As to the potential evil from religion, perhaps it is more about human nature than the particular doctrine of the religion itself. Individual interpretation of the religious texts can lead to different perspectives
Yes, definitely I agree with that.
Any religion can be casually applied, any religion can be useless if not applied seriously, any religion will contain people who do bad things.
Some religions seem to write violence more into their current interpretation than others, but that's obviously highly subjective.
And JPL is right too. Religion - like dozens of other devices of thought and philosophy - can be misused for the sole purpose of controlling people.
What I have found personally is that when I myself try to run my life and be in charge, things don't go very well.
When Isaac tries to be God, the results are catastrophic, as they are often driven by either Selfishness or Fear.
I can accumulate many good deeds and actions, but ultimately when I decide to be in charge of my own life, Selfishness & Fear will remain as the driving motivators - sometimes playing the long game and making me think they are gone, but still being very much alive and usually winning out in the end.
It's a major relief to the degree that I surrender to God, as He's much better than me at being in charge.
It can be a major relief to anyone. Me saying that doesn't equal that
I want to control
them. It simply means I believe that when
they surrender to
God, their lives have an excellent chance of finding true freedom, and I want that for others just like I seek it for myself.
Yesterday afternoon I felt very 'spent'. Frankly, I felt a bit put-upon and underappreciated, too, as my wife is sick from Covid and let's just say, she's not exactly a dear when she is sick, (even when you are handing her a plate or helping out). Between that and my job, which I am behind on not only because of that but my own distractions, I felt quite alone and weary.
I realized I had a decision. Either believe I can walk in God's joy and peace that pass understanding, or keep allowing my circumstances to decide whether I had joy and peace.
I began repeating to myself stuff from God's word - I have the mind of Christ, Christ lives in me, and I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
After a while it went from my mind to my heart. My whole evening was changed as was the atmosphere in my home. What a blessing to tap into a source of Life from outside myself and also that transcends my surroundings!!