Scientists Prove that All Religious Books Are Man-Made Nonsense

[writergal]

My family raised my siblings and I in the Roman Catholic faith. I think I have been an Atheist my entire life. Even thought I went through First Communion and Confirmation and Baptism...I never took it that seriously as a child (but hid my disbelief from my extremely religious parents). It wasn't until I had a panic attack in church that I decided to leave religion behind and become an Atheist.

 

I'm curious...does anyone else agree with me that all religious books and religion itself is a made made creation meant to 1) create meaning in life from chaos 2) use as a tool to control people's thoughts and behaviors to create a more civilized society. Would society be civilized if it just consisted of Atheists? I think so.

 

I found an article and video that I think support my belief that religion is man made nonsense.

 

Article: Scientists Prove That All Religious Books Are Man-Made Nonsense *

 

Video:

 

I'm sick and tired of religious people judging me because I don't believe in an afterlife (and I practice Buddhism which does believe in reincarnation) or a mono-theistic god. I don't think there is anything wrong with believing that science can prove everything and that one can be spiritual without being religious. My spirituality is based in science, in that our brain is responsible for a lot of religious or spiritual epiphanies and so everything we experience in life doesn't come from an outside source like a god, but is created by our brains, by us.

 

Illustration: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=110997741

Edited September 16, 2013 by writergal

[M30USA]

Your argument fails for one simple reason:

 

If the Church and the powers that be REALLY crafted the Bible for control, then explain why so many of Jesus' comments are unequivocally anti-establishment, anti-power (of man), and almost always pissed off the religious leaders of his time--and even today?

 

It's simple observations like this which easily destroy silly arguments such as the ones you've linked to.

[writergal]

M30USA the reason I can never discuss anything with you here is that you simply refuse to inform yourself of the other side. You're opinions are un-informed and one-sided.

 

I don't need to argue anything with you then. The scientists and professors who found the God particle in the brain pretty much seal my answer and you can't refute science my friend. Well, you try with Biblical passages and such, but that doesn't refute science. It just shows me that you like to quote Biblical passages a lot.

 

For once, just once, try to inform yourself of the other side and see the validity there. I don't believe in miracles but if you did that, then I just might because it would be a miracle if you actually stopped spouting Bible passages for once and just read what is posted, thought about it, and responded in kind. For example, "I read that link from NPR about the God Particle and disagree because..." If you can do that, wow, then we can have a real conversation because it shows you are capable of seeing both sides of an argument before you respond.

Edited September 16, 2013 by writergal

[M30USA]

M30USA the reason I can never discuss anything with you here is that you simply refuse to inform yourself of the other side. You're opinions are un-informed and one-sided.

 

I don't need to argue anything with you then. The scientists and professors who found the God particle in the brain pretty much seal my answer and you can't refute science my friend. Well, you try with Biblical passages and such, but that doesn't refute science. It just shows me that you like to quote Biblical passages a lot.

 

For once, just once, try to inform yourself of the other side and see the validity there. I don't believe in miracles but if you did that, then I just might because it would be a miracle if you actually stopped spouting Bible passages for once and just read what is posted, thought about it, and responded in kind. For example, "I read that link from NPR about the God Particle and disagree because..." If you can do that, wow, then we can have a real conversation because it shows you are capable of seeing both sides of an argument before you respond.

 

I'm uniformed of the other sides?

 

Ive read every major book of all world religions. I have a master of science degree. I don't think your claim holds up. Sure, I might be forceful with my opinions, but that is different from being uninformed.

[writergal]

I'm uniformed of the other sides?

 

Ive read every major book of all world religions. I have a master of science degree. I don't think your claim holds up. Sure, I might be forceful with my opinions, but that is different from being uninformed.

 

Read the links I posted then respond with an opinion. That's how most conversations work.

[happydate]

Your argument fails for one simple reason:

 

If the Church and the powers that be REALLY crafted the Bible for control, then explain why so many of Jesus' comments are unequivocally anti-establishment, anti-power (of man), and almost always pissed off the religious leaders of his time--and even today?

 

It's simple observations like this which easily destroy silly arguments such as the ones you've linked to.

