There are various aspects to religion - some positive and many negative. The aspect that I wish to discuss here is the common doctrine or teaching that can be paraphrased as:
quote:
Faith or belief in [fill in the blank] is essential to your personal salvation and eternal bliss; failure of faith will result in your personal eternal punishment in the fiery pit of hell
This feature which is common in several major religions and denominations has the same psychological underpinnings of a chain letter or email. Perhaps this is why many chain letters incorporate religious ideas and references to enhance credibility and acceptance.
The intention of a chain letter is to create some psychological distress through a threat and to entice with potential reward, as a means to motivate the recipient to propagate the letter or idea. The net effect is negative, wasteful and harmful.
The question for discussion: Is this aspect of religion equivalent to a chain letter?
Edited by iceage, : No reason given.
Edited by iceage, : No reason given.
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