The myths embodied in most religions gave expression to the fear of death. Most pre-Christian religions taught that the dead, if they survive at all, survive unhappily. Christianity, until quite recently, taught that the great majority of mankind would suffer eternal torment. This is no longer the teaching of the Church, and witchcraft and heresy are not punished as they were. Perhaps one may draw from these changes the conclusion that fear and cruelty have not as great a hold upon modern men as they had in earlier centuries.... In Communist countries new forms of theological cruelty have arisen, and I doubt whether optimism is justified where they are concerned.
Source: Bertrand Russell: Human Society in Ethics and Politics, 1954, part II: The Conflict of Passions, chapter 4: Myth and Magic, n.8
More info.： https://russell-j.com/cool/47T-2_0408.htm
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If we cite only Communist countries as examples, it might be dismissed as "That’s an issue for other countries!" implying it has nothing to do with Japan. Furthermore, the teachings of the Unification Church are appalling, and it is said that hardly any Japanese people genuinely believe in them, with the number of adherents being between one hundred thousand and two hundred thousand.. However, since they offer unpaid support for election campaigns, it is reported that quite a few politicians secretly receive their backing, making it a situation we cannot afford to view with optimism.
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Source: Bertrand Russell: Human Society in Ethics and Politics, 1954, part II: The Conflict of Passions, chapter 4: Myth and Magic, n.8
More info.： https://russell-j.com/cool/47T-2_0408.htm
* a brief comment
If we cite only Communist countries as examples, it might be dismissed as "That’s an issue for other countries!" implying it has nothing to do with Japan. Furthermore, the teachings of the Unification Church are appalling, and it is said that hardly any Japanese people genuinely believe in them, with the number of adherents being between one hundred thousand and two hundred thousand.. However, since they offer unpaid support for election campaigns, it is reported that quite a few politicians secretly receive their backing, making it a situation we cannot afford to view with optimism.
* Amazon Gift Card