Religion often relies on fear and ignorance to maintain control from "summary" of The God Delusion - by Richard Dawkins by Instaread
Religion has been a powerful force throughout human history, shaping societies and influencing individuals in profound ways. One of the key ways in which religion exerts its influence is through the manipulation of fear and ignorance. By instilling fear in its followers and keeping them ignorant of the world around them, religion is able to maintain control over their beliefs and behaviors. Fear is a powerful motivator, and religion has long used it to keep its followers in line. The threat of eternal damnation, for example, is a common theme in many religious traditions. By instilling a fear of punishment in the afterlife, religion is able to control the actions of its followers in the present. This fear can be so strong that individuals are willing to go to great lengths to avoid it, even if it means sacrificing their own happiness or well-being. Ignorance is another key tool that religion uses to maintain control. By keeping its followers ignorant of scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills, religion is able to prevent them from questioning its teachings. When individuals are taught to accept religious dogma without question, they are less likely to challenge the authority of religious leaders or the validity of religious beliefs. This ignorance can be perpetuated through generations, creating a cycle of control that is difficult to break. By relying on fear and ignorance to maintain control, religion is able to exert a powerful influence over the thoughts and actions of its followers. This control can be so pervasive that individuals may find it difficult to break free from the grip of religion, even when confronted with evidence that contradicts its teachings. In this way, religion is able to maintain its hold on society, shaping the beliefs and behaviors of individuals in ways that can have far-reaching consequences.
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