A Closer Look at the Origins of Religion

The religious debate of God vs. Science continues in perpetuity.

Aaah, religion. The source of many a debate and even more wars and bloodshed. Does religion do more harm than good? Is religion necessary? What is the purpose of religion? Does God exist?  Where does God come from? Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?  Is God sovereign or do we have a free will?  What happens after death?  Is there a heaven and hell?  Is there anything God can’t do?

If you’re non-religious already, this collection of articles and books will prove somewhat obvious, but if you’re currently steeped in any particular religion, reading through these resources with an open mind will hopefully give much reason for thought and reflection.

“I put it to you that both you and I are atheists. It is just that I believe in one fewer gods than you. When you finally come to understand why you don’t believe in all those other gods then you will understand why I don’t believe in yours.” — Anon

“We must respect the other fellow’s religion, but only in the sense and to the extent that we respect his theory that his wife is beautiful and his children smart.” — H.L. Mencken

“In religion and politics, people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second hand, and without examination.” — Mark Twain

“Never meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup.” — Spotted on a bumper sticker

A worthwhile starting point to explore the origins of all religions is http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com.  An extract is shown below:

Recommended Religion Reads Online

• Where do religions come from?
• The empty name of God
• 10 Reasons You Should Never Have a Religion

Recommended Religion Reads in Print

• The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold by Acharya S.
• Aryan Sun Myths: The Origin Of Religions by Sarah E. Titcomb
• A further reading list can be found at Alternative Books on Religion.

Please be patient – this page is still under development, and there are many resources to be added soon.

Common Questions About Religion

• Which is the one true religion?
• Why are there so many religions? Do all religions lead to God/salvation/enlightenment?
• With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct?
• What is the difference between religion and spirituality?
• What is the definition of a cult?
• What is the right religion for me?
• Why are there so many televangelist scandals?
• What is religious syncretism?
• What are the core differences between science and religion?
• What is religious science?
• How can I tell who is a false religious teacher?
• What is the best way to evangelize someone who is in a cult or false religion?
• What is the new age movement?
• Should we allow false teachers into our home?
• Should we be tolerant of other people’s religious beliefs?
• Is religion opium for the masses?

If you've enjoyed what you've read so far, you'll certainly enjoy my big-picture thinking in the booklet The 2012 Manifesto. You can read more about it here or just click on the big-ass Download button below and I'll take you straight to the download page.

Tagged as: religion, Spirituality