The difference: Superstition & religion.

[Karl Rand]

When we define superstion as an irrational belief and religion as a reverence for God/Gods how do we know the difference - if there is any?

 

[fncceo]

A superstition is something in which you believe that you can't fully explain ... a religion is when you believe in something and have to make damn sure everyone else believes it also.

Like, for example, atheism.

 

[Karl Rand]

When we define superstion as an irrational belief and religion as a reverence for God/Gods how do we know the difference?

A superstition is something in which you believe that you can't fully explain ... a religion is when you believe in something and have to make damn sure everyone else believes it also.

Like, for example, atheism.

So, the central feature being religious is to be evangelical?
As to atheism I’ve never understood why anyone why anyone wants to claim something they essentially see as meaningless as not existing. It’s one thing to assert the concept of a God/Gods is meaningless but quite another to claim that entity doesn’t exist. Becomes a double negative really.

 

[fncceo]

So, the central feature being religious is to be evangelical?

For certain religions, it's their single feature.

 

[Mousterian]

Jesus was a great man, but he undid all his good works when he said:
Matt 4:19“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

 

[BuckToothMoron]

A superstition is generally a self imposed ritual. Like not walking under a ladder or breaking a mirror.

Religion is a since of something beyond conscious mankind, something that connects all people whether they accept it or not, at least to the believer.

 

[frigidweirdo]

When we define superstion as an irrational belief and religion as a reverence for God/Gods how do we know the difference - if there is any?

One begins with an R?

 

[Karl Rand]

When we define superstion as an irrational belief and religion as a reverence for God/Gods how do we know the difference - if there is any?

One begins with an R?

Go to the top of the class.

 

[WheelieAddict]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

 

[Karl Rand]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

 

[frigidweirdo]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

So, if a religion is afraid of black cats, then... what is it? Religion or superstition?

 

[Karl Rand]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

So, if a religion is afraid of black cats, then... what is it? Religion or superstition?

My suggestion is there’s no difference other than organisation, wealth, political power and numbers. Also worthy of consideration is the often vast body of pseudo-intellectual apologetics and the copious productions of academic theologians that have clogged western thinking for centuries. Does any of it though spare religion from being seen as superstition and if so, why?
To be more specific lets examine a passage from David Humes’ Dialogues concerning Natural Religion and ask ourselves if it contains anything of more validity than mere superstition.
'Have not all pious divines and preachers (said that) this life is but a moment in comparison with eternity. The present evil phenomena, therefore, are rectified in other regions, and in some future existence . . . .and in the eyes of men, being then open to a wider view of things . . . trace, with adoration, the benevolence and rectitude of the deity.'

 

[WheelieAddict]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

If a group of people form a faith against black cats, satan, and walking under ladders then it is their superstition. If they worship a god that protects them against it then its religion.

 

[Mousterian]

If a group of people form a faith against black cats, satan, and walking under ladders then it is their superstition. If they worship a god that protects them against it then its religion.

But is the 'god' not, of itself, a superstition?

 

[WheelieAddict]

If a group of people form a faith against black cats, satan, and walking under ladders then it is their superstition. If they worship a god that protects them against it then its religion.

But is the 'god' not, of itself, a superstition?

Sure a god can be a superstition and give you bad luck like a black cat. Worshiping the god that protects you/is all knowing is religion.

 

[RetiredGySgt]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

Explain in DETAIL: how religion hurts you or someone believing in religion hurts you?

 

[Karl Rand]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

If a group of people form a faith against black cats, satan, and walking under ladders then it is their superstition. If they worship a god that protects them against it then its religion.

Hold on a moment. For centuries, and still today, the Roman church sells objects that can only be termed talismans, amulets etc to ward of Satan or induce the movement of departed loves ones, for instance, from purgatory to higher realms. Are we to assume these practices aren't superstitions because they're part and parcel of an institution that worships a deity? What is the difference between worshiping that deity and claiming magical powers for such objects? https://www.pinterest.com.au/jo5541/religious-amulets-and-talismans/

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

Then we have the question of the supposed power of personal prayer.

 

[Karl Rand]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

RetiredGySgt wrote

Explain in DETAIL: how religion hurts you or someone believing in religion hurts you?

How long have you got? Should I start at the Spanish Inquisition or go back to stoning in the Torah? Maybe you’d like to hear a detailed, lengthy description of my experiences as a young organ pupil in a Catholic cathedral? Maybe you’d like to read the statistics relating fundamentalist Christianity in specific regions of my country and the relationship with a high gay and lesbian suicide rate? Maybe you’d like to examine the horrifying suicide rate for those who submit to cure by prayer with groups such as Exodus? On the other hand I’m sure you’ll find it far more comforting to attribute all such matters to the work of Satan, not the church.
On the other hand I suggest a deeper meditation upon a theology that worships a deity who tortured his own son ( who is actually himself if you accept trinitarian theology) to redeem sins he made possible himself by granting free will and the effect immersing young minds in such a sad-masochist mythology has on the young mind not to mention the connection between such a belief system and the preponderance of pedophile crimes committed by the ‘Christian’ priesthood?

 

[SweetSue92]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

So, if a religion is afraid of black cats, then... what is it? Religion or superstition?

My suggestion is there’s no difference other than organisation, wealth, political power and numbers. Also worthy of consideration is the often vast body of pseudo-intellectual apologetics and the copious productions of academic theologians that have clogged western thinking for centuries. Does any of it though spare religion from being seen as superstition and if so, why?
To be more specific lets examine a passage from David Humes’ Dialogues concerning Natural Religion and ask ourselves if it contains anything of more validity than mere superstition.
'Have not all pious divines and preachers (said that) this life is but a moment in comparison with eternity. The present evil phenomena, therefore, are rectified in other regions, and in some future existence . . . .and in the eyes of men, being then open to a wider view of things . . . trace, with adoration, the benevolence and rectitude of the deity.'

Oh look another unbeliever who's really, REALLY impressed with himself.

Wow, the Internetz have never seen self-satisfied unbelievers before!!!

 

[SweetSue92]

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

If a group of people form a faith against black cats, satan, and walking under ladders then it is their superstition. If they worship a god that protects them against it then its religion.

Hold on a moment. For centuries, and still today, the Roman church sells objects that can only be termed talismans, amulets etc to ward of Satan or induce the movement of departed loves ones, for instance, from purgatory to higher realms. Are we to assume these practices aren't superstitions because they're part and parcel of an institution that worships a deity? What is the difference between worshiping that deity and claiming magical powers for such objects? https://www.pinterest.com.au/jo5541/religious-amulets-and-talismans/

Religion is a group faith in a chosen god or gods.

Superstition is being afraid of black cats.

And what is the difference between being afraid of black cats and afraid of Satan? Some actually believe black cats are Satan in disguise.
Can we return to the meaning of ‘faith’ then and examine why there’s any difference between believing Christ rose on the third day and walking under a ladder is bad luck. The number of believers who accept ladder theology could be described as a ‘group faith’. However, some who use the term ‘group faith’ simply mean a written formalised set of beliefs, that is, a theology. How though is that different from superstition?
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews Ch:11.V 1.

Then we have the question of the supposed power of personal prayer.

A superstition is no worldview. I mean this seems obvious to me. There are no recorded miracles, no revelations, no theology. Don't walk under a ladder. Why not. It's bad luck.

Every time I wear these socks my team loses. So I don't wear them. They're bad luck.

It's founded on absolutely nothing. Compare that to the major world religions and see what you come up with.

Geeeez