Jonathan H. B. Lobl

Why do religious believers hate reality so much?

You raise an interesting point. The lessons behind mythology. I find it easier to discuss the Norse gods than the Greek. To my understanding, the gods are personifications of the forces that they represent. The Mighty Thor, represents one type of chaos. He is the chaos of the storm. He is the chaos of battle. Trickster Loki, is a different type of chaos. Loki is about conflict and social disorder. Sometimes Thor and Loki are the best of friends. The different types of chaos working together. Sometimes, they are at each other's throats. The different types of chaos in conflict. They both interact with the other gods. The stories are also great entertainment and are vehicles for the culture -- and discussion about values and philosophy. Of course, as you say, the gods are not literal. They are mythology. The Greek gods have different lessons to teach about the world. Hermes is the god of physicians. Also, commerce, thieves and gamblers. Something to remember when we visit the doctor. In addition, Hermes persists. Go to a casino. What are they chanting at the craps table? C'mon seven! Baby needs a new pair of shoes! After all. Nobody appreciates good foot ware, like the messenger of the gods. We all know about his winged sandals. Apollo is the great healer -- who brings plagues. Apollo is music and sunshine. All part of healing. And archery. The world is not simple. More lessons from mythology.

Your lack of vision, is not relevant.

I found the quote. Lord Acton said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely"

Over time, living religions change. Only dead religions are changeless. Consider "modern" Christianity. Jesus would have difficulty recognizing any of the current forms of Christianity. Consider how Judaism has changed. From tribes -- to Temple Judaism -- to Rabbinic Judaism. Consider what Buddhism has become. Buddha would never recognize much of it. Of course, the various Pagan religions -- and cultures -- have changed over time. How could they not? Pagans have changed over the last 10,000 years. Of course, they are different from the Pagans of the dim past.

This is getting specific. Transubstantiation is some seriously weird magic. Holy wars have been fought over whether it was literal or figurative. Well, that's an issue for the Popes -- and others -- who care.

There is nothing new about this foolishness. Creationists have long insisted that Secular Humanists, Atheists, etc -- were a religion. The idea that people are simply not religious -- is beyond them. In fairness, the Smithsonian does teach people about reality. Reality impaired people, tend to resent that sort of thing.

You are overlooking the possibility, that the "prognosticator" is sincere. This is not something that I'm proud of. I used to read Tarot cards for people. At the time, I was sincere. Obviously, I was mistaken. This much I have learned. It's easy for people, to be delusional about their abilities.

Ken Ham strikes back. The Smithsonian teaches Atheism. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/thefreethinker/2020/03/smithsonian-is-a-museum-that-promotes-atheism-says-ken-ham/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=BRSS&utm_campaign=Nonreligious&utm_content=895

I don't know why it surprised me, but it did. That Pagan groups would be struggling with issues of power, authority and legitimacy. Now, it seems obvious. Humanity is always caught up in power issues. The Monotheistic religions -- all of them -- are caught up in power struggles. I took this to mean that they couldn't agree about the one true God. No. It's deeper in Humanity than that. On further reflection, even the different Atheist, Agnostic and Humanist groups can't play nicely together. Surprise. The different Pagan groups have the same basic issues, as everybody else. On the other hand, as long as it's a war of words -- without a body count -- the Pagan world has much to be proud of. In the various mythologies of the world; the gods themselves, often have difficulty living with each other. It's a great truth.

"Spare the rod, spoil the child."

Yes. A self evident truth.

If these are the prisons that people don't want to live in -- the rest of society must be a great place.

I have two different responses. First, if life in prison were that wonderful -- I think a lot more people would opt for it. Second, I expect my government to have higher standards of conduct, than criminals.

I think it is true, that life in prison is better than being dead. We are back to the starting point. Do we want the State killing people? Even when we think that they "have it coming?" The world is not yet perfect. We must cope as well as we can.

Sometimes, we all skip a cog.

There is an old curse, which I think applies here. "Don't die. Suffer." Death is the end of torment. A lingering life is not always mercy.

I think that's the idea. What does Flat Earth have in common with Creationism? Genesis. Inerrant Genesis. Authority is intoxicating.

It's time for a little science humor. Q. Why are the days longer in Summer, than in Winter? A. In Summer, it's hot and they expand. In Winter, It's cold and they contract.