith.
    The particular convictions that the believer holds, while having nothing to do with evidence, are likely to resemble those of the believer's parents.
    If the believer is one of the rare exceptions who follows a different religion from his parents, the explanation may be cultural transmission from a charismatic individual.
    The internal sensations of the 'faith-sufferer' may be reminiscent of those more ordinarily associated with sexual love.

Dawkins stresses his claim that religious beliefs do not spread as a result of evidence in their support, but typically by cultural transmission, in most cases from parents or from charismatic individuals. He refers to this as involving "epidemiology, not evidence". Further Dawkins distinguishes this process from the spread of scientific ideas, which, he suggests, is constrained by the requirement to conform with certain virtues of standard methodology: "testability, evidential support, precision, quantifiability, consistency, intersubjectivity, repeatability, universality, progressiveness, independence of cultural milieu, and so on". He points out that faith "spreads despite a total lack of every single one of these virtues".

Also like a virus, religion tends to infect children and elderly at a much higher rate than people who are in good health...  Religion is typically transmitted from parent to child, like many viruses... Religion demands large amounts or your money and time, similar to dealing with an illness... Religions contain instructions to "copy" the message, and infect others with it... so many similarities with a virus

[Kaviya93]

Believing too much make the religions into virus