Should Governments regulate fraudulent religions?

Corduroy

Senate Member
Feb 9, 2011
6,670
2
36
Vancouver, BC
If you're an atheist, you would think that there's no difference between religion and any sort of confidence scam which should be outlawed. But religion has a long history and is extremely culturally important. People's devotion to religion requires harsh persecution if the government wants to control it. Even if you think religion is detrimental to society, I can't see how you could say suppressing isn't more detrimental.
 

Murphy

Executive Branch Member
Apr 12, 2013
8,181
0
36
Ontario
Governments exist to get bigger. They are living things, that have a strong will to survive and grow. Religion can be hindrance to government, but most aren't. As long as the government does not feel threatened, you can 'gospel' up a storm.

And who knows, if you're lucky, Trudeau might drop by, wearing a silly hat, and religiously dance or pray at your event. Please bring a camera!
 

Cliffy

Standing Member
Nov 19, 2008
44,850
193
63
Nakusp, BC
If you're an atheist, you would think that there's no difference between religion and any sort of confidence scam which should be outlawed. But religion has a long history and is extremely culturally important. People's devotion to religion requires harsh persecution if the government wants to control it. Even if you think religion is detrimental to society, I can't see how you could say suppressing isn't more detrimental.
They are money making corporations and should be at least taxed. Taking a hint from Constantine, suppression can get your empire destroyed.
 

Murphy

Executive Branch Member
Apr 12, 2013
8,181
0
36
Ontario
To be fair, Cliffy ain't exactly wrong this time. All deity-based religions are frauds perpetrated by humans to try and control an even greater number of humans via "divine law".

I think the single biggest proof that they're frauds lays in the 3 Abrahamic religions. All 3 have religious texts with passages that are certainly open to interpretation. It seems to me that an all powerful "Creator" who wanted us to love and worship him would be very succinct and not leave shit open for interpretation.

Not to mention all three religions are incredibly patriarchal. I don't believe that if god/allah/jehovah existed, he/she/it would be a sexist.

Cliffy has to do more than just post a meme or shoot one liners. That's why he is not taken seriously.
 

Corduroy

Senate Member
Feb 9, 2011
6,670
2
36
Vancouver, BC
They are money making corporations and should be at least taxed. Taking a hint from Constantine, suppression can get your empire destroyed.

That's another question entirely. I think of religious institutions as non-profits. Non-profits aren't taxed and they shouldn't be, but their employees are taxed like everyone else.
 

Twin_Moose

Hall of Fame Member
Apr 17, 2017
22,041
6,160
113
Twin Moose Creek
That's another question entirely. I think of religious institutions as non-profits. Non-profits aren't taxed and they shouldn't be, but their employees are taxed like everyone else.

I agree to the extent of the money that stays within the country, the money going off shore should be taxed since it is not serving the community that it is being raised for. Like the Catholic church once the money is earmarked for the Vatican it should be taxed before leaving Canada
 

Corduroy

Senate Member
Feb 9, 2011
6,670
2
36
Vancouver, BC
I agree to the extent of the money that stays within the country, the money going off shore should be taxed since it is not serving the community that it is being raised for. Like the Catholic church once the money is earmarked for the Vatican it should be taxed before leaving Canada

What if that money is going towards food and medicine to some outside community in need?