For all its talk about salvation, redemption and God/Jesus, Christianity -- like almost every other religion -- boils down to two very earthly elements: money and power. Throughout recorded history, the religious institutions in most communities hoard the most resources (wealth) and exert a tremendous amount of power (economic, political and military). It doesn't matter if we're talking about ancient Egypt, Sumeria, China or South America all the way up to modern times. Religion is a major player in the political and nationalistic machinations of society.
This fact is even more true for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Each now commands billions of dollars worldwide and this money is utilized to impact all facets of life. Our environment has suffered greatly because of religion. Nations are brought together or torn apart based on religious meddling. Rulers and/or elected representatives are created or destroyed by the power held by religious authorities.
It is this underbelly of worldly pursuits that belies all the pontificating done in the name of Yahweh, Allah and God. While each religion works feverishly to direct their adherent's focus on the magnificent promises of a glorious afterlife (more on this in a later post), the religious leaders have THEIR attention affixed squarely on material gain and power in THIS life.
If you look at the bottom lines of the most popular religions of our day, they are each doing a damn good job! Some Christian denominations own more wealth than many nations!
So, if you really want to know what the religion biz is all about, follow the money. That's where their heaven actually lies.
This fact is even more true for the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Each now commands billions of dollars worldwide and this money is utilized to impact all facets of life. Our environment has suffered greatly because of religion. Nations are brought together or torn apart based on religious meddling. Rulers and/or elected representatives are created or destroyed by the power held by religious authorities.
It is this underbelly of worldly pursuits that belies all the pontificating done in the name of Yahweh, Allah and God. While each religion works feverishly to direct their adherent's focus on the magnificent promises of a glorious afterlife (more on this in a later post), the religious leaders have THEIR attention affixed squarely on material gain and power in THIS life.
If you look at the bottom lines of the most popular religions of our day, they are each doing a damn good job! Some Christian denominations own more wealth than many nations!
So, if you really want to know what the religion biz is all about, follow the money. That's where their heaven actually lies.
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