I believe (in the words of Richard Dawkins) that religion is 'the root of all evil'.

REPENT

I believe (in the words of Richard Dawkins) that religion is 'the root of all evil'.
I aggre.
REPENT
NO WAY.

It's hard for me to reply to this correctly, the way I see it, because it contradicts your statement in some eyes, and agrees in others.
So...
If religion is good, then good is the root of all evil, which is something I've always believed; this is because evil is basic instinct, while good is a behavior developed to counter this instinct.
But, you assume religion to be bad *I think*, which would mean evil is the root of all evil, and I don't think it's possible for something to be the root of itself.

religious fundamentalism = horrible
religion itself is a pretty terrible thing in most cases, giving people fear and cause for hatred, where-as spiritualism(believing in a god) isnt a bad thing at all

the problem arises from the teaching(in most religions) that all other religions are inherently wrong and are to be punished(in this life or the next) and provides justification of "sinful" acts against other religions simply because they are following a different beliefs system

religion breeds only bigotry and distrust, where-as spiritualism gives a since of meaning and hope(in some cases its the same as religion[defined as a grouping of spiritualists])

in essence, what im saying is, believing in a god is not a bad thing, believing that youre god is, and could only be, the only true god is always a bad thing
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It's hard for me to reply to this correctly, the way I see it, because it contradicts your statement in some eyes, and agrees in others.
So...
If religion is good, then good is the root of all evil, which is something I've always believed; this is because evil is basic instinct, while good is a behavior developed to counter this instinct.
But, you assume religion to be bad *I think*, which would mean evil is the root of all evil, and I don't think it's possible for something to be the root of itself.

if you believe good behavior is taught in contrast to a natural inclination to be "evil" then i believe you have some serious psychological issues that need to be evaluated, most people are inherently good, and wish only to treat others in a decent way, those who believe otherwise are sociopaths who lack the "instinct" of knowing what is "good" and what is "evil" because they lack natural empathy for others

religion is not the root of all evil, merely gives justification for evil acts on the basis of divine cause

Religion, Power, and Possession all cause evil.

if you believe good behavior is taught in contrast to a natural inclination to be "evil" then i believe you have some serious psychological issues that need to be evaluated, most people are inherently good, and wish only to treat others in a decent way, those who believe otherwise are sociopaths who lack the "instinct" of knowing what is "good" and what is "evil" because they lack natural empathy for others
religion is not the root of all evil, merely gives justification for evil acts on the basis of divine cause
The natural instinct of every creature is to survive and reproduce; I at first thought 'evil', because people try to save themselves quite often. However, some people jump in and try to save the others, which is good. I suppose that natural instinct is different in some people after some thought.
Though, for future reference, I am slightly sociopathic *or so I'm told*.

Y'know what else is the root of all evil?




Rosie O'Donnel

People is the root of all evil, because we are the only species to have invented the term.

Envy, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Wrath, and Sloth are the roots to evil.

People is the root of all evil, because we are the only species to have invented the term.
We'll ignore the fact that animals of other species kill their own kind for the purposes of self-advancement and gain.

We'll ignore the fact that animals of other species kill their own kind for the purposes of self-advancement and gain.

youre gonna need citation for that one, as far as i know its extremely rare for animals to actually kill for any other reason than to eat, they do fight, but rarely kill

I'd probably use the Theory of Evolution, but it's a theory so I'm not so sure that it would be a good reason to prove whether or not animals do happen to kill their own kind.However, there are times where an animal might kill its own species to live on.

youre gonna need citation for that one, as far as i know its extremely rare for animals to actually kill for any other reason than to eat, they do fight, but rarely kill
n 1998, researchers in Uganda saw a group of male chimpanzees beating on and swaggering around another male chimp’s freshly killed body. Its windpipe, fingernails and testicles were torn out.
More of the article can be found here. (http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050209_warfrm.htm) I'm sure other creatures do it as well, but I'm not positive. When I wrote my comment earlier, Chimps were the first thing to come to mind.

I didn't say that other species don't things that we humans might consider evil, but other species have not invented the term, most other species do not have a separation between what it right and wrong, they only think of what they need to survive.

I'd probably use the Theory of Evolution, but it's a theory so I'm not so sure that it would be a good reason to prove whether or not animals do happen to kill their own kind.However, there are times where an animal might kill its own species to live on.


theory of evolution?

for the sake of quoting a show i almost never watch(south park) "you do realize its pretty much been proven, right?"

the only supposed "hole" in the "theory" of evolution is at the bacterial level where the seems to be "irreversibly complex" biological constructions, which anyone who thoroughly studies evolution realizes there is nothing irreversibly complex, and that bacteria have had a hell of a lot of time to work things out

other than that, evolution has been proven, the entire timeline of human evolution has been mapped out, if you feel its a theory, you need to do more research, i recomend the book Quantum Evolution by Johnjoe Mcfadden
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More of the article can be found here. (http://www.world-science.net/exclusives/050209_warfrm.htm) I'm sure other creatures do it as well, but I'm not positive. When I wrote my comment earlier, Chimps were the first thing to come to mind.


