Quote Originally Posted by Thorne View Post
Usually she's addressing me with this kind of statement. And that's probably because I feel that anyone who BLINDLY follows a religious leader is, indeed, stupid. Those who learn about their religion, who actually think about (a rarity in my experience) might be considered gullible, perhaps, but not necessarily stupid.
Following anyone blindly is, in my view of things, a very dangerous thing to do and, also in my view, plain wrong. Because the last judge of your behaviour is you yourself, and you cannot just let that go. It is part of being a sentient being to be accuntable for your actions, whoever gives the orders.

As for thinking about your religion I am sure that you are wrong in assuming that most people do not do that. In less religious countries you have to think a lot to become religious in the first place, as it is not part of the culture. People who change religions have also thought a lot. And I would guess that most young people sooner or later take such things - and all kinds of things - up to revision. They should, anyway.

Of course that still leaves a number of people who do not think about their religion, and that is as dangerous, as I see it, as people who blindly trust authorities in general.

That is why I could never be a soldier of a member of various 'operational forces' of one kind or another. I could never make myself a blind tool for other people, least of all politicians of priests, meaning no offence to either as individuals but targeting the system. Defending your own homeground, on it,that is different, but also a different situation.

A religion is, by definition, institutionalized.
No. A pagan religion is a religion, but as far from being institutionalized as you can get.

Faith does not have to be either religious or dogmatic.
True, nor anything to do with anything spriritual at all.

Statistics seem to indicate that, in the US, the more dogmatic religions are losing young members in record numbers.
If so, I see it as very positive. If the religion is any good, they will come back later, or start their own, but they will base it on their own thoughts and values.