 

There is a God, but it is not an external remote God. Jesus stated the Kingdom of God is within you. Thus according to his original teachings, one does not need an external mediator, an authority human figure including the hierachy of an external religion. This is the primary reason, as you stated, why the hierachy of the established religion of Jesus' time had Jesus killed. Aren't we today doing exactly the same, using our authority and power of human accomplishments in bible understanding against people who espouse a difference in opinion?

 

The external God is NOT an angry and judgemental God but a loving God.

Jesus said; "Fear not little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Receiving God's kingdom is not a matter of following external requirements like earning degrees in bible studies and knowledge but a matter of accepting it within oneself. Jesus always sought to bring about a change in consciousness rather than a change in outer behaviour.

 

Wasn't you who said it's wise to fear God?

 

Blessings..

[pteromom]

I'm curious...does anyone else agree with me that all religious books and religion itself is a made made creation meant to 1) create meaning in life from chaos 2) use as a tool to control people's thoughts and behaviors to create a more civilized society.

 

Possibly, yes. Possibly, no.

 

Would society be civilized if it just consisted of Atheists? I think so.

 

No. A % of people are always going to be selfish, cruel, bitter, and severely damaged, no matter what they believe about religion.

 

I'm sick and tired of religious people judging me because I don't believe in an afterlife (and I practice Buddhism which does believe in reincarnation) or a mono-theistic god. I don't think there is anything wrong with believing that science can prove everything and that one can be spiritual without being religious.

 

It doesn't really matter what other people think. If you are confident in your beliefs, you do not need validation from other people.

[happydate]

My family raised my siblings and I in the Roman Catholic faith. I think I have been an Atheist my entire life. Even thought I went through First Communion and Confirmation and Baptism...I never took it that seriously as a child (but hid my disbelief from my extremely religious parents). It wasn't until I had a panic attack in church that I decided to leave religion behind and become an Atheist.

 

I'm curious...does anyone else agree with me that all religious books and religion itself is a made made creation meant to 1) create meaning in life from chaos 2) use as a tool to control people's thoughts and behaviors to create a more civilized society. Would society be civilized if it just consisted of Atheists? I think so.

 

I found an article and video that I think support my belief that religion is man made nonsense.

 

Article: Scientists Prove That All Religious Books Are Man-Made Nonsense *

 

Video:

 

I'm sick and tired of religious people judging me because I don't believe in an afterlife (and I practice Buddhism which does believe in reincarnation) or a mono-theistic god. I don't think there is anything wrong with believing that science can prove everything and that one can be spiritual without being religious. My spirituality is based in science, in that our brain is responsible for a lot of religious or spiritual epiphanies and so everything we experience in life doesn't come from an outside source like a god, but is created by our brains, by us.

 

Illustration: Is This Your Brain On God? : NPR

 

It is your right to express your own opinion and embrace your own beliefs.

 

But God had always made it clear through the Parables of Talents. Those who embraced me and believe it me will have his talents multiplied and return. Those who do not believe in me as your God will not receive anything back. As a matter of fact, things will get worse rather than better.

 

Life is your report card. How is your life so far? Happy or miserable? Content or dissappointed? You can only look at your own life and how it has been treating you thus far. Religious people should be aware not to judge as God always said that before you judge someone, always look at the beam in your own eye. Matthew 7:15 has been very clear on this, but undoubtly some people believe discernment is actual judgement. And yet God also said that if you discern my laws, then you are the "judge" of the law and yet if you question my laws, you become the potential "judge" of the law.

There is the Law of Free Will that God won't interfere with. If your will is to not believe in God, then God won't appear. So in a way, you are right. There is no God as God merely respects his own laws. Only if you believe in God and that is your will is when he will appear in you.

 

What you are asking here is to ask God to violate his Law of Free Will to show his presence to you. Then the dark forces and evil spirits will all say that God himself is a hyprocrite; breaking his own law just to apeace you. This will never happen as God has always said, the "Road to hell is paved with good intentions!"

