So says Sir Elton John. While I'm not entirely in favor of any particular religion and admittedly that Sir Elton does make a point about religious intolerance of homosexuality in general, I would certainly rebuff that ban on religions. This is the kind of stuff that fuels the right-wing wackos like Bill O'Lie-ly, who will certainly say that this is further evidence of the "secular progressive movement".

I just think that is an extreme point of view on the far left, maybe a little too extreme. Maybe we should thank God that Sir Elton isn't a world leader.

I think it's time for Sir Elton's annual rant. Didn't he go off on Madona about a year ago, for no apparent reason? Wasn't it about two years ago at this time that American Idol was deemed racist? Time for a meds review, Sir Elton.

I like Elton and I'm glad he speaks his mind. He says what a lot of people are feeling but are too afraid to say.

Please -

Elton has a point. Certainly most organized religions have leaderships that fails to 'walk the walk' despite all their talk.

Unfortunately there are a lot of false prophets out there who miserably fail their commission, and end up provoking more violence and hatred, discrimination and discord.

And yes - a lot of people will take his remarks out of context and blow them out of proportion.

That doesn't mean he should keep silent.

I don't totally agree - or disagree - with him, but he certainly has a right to speak what he thinks.

Maybe it will make someone out there think twice - I doubt it - but just maybe.

Rob

Well it would be impossible to ban because it's undefinable. Religion has so many shapes and forms. Just check out all the applications for faith-based funding.

However if people could get pass the whole "Great Creator - God-Fearing" crapola, there would be a lot less fear in the world and therefore a lot less intolerance and more shiny happy people. I'm for that.

Perhaps Ms. Elton should have said: Ban religion, but embrace spirituality...

That would have gone over better & I would have agreed.

Organized religion calls for the cessation of critical and individual thinking. Free will, truth, and knowledge are powerful things; thus, organized religion fears them all.

Props to Elton! I surely can't disagree with his assessment.

I would say, maybe... Ban ORGANISED religion.

The truth is that religions have also been one of the great civilizing influences on humanity. For every one single religious nut or false prophet out there , there are hundreds of preists, ministers, and of course laity who do tremendous things for society.

Can you even have Spirituality without Religion?

Rob

All good points ITJock. The ques re: spitituality w/out religion is a fascinating one. I guess when I think of religion I think of oppressive dogmatic institutions. I guess you can have religious institutions that approach spiritual questions non-oppressively & w/ open-ended-questions. I have learned that one must approach spirituality & the complex ques of the existance of God from a Living in the Mysteries RATHER than Living in the Knowing. The more I've learned, the greater the mystery becomes. It's almost a paradox per se because we are programmed to believe that on any subject (religion in particular) that The More You Learn, the Less the Mysteries Become. Thankfully, I can say that I do know many spiritual mentors that I look up to (both personally & via their writings) that fit that category. The truth is however, I don't have a PhD on the subject & I'm humbly thinking off the top of my layman's head.

Typos, ugh!

Unfortunately, banning religion doesn't work. Religion/spirituality is a persistent belief in things for which there is absolutely no evidence. It includes Christianity, belief in ghosts, the predictive powers Marxism, and leprechauns. The most effective tool against religion is old-fashioned critical thinking skills. These skills, however, seem to be alarming absent in those who need them the most. If your neighbors' dog tells you to kill people, it is instantly recognized as insanity. If Jesus tells you to picket funerals, it is spiritual. The main difference between the two is that Harvey, the dog who gave the instructions to David Berkowitz, actually existed.

I imagine it was John Lennon who sang it better.

Some religions encourage critical thought, like Unitarian-Universalism, which is a Christian faith, right? Not all organized religion is bad, but the extremist, exclusivist, chauvinistic versions are almost universally bad, especially when they get tied up with nationalism of any sort.

I'm glad Sir Elton spoke his mind. I don't agree with him, but it's his right. He might want to think things out a bit more clearly before spouting, but as someone else noted, this is an annual thing. Always was and always will be quite a character.

Almost all powerful organizations fear critical and individual thinking. Most religions tend to reinforce the status quo, which is not always a bad thing as it promotes social stability. Therefore, except in cases where the religion is imported from a different society, religion typically reinforces and perpetuates prejudices that already exist in the society, rather than creating new ones.

Toys for Tots rejects 4000 Jesus Dolls

What little Jewish kid wouldn't want a Jesus doll that says, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."?

I'm starting to lean on Elton's side...

HAHA! I hate it when I'm right about the predictable. Yesterday, Sir Elton's tirade was indeed fodder for our friend Bill O'Lie-ly. Just had to remind everyone how predictable and pedantic the extreme right can be.

The fabulous and talented Elton John has a point. If we could just ban religion, we could convert all the mosques and churhces into gay bars? Good thinking, Elton!

Wtf? Ok, as an educator I couldn't disagree more.

LOL.. my sentence came out TOTALLY wrong.. i apologize.

I don't believe that critical thinking is wrong, in fact i believe the opposite.
I guess i was thinking something and it didn't come out written as i wanted to.

My thought was that usually in religions, it's not encouraged to question one's god (or gods),
or the values and writings that are the foundation of those religions.

I believe critical thinking and questioning are very important and good for personal development.

I'm against banning religions (i'm against banning most things, i don't believe it's the solution), and believe education should be encouraged.
Sorry again for the confusion, i should have re-read.

i'll delete the original post, it makes no sense.

No need to apologize SteffQC, I was just making a stmt, nothing against you.