Nobody has ever suggested that fascist or Marxist ideologies were benign as compared with religious ideologies. The essence of this thread is to discuss how religious superstitions impact on the progress of society through Science and Reason. This does not imply that only religious ideologies need be feared. Some ideologies are almost religious in their assumption of premises which are without any basis in fact but which serve the interests of a particular group or mind-set.
Not a profound question and no need for an erudite response. Class struggle and violence is built into the ideology of Communism. It is natural for these "self-chosen" people to help this process along. Ideologies often involve demonization--with clear certainties and divisions to be created and enforced through any and all available means. Similarly, Fascism asserts the primacy of the State and the privilege of leadership--so marginalizing and struggle is again a built-in component.
Although ideologies often utilize profound ideas and philosophical polemic, the ideas are often a thinly veiled camouflage of the will to power and the desire to be of the ruling class. Militant ideologies are (surprise) militant. They often create violent upheavals and are therefore something we discuss and question--just as you are doing.
Any ideology which invents premises to suit power and privilege can devastate a society. What is our protection? The answer should be obvious: The social value of Reason over Revelation, and the freedom of our educational system from the infestation of superstitious, irrational, and otherwise gratuitous ideas asserted without any basis in fact. Admittedly, this requires eternal vigilance, as bright minds can be led by their thoughts into so many layers of rationalization that their world view becomes just as absurd as religious superstitions. However, a universal ethic of human rights and freedoms is self sustaining as it opposes all unnatural class structuring.
Anyhow, you seem to think that the existence of militant ideologies absolves religious ideologies from examination and judgement? But why? If militant Communism is unhealthy for the victims...why should Chosen People religious proselytization and their unceasing attempts to infiltrate the state, be anything but abhorrent?
You rightfully criticise the violence of Stalinism and other such violations of the ethic of human rights and freedoms--but you are enraged that freethinkers and decent people everywhere wish to protect our children from the superstitions and lies of Islam, Christianity--and all other chosen people ideologies based strictly on the ethic of entitlement? Well guess what? We have courses for mythology. And we have courses for world religions |