 

So if you want to know God, you must first believe in him. You must have faith. But this is the will you must decide to accept. No one here can force you to accept it for that they too can go down the road to hell even if their intentions are good.

[M30USA]

There is a God, but it is not an external remote God. Jesus stated the Kingdom of God is within you. Thus according to his original teachings, one does not need an external mediator, an authority human figure including the hierachy of an external religion. This is the primary reason, as you stated, why the hierachy of the established religion of Jesus' time had Jesus killed. Aren't we today doing exactly the same, using our authority and power of human accomplishments in bible understanding against people who espouse a difference in opinion?

 

The external God is NOT an angry and judgemental God but a loving God.

Jesus said; "Fear not little flock, for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Receiving God's kingdom is not a matter of following external requirements like earning degrees in bible studies and knowledge but a matter of accepting it within oneself. Jesus always sought to bring about a change in consciousness rather than a change in outer behaviour.

 

Wasn't you who said it's wise to fear God?

 

Blessings..

 

If God is not an external, remote God as you say, then how do you explain the fact that Revelation says Jesus Christ will come in the sky and clouds in great glory, where "every eye shall SEE him", and where the wicked will literally run for the mountains and caves, begging for the mountains to fall on them and hide them from Christ?

[writergal]

You know it'd be nice if just once, just once people would respond to my post and links so a two-way conversation in the religon/spirituality forum is possible.

 

I didn't post those links for myself; I posted them to start a conversation about the information in the links.

 

Lesson learned.

[happydate]

If God is not an external, remote God as you say, then how do you explain the fact that Revelation says Jesus Christ will come in the sky and clouds in great glory, where "every eye shall SEE him", and where the wicked will literally run for the mountains and caves, begging for the mountains to fall on them and hide them from Christ?

 

Very good. The external God is a problem solver, and the people are the ones with the problem as illustrated in the Revelation you beautifully quoted. Yet, this is an example of the Catholic belief that all people are born in sin and need absolution from their sin and need absolution from their sins. Yet interesting enough, this absolution must be administered by the external religion, making people's salvation dependent on their obedience to its leaders, the very same people who had Jesus killed.

 

Blessings.

[writergal]

Since you all feel the need to deflect and avoid the information in the links I posted, I don't see that a two-way conversation with any of you is possible.

 

Would be great if someone would directly respond. Otherwise, I'm done here.

[happydate]

Since you all feel the need to deflect and avoid the information in the links I posted, I don't see that a two-way conversation with any of you is possible.

 

Would be great if someone would directly respond. Otherwise, I'm done here.

 

Modern science proved that the Earth was not flat nor was the center of the Universe which disproved the claims made by medieval Church at the time. Science can only address the physical material aspect, thus it's getting better at addressing the spiritual side too. Ultimately, you are asking us how can we measure "faith" and the priests who claimed religion espouse fear cling to an outer doctrine, an outer teaching where they believe an external saviour will cleanse our sins. I'm sure you're doubting this.

 

You can not train yourself to have faith. Faith comes from being blessed by the Holy Spirit. It is this experience that make us believe in God, but you must have the will to believe in him before you can be blessed. So it's like a chicken and egg thing. I am not sure if I can answer any more questions without going further and violating anymore Law of Free Will. I respect your will to become an Athiest and your freedom of expression and desires. This is your right. But I also like you to examine your life. Has life gotten better for you since you adopted being an Athiest? Has life been much better than any other religious people around you. If that is the case, then you are living a full life. But something is missing correct? Or you wouldn't be posting this..

 

Blessings.

[KathyM]

Where's the research with proof? What you've posted is only the writer's opinion, and gives no research or proof of anything. No one is stating that the books of the Bible were written by God. We are stating that they were inspired by God, written in man's words, but with accounts of what Jesus actually stated, reported on by men who were his disciples or who knew him.

 

What you've posted is no proof of anything. Just one writer's opinion. Everyone has to decide for themselves what is adequate "proof" for their beliefs that they hold. Or decide to believe through faith alone. I've had enough proof in my own life and the lives of people I know personally to have come to the conclusion that Christianity is valid, God is real.

