Reply #55: The problem is, religion evolves, but it always monopolizes the word "faith"

[Uncle Joe]

in it's dealings, no matter the time, place or form of religion, this is the bedrock of religion. Of course the word "faith" also has it's very real secular definitions, but I would wager in many people's subconscious minds, they're intricately tied together. In short, I believe religious faith grew from the very real genetic need of secular faith for survival.

Thus it's extremely difficult to attack one without slamming the other and I believe the minister believed that when he blatantly posed "reason as the enemy of faith," if there's one thing structured religion is good at, it's raising fear, whether they legitimately believe there is good cause for it or not and if fear becomes dominant, reason will fall.

Take a look at everything that's happened to American "freedom" since the attack on 9/11. The Patriot Act, illegal wire tapping of the American People, the promotion of torture, the raping of the Bill of Rights and due process, etc. etc. This wasn't done by those truly faithful, or reasonable, it was done by the fearful, the cynical, the corrupt, the sadistic, abusing faith and reason to promote fear.

I apologize for the Mac, error.:)