Religion retards scientific disovery?

[Joemailman]

As a Catholic, I would argue that it is not so much religion (Catholicism, in my case) that stifles spirituality. What often stifles spiritual growth is secular and political concerns that often cause people to disregard what their religious faith should be telling them. Pope John Paul II was bitterly opposed to the invasion of Iraq, and the invasion did not meet the Catholic Church's requirements of Just War Doctrine. Most Catholics however, disregarded the Church's stance on the war, and were swayed by the drumbeat for war by the secular press.

It is a tendency to be swayed by secular and political concerns and judgments (War is necessary, abortion is choice, capital punishment is deterrence) that causes Catholics to ignore their religion and turn away from spirituality.

APB's views on the rigidity of the Catholic Church seem a bit pre-Vatican II to me. Things are not as rigid as they once were, although there are conservative sects within the Church who would like to go back to what they regard as the good old days. Yes the bishops can seem a bit rigid, but they are not the only voice of the Church. John Dear, a Jesuit priest, author and peace activist has a considerable following and has been nominated for a Nobel Peace prize. Dorothy Day, who co-founded the Catholic Worker movement, may be canonized a Saint some day, These are strong spiritual voices who are also very much Catholic.

[australianpackerbacker]

Quote:
all i have to do is believe in Him and i will have eternal life in heaven, right?


No.

You know what i mean, not in that sense, just trying to exxagerate it a little.

Quote:
It does not take you anywhere spiritual-wise, because that is not in its design, the way in which it is set up is to hold you down.


Disagree whole-heartedly, but I've never been Catholic. Maybe to those 95% of people you talk about. (I don't think the number is 95%, but it's probably a much bigger percentage than most people would care to admit.)

Yes the number is probably not that high, but a good majority of them are exactly as described.

[/quote]I always find it interesting and disheartening to find so many people that grew up in the Catholic faith that have turned from Jesus Christ completely. I guess I should be thankful that I grew up in an agnostic family and came to know Christ on my own.

It is clear to me Harvey, that we have a different meaning for the terms "religious" and "spiritual". What im trying to say to you is that there is a level of spirituality that is attainable, that goes beyond any level religion claims to have. I am not trying to degrade your beliefs, im just trying to make you aware of the fact that you can get more than you are currently getting by exploring other avenues, that doesnt mean you have to give up Jesus Christ, people seem to think that there is only one way, but different people are more receptive to different kinds of paths of information.

By the way, i dont mean to say that a God does not exist, like i said in my previous post, the religion itself is fairly good in its message and there is plenty of truth to it. But the people that run it and the intention for which it was created should lead people to be skeptical. God exists, so take it easy, enjoy your life, live it to the full and dont get too caught up in the small time game that these elitists are currently playing with us.

Peace and much love

[australianpackerbacker]

[As a Catholic, I would argue that it is not so much religion (Catholicism, in my case) that stifles spirituality. What often stifles spiritual growth is secular and political concerns that often cause people to disregard what their religious faith should be telling them.

Yes there is truth to that as well, but in my opinion for secular and political concerns to arise one probably does not have an appropriate view of the situation, or knowledge(through either ignorance of opinion, or some form of negative reaction that stifles the clear thoughts), so one must do their own research into the matter, but 95% of people believe the media are being honest around 80% of the time, whereas realistically it is more like 25/75. Still, at the end of the day know one held a gun to your head and forced you to vote this way or that. Its still up to the individual.

Pope John Paul II was bitterly opposed to the invasion of Iraq, and the invasion did not meet the Catholic Church's requirements of Just War Doctrine. Most Catholics however, disregarded the Church's stance on the war, and were swayed by the drumbeat for war by the secular press.

If you dig a little deeper you will find that the Catholic Church was a fairly big player in this whole game, but its up to you to find out that information on your own, i do not want to be the cultivator of bad fruit.

John Dear, a Jesuit priest, author and peace activist has a considerable following and has been nominated for a Nobel Peace prize. Dorothy Day, who co-founded the Catholic Worker movement, may be canonized a Saint some day, These are strong spiritual voices who are also very much Catholic.

Yes this is the extreme minority of people that i was talking about, the 5%! They are the pinoeers of the future, a future that can exist with or without religion. 5% is not nearly good enough however, considering the other 90%-95% of people that lose there way along their own journey.

Peace and much love