Religion as a Political Tool for Manipulation
Religion serves as a convenient tool not just for the individual, but also those in power. It is easier to unify a population if there are shared values and interests. This is easily achieved through religion.
Religion has been used throughout history as an excuse for war and harsh policies, by believers and non-believers alike. It has been used to establish kinship between unlikely individuals, and make peace just as often. I don’t disagree that religion can be a useful and beneficial tool, that it can cause great harm just as much as provide great benefit. However, because of how useful it is for governments as a tool, this increases my skepticism of it as truth.
One can explain the longevity and prosperity of religion not because it’s true, but because it’s useful.
Tags: Manipulation, Political, Religion, Tool