[writergal]

Where's the research with proof? What you've posted is only the writer's opinion, and gives no research or proof of anything. No one is stating that the books of the Bible were written by God. We are stating that they were inspired by God, written in man's words, but with accounts of what Jesus actually stated, reported on by men who were his disciples or who knew him.

 

What you've posted is no proof of anything. Just one writer's opinion. Everyone has to decide for themselves what is adequate "proof" for their beliefs that they hold. Or decide to believe through faith alone. I've had enough proof in my own life and the lives of people I know personally to have come to the conclusion that Christianity is valid, God is real.

 

There is direct proof so you didn't actually open and read the links I posted.

 

Scientists discovered these things and wrote about them. There's the proof right there!! See the links!! Are dose that threaten your faith? To know that the god particle is actually created by the brain?!

 

Why are religious people so close minded to discussion? I was hoping some Atheists would jump in to this thread and help me out but that's not gonna happen.

 

All any of you've done is prove that you are not capable of two-way discussions.

 

That is painfully clear.

[GorillaTheater]

All any of you've done is prove that you are not capable of two-way discussions.

 

That is painfully clear.

 

What's painfully clear is that you're far more interested in people opening your goddamn (if you'll pardon the expression) links than in having a two-way discussion.

[happydate]

writegal, I read the article before commenting so I do somewhat agree with the research. But please put things in perspective here first.

 

The research did not mention which bible or scriptures they had examined. Perhaps they should be more clear and precise?

 

Modern Christianity came about from traditional Judaism. The original scriptures were written in Hebrew and NOT English.

 

When the scriptures were translated from Hebrew to Latin and and then eventually to English, undoubtly there are going to be some costume drama involved and translation error.

Language is a limited set of vocabulary and reflect the advance in the culture of the people. There are going to be some things in one culture that can not be authentically translated 100% to another culture much the same as writings in Chinese isn't going to be translated 100% accurately to English, because there are somethings in the Chinese culture that don't exist in Anglosaxon culture, but translated to give the reader an equivalent feeling and understanding that what they can understand in another culture.

This is the same with the bible.

 

Another concern is when was the bible written? It's written in a culture that's like 2000 + years ago. Let me give you an example of Jesus' teachings that confuses a lot of people. It's in regards to marriage and divorces. Jesus championed marriage and frown on divorces because 2000 + years ago, women rights were basically non-existent. So when women were divorced and left abandoned, they have little means of survival. 2000+ years ago, it was mainly a man's society where men dictate the rules and women take the back seat. The teachings then reflect that even the marriages aren't perfect, it is the duty of a Christian man to take care of his wife and keep the marriage as long as he can and take care of his wife. Make sense and this is what Jesus wants his disciples to follow. That was then.

 

In the modern 21st century, women rights are clear. Women are independent, capable of making their own living and need no dependence from their men which are vastly different than women 2000 + years ago. Therefore, it makes teachings of Jesus 2000+ years ago seemed archaic. Why would I be in a unhappy marriage with my man but is forced by Church to stay married because I would be violating scriptures. This is a debate that is on going.

 

There are also references in the bible that through translation error confuses Jesus with Lucifer too.

 

Same thing with segragation with our American history. If you look at the writings in the past, Blacks go to colored only washrooms and colored only restaurants. If you tell Obama to go to a colored washroom to relief himself today because that's what past America had done to blacks, I bet he would laugh at you.

[KathyM]

There is direct proof so you didn't actually open and read the links I posted.

 

Scientists discovered these things and wrote about them. There's the proof right there!! See the links!! Are dose that threaten your faith? To know that the god particle is actually created by the brain?!

 

Why are religious people so close minded to discussion? I was hoping some Atheists would jump in to this thread and help me out but that's not gonna happen.

 

All any of you've done is prove that you are not capable of two-way discussions.

 

That is painfully clear.

