Weird and Religious
Among certain Celtic groups in Iron Age Europe, classical writers claimed that prisoners of war were sacrificed in large wicker structures sometimes described as “wicker men.” The victims were burned as offerings to the gods, though modern historians debate how literal these reports were.
Religious image of the day.
In the name of religion
1618, Bohemia in central Europe. Early Thirty Years War violence followed religious and political confrontation between Protestant nobles and Catholic authority. Each side justified armed action as defending the true Christian faith and resisting religious oppression imposed by rival confessions.
Fact
In Christianity, love of neighbour is a major command, and Christianity teaches caring for others, including enemies, as a reflection of God’s love.
Stopping questions
Religion has always protected authority by discouraging thought. Questioning rulers became questioning god, and faith trained obedience while doubt was condemned as moral failure. This suppression of intellect was deliberate, not accidental, because a population that values obedience over understanding is easier to govern. Reason threatens power because it asks why, and religion answers that question before it can be asked, forbidding further inquiry. When religious figures appear to challenge authority, the challenge is usually selective and contained. Criticism targets corrupt individuals, not the structure itself. Prophets denounce injustice while preserving the divine hierarchy as the remedy. The problem is never power but insufficient submission to the correct god, and so the system survives unchanged.
Quote of the day
“I count religion but a childish toy, and hold there is no sin but ignorance.” Christopher Marlowe.
Ask the right question
If a religion claims scientific miracles in its scripture, why do these claims usually depend on modern reinterpretations rather than clear original meaning?
Religious Crooks
T. B. Joshua was a Nigerian televangelist and faith healer who built a large international ministry, widely accused by critics and former members of staged healings and financial exploitation, while maintaining a devoted following.
For more information, google the name.
Almost all of the crooks appearing in this section have their own wikipedia page.
Throughout history and still to this day, there has never been a shortage of religious leaders who were not always following their own spiritual advice.