of course, the only example that you could find was chimps, the closest human relatives

Actually, I was short on time this morning; that was about five minutes before I had to go to work, and the first thing that stuck out in my mind. And what prevents me from such now is I promised my sister I'd let her on in just a few minutes. I'll Google up some more stuff later though, since you're all apparently too lazy to do your own research. <- Joke, don't get too pissy.
XP

actually, ive been trying to, i dont know what youve been using to search, but i cant find shit on the subject, except that dolphins occasionally seem to kill for fun

Just like us.

theory of evolution?
for the sake of quoting a show i almost never watch(south park) "you do realize its pretty much been proven, right?"
the only supposed "hole" in the "theory" of evolution is at the bacterial level where the seems to be "irreversibly complex" biological constructions, which anyone who thoroughly studies evolution realizes there is nothing irreversibly complex, and that bacteria have had a hell of a lot of time to work things out
other than that, evolution has been proven, the entire timeline of human evolution has been mapped out, if you feel its a theory, you need to do more research, i recomend the book Quantum Evolution by Johnjoe Mcfadden
I don't like using the Theory of Evolution very much because some people here actually think the Theory of Evolution is wrong. Some of them also feel so strongly about it that a very big arguement will start in this thread about Evolution and it can go on for a very long time when we were first talking about the "Root of all Evil". Nevertheless, I think the Theory of Evolution is reasonable enough to prove why animals fight or even kill their own kind.

I don't think it's possible for something to be the root of itself.

What about the number 1?
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People is the root of all evil, because we are the only species to have invented the term.

I think we can all agree that humanity's sense of "right and wrong" is what sets us apart from other forms of life. Human beings have the ability to think outside our basic natural instincts... we possess self-awareness, creative thought, and a need to express ourselves... that is not present in other animals. That's undeniable. So do you believe that human consciousness is a result of evolution as well? Do you think that a being with creative thought can arise from a being without it?

If so, then consciousness is just an illusion. It is nothing but a higher and more complex form of organized matter. Humans are nothing more than biological machines and our thoughts are far from original or creative. Our actions, feelings, beliefs, including our thoughts on "right and wrong"...they are just a result of random neurons firing off in our brains, predetermined by nature. So morals, as well, are just an illusion.

Also, the concept of "survival of the fittest" means that a man killing another man is no different than a lion killing an antelope... its just a means of survival and propogating one's own genes... so who's to say it's wrong? Hitler decided that he wanted to exterminate anyone he didn't like, so on what basis would an evolutionist say he was wrong? Society says murder is wrong, but society changes. So really there is no such thing as absolute morals, there is no such thing as morals at all, there is only nature.

Just something to think about ;)

Seven, you proved my root thing wrong on a mathematical level, yeah, but it's much complicated philosophically. Also, you pointed out something that I wanted to point out; the commonly over-looked violence in animals.

actually, ive been trying to, i dont know what youve been using to search, but i cant find shit on the subject, except that dolphins occasionally seem to kill for fun
While it's unusual for animals to kill for fun, they kill each other all the time, even within their own species. Usually it's for the matter of survival of self or family, or because they're an intruder. We overlook this, and think of it as the animal's everyday life.
One male lion walks upon another's pride; the two fight, one possibly dies. We observe this, and dismiss it as normal.
One male human walks upon another's 'turf'; the two fight, one possibly dies. We observe this, and call it evil, and a crime.

I'd also like to go back to my original theory that evil is instinct while good is learned behavior. Think back to when you were a kid; a child's basic thought process is "me, me, me". They do everthing for themselves, and randomly harm other things, because they don't know it's wrong to do so. But their parents and others catch these actions, and instill a sense of right and wrong in them by telling them not to do such things.

The challenge staaaaaaaaaaaaaands.

Oh, i see how it is now. I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL AT HIGH NOON

Fortunately for you, I'M STILL STAAAAAAAANDIIIIIIIING.

Also, I forgot to mention earlier that, a normal person would observe the lion's behavior as natural, and for survival; but for some people, thats the only way they can survive too.

All I meant is what I said, we consider there to be a difference between what is right and what is wrong, but it depends on what your point of view is. How can something be evil if you don't see any difference between good and evil?

Diet Poop my last post wasn't directed specifically at you. I was just using your post as a reference point. Sorry I didn't clarify that

Seven, you proved my root thing wrong on a mathematical level, yeah, but it's much complicated philosophically. Also, you pointed out something that I wanted to point out; the commonly over-looked violence in animals.
While it's unusual for animals to kill for fun, they kill each other all the time, even within their own species. Usually it's for the matter of survival of self or family, or because they're an intruder. We overlook this, and think of it as the animal's everyday life.
One male lion walks upon another's pride; the two fight, one possibly dies. We observe this, and dismiss it as normal.
.

the operative word in your lion analogy is that one MIGHT die, its still actually very rare for them to kill one another, self-preservation and talking an axe to your coworkers forehead are very different
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also, even in the human world, i dont deem self-preservation as evil, and when children commit "evil" acts(such as killing a cat, or something of that nature) they are usually exploring their conscience and end up realizing what they did was a mistake through their own regret, and not because of punishment

Alright, I did a quick Google on "animals that kill for fun", and within minutes heard of foxes, dogs, cats, mackarel *against their young*, and other various animals killing for fun. Just thought I'd point that out right fast.

self-preservation and talking an axe to your coworkers forehead are very different
I never tried to point out that there was a difference in why or how one kills, but yes, you are right.
when children commit "evil" acts(such as killing a cat, or something of that nature) they are usually exploring their conscience and end up realizing what they did was a mistake through their own regret
But then that is a self-taught behavior, which goes further to show that good is a learned behavior, rather than a natural instinct.

