Belief's got you down?

[whitehorse]

The late Christopher Hitches said this

 

"It appeals to their meanness"

 

(He's speaking of the Christian beliefs)

 

But why are so many Christians mean to others?

[LogicalFallacy]

Human nature which we must work hard to overcome.

 

Steven Pinker has great lectures on the psychological state of "we" versus "them" and religion is very much a we versus them. This phenomenon is not unique to Christians - look at ANY ideological group. The vast majority has a mean streak towards those on the outside, and those on the inside that do not adhere exactly as the leaders wish.

 

Basically its an evolutionary adaption to make us more included to work together, believe the same things and fight against outsiders. This helped our survival.... to a point.

[whitehorse]

 

Human nature which we must work hard to overcome.

 

Steven Pinker has great lectures on the psychological state of "we" versus "them" and religion is very much a we versus them. This phenomenon is not unique to Christians - look at ANY ideological group. The vast majority has a mean streak towards those on the outside, and those on the inside that do not adhere exactly as the leaders wish.

 

Basically its an evolutionary adaption to make us more included to work together, believe the same things and fight against outsiders. This helped our survival.... to a point.

Excellent answer, thanks.