Do you think religion was created to control people

[swkstudent]

This is not my opinion I just asking a question.

[falcon9]

Were I to speculate, I'd say that what evidence there is suggests that religions arose out of fears and an initial inability to explain natural phenomenon by ancient peoples.

[noirlupe]

I believe religion is a crock.  But the Bible and God are a different story.  Religion and preachers choose what to teach and take things out of context, they take a Bible verse and take what part they want out of it, but neglect the whole paragraph or chapter.  They make it say what they want it to say.  And a few preachers I have seen dont act very Christian or Godly in their actions or behavior.
The Bible was written to help people be better and live up to their potential.  There are object lessons and stories that show consequences for bad behavior. 

I was raised in a religion that is considered a cult so I look at religion and preachers in a different light.  When I was old enough to be on my own I walked away from the cult but the brainwashing is a constant.  I have developed a relationship with God and read the Bible but reading other religious books and article are suspect to me.  There are one persons opinion and not necessarily the belief of God.

[Graeth]

<i>I believe religion is a crock.  But the Bible and God are a different story.  Religion and preachers choose what to teach and take things out of context, they take a Bible verse and take what part they want out of it, but neglect the whole paragraph or chapter.  They make it say what they want it to say.  And a few preachers I have seen dont act very Christian or Godly in their actions or behavior.
The Bible was written to help people be better and live up to their potential.  There are object lessons and stories that show consequences for bad behavior.

I was raised in a religion that is considered a cult so I look at religion and preachers in a different light.  When I was old enough to be on my own I walked away from the cult but the brainwashing is a constant.  I have developed a relationship with God and read the Bible but reading other religious books and article are suspect to me.  There are one persons opinion and not necessarily the belief of God.<i>

I have to agree with the way this points.

Was religion created to control? I would say no.
Is that what it has developed in to?
Yes.
I believe in God wholly.
I do not believe in the bible in the same fashion.
The bible was written by man.
The minds of men are easily corrupted.

[hwilliams591]

Religion is a crutch!

It is for those that can't say or accomplish something themselfs and believing some higher power is making this happen.....

Seriously there is alot of control in religion, it is very sad that people can't figure things out on their own.

[tzs]

Yes and no. People where tooo nieve and vulnerable back in the day, they needed an exclamation for EVERYTHING!!!! So why not flock with the sheep to the slaughter with one common goal in mind, so they feel more comfy?

[jwallbank]

I think people almost believe that religion is related to politics. I believe religion in most part (maybe not some) is built on faith. If you have faith in yourself to complete college, isnt that good??

[falcon9]

I believe religion in most part (maybe not some) is built on faith. If you have faith in yourself to complete college, isnt that good??

Those aren't equivalent concepts.  Religious "faith" consists choosing to 'believe' something despite a lack of evidence.  Having the confidence to complete college when one has the ability to do so is one thing; having "faith" that one can, despite poor grades/lack of ability to do so is another.

[tamib123]

I think religious concepts were created to control people, but the concepts of spirituality (faith) came about as comfort and encouragement for people struggling with life.

[kbrow84]

I would have to say that religion has changed over the years because people (humans) have made it a sham. Whatever one's religion is should provide them peace and comfort in their life and in their of need. It should not be about how much money they have it has to be about the religion and thier God of choice and I will say that is changing more and more
 

[mynevaeh]

That's a really good question, and in a way yes I do.  I was raised as a christian but have changed my beliefs.  I believe in god, pray, and give thanks.  But I no longer follow a specific religion.

[tartarsauce2008]

I don't think religion was created to control people.

[acurtsinger2]

do you need to be controlled?

[gaylasue]

Religion is man-made so in many instances I would say yes by the philosphies of such so-called religions.  Spirituality, however, is an individual and personal sense of being.  As far as being controlled, I think you have to be willing first.  Constrained, yes.  Controlled, no.  God handed down moral guidelines to follow and man went from there.

[falcon9]

Religion is man-made so in many instances I would say yes by the philosphies of such so-called religions. 

There is evidence that all "religion" is a man-made concept and no evidence otherwise.

Spirituality, however, is an individual and personal sense of being. 

"Spirituality" is a nicely-vague term which can be subject to more arbitrary definitions than "religious belief".  That's probably what some people like about it and what others do not. 

As far as being controlled, I think you have to be willing first.  Constrained, yes.  Controlled, no. 

Is there a fine line between constraint and control which differentiates them in regards to religious beliefs?

God handed down moral guidelines to follow and man went from there.

There is no valid evidence to support such a contention, (faith-based religious beliefs are opinion & hearsay and do not constitute valid evidence).