I've read your links. That was no proof. That was the writer's opinion, and one former priest giving his opinion. That doesn't threaten my beliefs whatsoever. Let me ask you this. If you experienced miracles in your life and the lives of people you know, that could have no possible explanation other than being a miracle, and was the direct result of prayer, coming sometimes immediately after prayer, would you not be compelled to believe in God? That's the situation I'm in. I've seen enough evidence IRL to convince me that God is real. I don't need scientific proof, although there are mathematicians and scientists who also believe there is scientific proof of God's existence. I believe there is that also, but I don't need science to prove that to me. I've seen enough proof in my own life in order to believe.

[writergal]

I didn't come here to discuss scripture or bible passages or faith or miracles. So please stop polluting this thread with that nonsense as it doesn't relate to what I posted about.

 

The title of my thread "Is this your brain on god" is also the title of this interactive illustration that discusses in fragments, what scientists discovered about the brain and how it creates belief systems, which include religious belief systems. That should clue you in as to what I was interested in talking about here.

 

Is This Your Brain On God? : NPR

 

Therefore, my post is about what the links on the NPR website suggest: does the human brain create god? Is there a god particle? Yes or no, and why? If you are going to use biblical passages to answer that question, please just leave the bible out of this thread. Okay? Do me that favor. I'm not going to address the bible period. It's irrelevant to my post.

 

 

If you click on each index on the brain illustration, each index is linked to scientific neuro-pharmacological research on brain chemicals and how those chemicals create the delusion of god (or that's what scientists think).

 

I was just interested in hearing from people their reaction to what scientists think about how the human brain may create the delusion of god. That does not require any support from bible passages. It just requires people interested in this question, to look through the links I provide that has the information I found, that addresses the god delusion.

 

If all you want to do is argue biblical passages or attack me for posting links or being an Atheist, then you're off topic.

Edited September 16, 2013 by writergal

[M30USA]

I didn't come here to discuss scripture or bible passages or faith or miracles. So please stop polluting this thread with that nonsense as it doesn't relate to what I posted about.

 

So if that's your opinion of Scripture, why even bother quoting Jesus when he said that the kingdom of heaven is "within you"? Sounds like you're quoting something which you believe has no validity in order to validate your viewpoint.

 

BTW, the verse from Luke 17:21 where Jesus talks about the kingdom of heaven is ambiguous in the translation. It can equally mean "among you" or "in your midst". Many theologians believe this was a direct reference to himself--since he is God, the kingdom was technically among them or in their midst.

[HokeyReligions]

Believe what you want. But understand this. Your shoving athiestic crap down the throats of those who believe in God is no different than zealots shoving their beliefs down yours.

 

Science and religion can and do exist together. I can find or engineer studies that will support that all pink eyed goats are dieties to be worshipped and I guarantee I will find followers who will blindly follow the doctrine I create and others who will use my research to support their own claims.

 

Are you looking for some kind of reassurance that these sites you linked are proof positive of your beliefs? Well they are if you believe it but don't try to convince everyone else. You won't succeed.

[OpenBook]

I'd be more impressed if their "research paper" stuck to the facts and utilized scientific methods, data, and jargon. Instead I'm seeing lots of use of the words "nonsense," "sham," "delusional," "madness" - all judgment calls based on emotion. Clearly the authors had a specific agenda. Where's the science??

 

The NPR source is more science-based, but I still don't see any proof backing up what they're claiming. Just various maps of the brain and measurements of the effects of drugs, epilepsy, meditation, etc. on it. How does that prove religion is a sham? I don't get it.

 

I do like what one of the professors in the NPR link said: "Devinksy says that feelings akin to spirituality are reproducible in the brain. But he acknowledges that does not preclude the possibility of real religious experience."

 

And as a Christian + a rational human being, I must also acknowledge that yes it is possible my beliefs could be based on a complete fantasy, wishful thinking, and lies. But you know what - it's my only hope, the only thing that works for me in this life. And believe me I've tried just about everything else. This is the only ship that sails straight from my harbor (thank you Wynonna!!).

 

And besides, if there really is no God - and no rhyme or reason to all the extraordinary life and death and pain and joy and sadness and beauty swirling around us & throughout the universe - then we should all just hang it up right now. Because what's the point?

[M30USA]

And as a Christian + a rational human being, I must also acknowledge that yes it is possible my beliefs could be based on a complete fantasy, wishful thinking, and lies. But you know what - it's my only hope, the only thing that works for me in this life. And believe me I've tried just about everything else.