Alright, I did a quick Google on "animals that kill for fun", and within minutes heard of foxes, dogs, cats, mackarel *against their young*, and other various animals killing for fun. Just thought I'd point that out right fast.
I never tried to point out that there was a difference in why or how one kills, but yes, you are right.
But then that is a self-taught behavior, which goes further to show that good is a learned behavior, rather than a natural instinct.

well, if you consider that they didnt have the conscience before they did(the evil act), which i believe they did(have a conscience), and just hadnt felt its effects

and if you found so many results, where are the links? below is the URL of the search, and im not finding any, i made it to page 8 before getting bored and going back to chatting on AIM, where did you find these allusive stories?

http://www.google.com/search?q=animals+that+kill+for+fun&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Put it in quotes.

did you actually read those????? theyre all forum posts with no scientific evidence to back them up

Yeah, I know. If you read my post carefully, it says I heard of such things; not that it's absolutely, 100% truth. Though, I know for a fact that my cat kills for fun, so it's very possible for other creatures like him to do the same.

My dog killed a bird because the bird irritated him.

He doesn't do anything with it. He kills it, and finds something else to do.

That's a bit of an overgeneralization...

Over generalizations are good.

Because I feel like being an ass...

RANDOM STUFF ABOUT MALE GENITALIA AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION!

Because I feel like being an ass...
RANDOM STUFF ABOUT MALE GENITALIA AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION!
=o
*Applause*

lol lesbens r grozz

Because I feel like being an ass...
RANDOM STUFF ABOUT MALE GENITALIA AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION!
uh, i think this should be deleted, hes obviously not following the rules

It's a joke, go have a sook.

uh, i think this should be deleted, hes obviously not following the rules
Telling by the huge text and everything, he's obviously screwing around. But sooner or later, Napalm will delete this. So you don't have to say anything.

uh, i think this should be deleted, hes obviously not following the rules


Yet you yell when Napalm deletes your posts?

Yet you yell when Napalm deletes your posts?


wow, sarcasm eludes you
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Telling by the huge text and everything, he's obviously screwing around. But sooner or later, Napalm will delete this. So you don't have to say anything.

ok, the 12 yr old i can understand not seeing sarcasm, but youre 16...

And what are you, 21? And you're still on a forum like this.

yes, i know its sad, but I HAVE AN EXCUSE, hahaha, im staying with my grandparents, helping them remodel, and have absolutely nothing to do when im not working

Oh well, there there.

yes, i know its sad, but I HAVE AN EXCUSE, hahaha, im staying with my grandparents, helping them remodel, and have absolutely nothing to do when im not working

find a cure for cancer? inhale toxic fumes?

find a cure for cancer? inhale toxic fumes?
i lack proper training in biology to find a cure for cancer(unless giving the persons blood a small electrical charge actually works, in which case ive already done it(didnt make the discovery, but i did find a lot of info on the process)) and i inhale toxic fumes at a rate which would lead you to believe i was literally racing to my demise, i also play guitar, keyboard, paint, im writing a book, i write lyrics, i dance, i keep up with politics, and i still end up with ample time left over to just stare at my computer(oh, and im also currently learning visual c#)

I'd so laugh if this guy ends up being president or something.

I'd so laugh if this guy ends up being president or something.
i could never be the president, being an anarchist and all

ok, the 12 yr old i can understand not seeing sarcasm, but youre 16...
You didn't seem to put up a good tone of sarcasm. If you wanted to use sarcasm you would have said something that was ironic. Seeing how you got your posts deleted earlier makes me expect you'd say something like that. If you're going to display some sarcasm then please do a better job.

i lack proper training in biology to find a cure for cancer(unless giving the persons blood a small electrical charge actually works, in which case ive already done it(didnt make the discovery, but i did find a lot of info on the process)) and i inhale toxic fumes at a rate which would lead you to believe i was literally racing to my demise, i also play guitar, keyboard, paint, im writing a book, i write lyrics, i dance, i keep up with politics, and i still end up with ample time left over to just stare at my computer(oh, and im also currently learning visual c#)

you should read that book to your grandparents

You didn't seem to put up a good tone of sarcasm. If you wanted to use sarcasm you would have said something that was ironic. Seeing how you got your posts deleted earlier makes me expect you'd say something like that. If you're going to display some sarcasm then please do a better job.
ok, next time ill just put a ::sarcasm:: disclaimer for the less intuitive

this is sad.

I use my amazing super moderatorizor powers to reopen this thread! And now, I will say...

Yes, it is sad.