yeah, i especially liked the part where christianity set us back over 1000 years
You realize it is impossible to say that, yes? Time is a delicate thing. Had there been no Holy Roman Empire, created by the influence of the
Church, the broken pieces of what was once Rome may have never united the multiple territories that existed in early middle ages Europe. Had there been no crusades, many trade routes and outposts most likely would have never been created. The Holy Roman Empire help create some relationship between European territories and Asian settlements, as well as serve to strengthen bonds between the European territories and later royals. The threat of the Empire itself, as well as their own saftey, fueled desire for better sheltering, creating of architecture, which of course influenced weaponry of the time. Also do mind you that "Dark ages" is typically dismissed today as a misnomer, considering there were significant changes in technology, culture, and government during the Middle Ages as mentioned above (Though, considering the circumstances, it could apply to the Early era, but most people seem to think that was the span of the entire 1000 years). These are just a few small examples of beneficial parts of the time period, not including the fact the time period created room for people to grow tired of pain, plagues, crusaders, and raids and to explore and learn about the once great Roman and Greek empires, leading to a revival of similar thoughts, feelings, and arts. i.e. The Renissance. Even though it was a horrid time in human history, it didn't have to completely to do with Christianity. There were thousands of factors, millions of influences, and countless points in which the entire world could have changed in one way or another by making a simple decision. Trying to blame an entire time period, whether it be in as a compliment or insult, on one thing is not right. It was a part of our past that helped us for the betterment of our future.
And, though time is delicate as I said and nothing is quite for sure, I'm almost positive that if Christianity hadn't been created at all, we would have found something different to fight about and blame it on. We would have, unfortunately, developed other things to strike terror in our neighbors and that makes us fearful of them.
I digress, though, I know you were just trying to make a point. A dull one, I suppose, though it does hold some truth. Religion can be used in whatever way man likes, it was created by us, but it should, at least in my opinion, facilitate Faith as opposed to play into fear and hatred.
As for the topic at hand, I have strayed from my Faith before. I had a long period of time where I hadn't an idea of what I believed or really even knew. Since then, though, I've grown a very strong Faith in God, humanity, the world, and Love. As for religion, I use it as a practice for traditions, to aid my idealogies, and to learn from.