 

As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom [else] shall we go? You alone have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66-69)

[pie2]

It wasn't until I had a panic attack in church that I decided to leave religion behind and become an Atheist.

 

I'm sorry you had a panic attack; it must have been quite frightening.

 

I'm curious...does anyone else agree with me that all religious books and religion itself is a made made creation meant to 1) create meaning in life from chaos 2) use as a tool to control people's thoughts and behaviors to create a more civilized society.

 

I don't agree with you, in that your sentiment seems to be primarily anti-God, anti-religion, pro-atheism.

 

I do, however, think that the vast majority of religious books are manmade, and are used as a tool to control people's thoughts/behaviors. I don't think most religious books aim to create a more civilized society...I think a more ulterior motive is usually at hand. For example, Scientology, Mormonism, Satanism, and countless other "fringe" groups follow the teachings of something "man made" as they are following books NOT inspired by God.

 

Of course, as a Christian, I think the bible is the inspired word of God. It was written by man, but inspired by a higher power. But, I think God has sent these writings and, in part, they try do just what you mentioned: illustrate some of the meaning amid the chaos, and try to create a more civilized society.

 

Would society be civilized if it just consisted of Atheists?

 

I don't think so.

 

I found an article and video that I think support my belief that religion is man made nonsense.

 

Article: Scientists Prove That All Religious Books Are Man-Made Nonsense *

 

Video:

 

writergal, these are not reputable sources. You said you found evidence that supports your belief. I think you should aim to look at all the evidence you can find, and come to your own conclusions. You're showing unashamed perceptual bias here. Not to mention that the fact that you're stressing the importance of scientific proof, yet using op-ed/blog-type articles and youtube videos....:confused:.

 

I'm sick and tired of religious people judging me

 

Hate to break it to you, but ALL people are going to pass judgment of you at some time or another. Just a fact of life.

 

I practice Buddhism which does believe in reincarnation

 

Why do you practice Buddhism? You seem to have such a high standard for scientific evidence of God. But, if you think there is no God, why are you adhering to a religious practice that stresses the importance of achieving self-actualization in regards to the afterlife? There is absolutely no "scientific" backing to your beliefs.

 

I don't think there is anything wrong with believing that science can prove everything and that one can be spiritual without being religious. My spirituality is based in science, in that our brain is responsible for a lot of religious or spiritual epiphanies and so everything we experience in life doesn't come from an outside source like a god, but is created by our brains, by us.

 

I don't understand this. "Spiritual" is a direct reference to the intangible and immaterial and refers to God or the soul. Brain patterns are not spiritual at all. That's not a spiritual experience. Maybe a pleasurable, or a pseudo-spiritual experience, but not actually spiritual.

 

............

 

writergal, these debates have been happening since the beginning of recorded history. I imagine that the debate will never end until God has returned, and his work is completed with us on earth.

[Robert Z]

Therefore, my post is about what the links on the NPR website suggest: does the human brain create god?

 

Just because the human brain can create false beliefs, we cannot infer that all beliefs are false.

 

Many people live with the delusion that some group is out to get them. It is a mental problem. Then again, some people believe the Mexican drug cartels are out to get them, and they are correct.

 

Is there a god particle? Yes or no, and why?

 

This entire notion of "the God particle" is nonsense. That was a phrase coined by the media and the existence of the Higgs Boson or lack thereof has nothing to do with issues of a deity. It is a particle that must exist if the standard particle model in physics is correct.

 

It can never be proven that there is no God or that all faith-based beliefs are false. Any claim otherwise is itself crackpottery as it violates fundamental logic - a universal negative can never be proven.

 

All that can be done is to argue the specifics, such as, the Bible claims the Earth is so many thousands of years old but we have overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary.

 

Conversely, since the belief in a God assumes omnipotence, one can always argue that God is just tricking the naïve scientists.

 

It's a no win argument. Faith cannot be defeated with logic or evidence because there are no logical requirements for faith to exist.

Edited September 17, 2013 by Robert Z