Are there any religions or cults that you just do not understand? With in reason.

[Dodece]

To address many with one reply rather then quote. Atheism is actually a double negative. We have no other term for not believing in something we do not believe to exist. It is quite extraordinary that we have a contrived term for the default position of thought. Atheism in its pure form is exactly the same as Realism. In that nothing unreal exists. A true Atheist will give the concept no actual thought, and thus is indifferent to the subject. The term is neither really negative or positive. It just means no thoughts or feelings about a subject. Sure they might think there are a massive number of absurd people in the world, but that isn't really contemplating the subject, or forming opinions about the subject itself.

Agnosticism is not however indifferent. Quite the opposite it is very engaged. It is both a quasi state of belief, and a open dialogue upon the subject. Fundamentally the Agnostic concedes to the possibility even if it cannot in any way be verified. You could say it is a form of rational belief. There are a number of positions within Agnosticism it is truly a catch all for those who haven't settled upon a faith, or have decided that the subject is without merit. It can be short lived or last a life time. Since someone broached the subject in this thread. Gandhi was probably in fact a Agnostic. They typically see the merit in multiple faiths.

Speaking to Anti-Theism, and the position that religion is bad. Like any extreme view I take issue with that, but not by much. Faith in general can be very good, but faith in specific can be very bad indeed. Since organized religion errs on the specific. It tends towards causing more harm then good. Despite common misconceptions the holy texts at the heart of most modern religions are not wholesome. They might have a lot of good messages, but it is also true that they have a lot of bad messages, and it isn't always a question of interpretation.

The argument that other nonreligious institutions or philosophies have been equally bad does not excuse the very horrible things that organized religion has wrought. It is not a question of either this or that. The fact of the matter is that people do not need religion to be good to one another. Just as religion doesn't prevent some people from doing horrific acts. Sadly the difference is the religion can be a blanket justification.

The problem is strictly one of organization. Every organization suffers from corruption. It is just the nature of the beast. The problem is when a organization is the ultimate authority, and dissent is actively discouraged. You will create a mindset where obedience trumps self contemplation. When it is easier to go along with the pack. People start to lose their own moral compass, and look towards positions of authority to make decisions for them. That is where a little bad thinking can go a long way. Without a army Hitler is just a disgruntled painter. Without a huge faith a Pope cannot carve up the Americas, and give a nod to genocide, theft, slavery, and torture.

Human beings are prone to organize into groups, but when it comes to religion it is obviously something best left to the individual to do on their own. Organized religion courts absolute power, and in doing so it is absolutely the case that it will be corrupted. A spiritual journey should be about exploring oneself, and their place in the world. Not a guided tour with some guy telling you how you should think. Be your own leader, and not let someone be your leader, and you will do fine. Sure it might be harder, but the rewards are much greater.