I'm not in anyway religious and I can never be, I am really sorry for all of you who have really suffered in a religious environment
, it can truly to absolutely awful.
I can't say I really can or want to point to one particular religion and say it is the worst, I imagine everyone practises their own religion differently and has different intentions, I've met many Christians and Muslim people that are extremely amazing or not so amazing ppl. I think generalisation can be very harmful and is one of the key things used by religion or politics or any group of people to divide people and create fear then hate towards others.
To me I think religion is just another social organisation that reflects both the good and bad of humanity. People can do so many good things in the name of god, like creating an inclusive and supportive community, but mostly unfortunately do awful things instead, and that's with most religions throughout history at some point. When it is harmful, it exploits human's need for purpose and belonging to a group, while divides us by generalising and moralising other races, women, etc. Tribalism is mixed with a sense of righteousness, If you belong with us you are the right and chosen ones and you act this way, anyone who acts differently are bad and if you ever leave u will be shunned. It polices your thoughts and every action and discourages critical thing, because after all the more u question the less u will believe and comply. It plays on human fears of death and divides us with hate, people want the safety of knowing there's meaning to their existence, that there's somewhere for them to go in the afterlife, and people responds to having other people different to them to blame and hate for their suffering. People crave safety and order and meaning in the chaos and randomness of life, someone or something to tell them everything is as planned, and religion can give u all of that, and in return you give away your control and critical thinking. Religion, social or political groups like nazis etc, can all do this when things become extreme. Some may not think things are right, but often feel powerless to change or voice anything against the angry mob, and also cannot leave as their own social structure is lied to the community.
I do think religions in moderation can be meaningful. I for one would love to belong to a group that support and act with kindness and love to each other while also accepting and acting with good will to everyone else. I personally don't think there need to be a god to tell us to do this, we should be able to think for ourselves and choose to do good or bad. I've also met many interesting people who do really challenge a lot of the religious thinking while remaining spiritual and faithful to their religion. I really admire those people and wish I can do the same. But it seems like humanity as a whole just really crave that authoritarian figure and tribalism, someone to tell them they are in the right while others are in the wrong, and extremism just creeps in over time, especially when times are tough, and times are always tough really.
I think the problem is people we are all capable of great evil or kindness. I know it's dumb to wish for people to be generally better but I do wish, and take solace in the fact that I have met many amazing people in my life, but also awful things have happened to me, and it's all committed by people, things I really am unable to overcome.
Ctb for me I guess? lol
Speaking of, I want to take this opportunity to thank this community and many people in it, I've met some truly wonderful supportive empathetic people here, but also warn people that terrible shit happens here as does anywhere on the internet where there are people, I've certainly experienced enough of that here also to make me want to die more than ever and wish I never found sasu in the first place. I hope you all find this to be a place u needed to feel safe