DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Killing the Buddha by Sam Harris (neuroscientist and atheist)

**JoesBro** · 03-10-2012, 11:11 PM

Hi Esho,

I recognize that religion is not the unique source of violence. I agree that "the source of violence is to be found in the mind that hates, ignores and clings." I think Sam Harris does as well but I don't know this for sure. However the Abrahamic religions often actively and somewhat knowingly teach and celebrate ignorance with what they call faith. It's blind faith. It encourages people to suspend their intellect and their nature of questioning in order to believe that which has no evidence. Also these religions have traditionally taught that non-believers are essentially evil. I recognize that not all believers in any of the Abrahamic religions practice those teachings. Most do not but they exist and it's extremely harmful.

I suppose science can become harmful but I don't think Sam Harris is advocating that it be given a divine status. As a neuroscientist I'm sure Harris realizes science is just a tool.

03-10-2012, 11:11 PM	#9
JoesBro Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 368 Senior Member	Hi Esho, I recognize that religion is not the unique source of violence. I agree that "the source of violence is to be found in the mind that hates, ignores and clings." I think Sam Harris does as well but I don't know this for sure. However the Abrahamic religions often actively and somewhat knowingly teach and celebrate ignorance with what they call faith. It's blind faith. It encourages people to suspend their intellect and their nature of questioning in order to believe that which has no evidence. Also these religions have traditionally taught that non-believers are essentially evil. I recognize that not all believers in any of the Abrahamic religions practice those teachings. Most do not but they exist and it's extremely harmful. I suppose science can become harmful but I don't think Sam Harris is advocating that it be given a divine status. As a neuroscientist I'm sure Harris realizes science is just a tool.
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