Islam, IMHO, is more closely related to Judaism than Christianity, but all 3 come from the same root.
The, by far, largest single similarity between all 3 (and every other theist belief system) is that their adherents are subject to the greatest mass historical, cultural, social and in some cases political delusion ever foisted on the human race and intellect.
The priestly caste/class have always had enormous power and religion is the only thing that holds this all together.
That is not to say that all religious teachings are bad, they often hold truths about society that developed long before our 'modern' religions appeared. It is easy to see early Man's need for explanations as to the world around him. However all religions need to be held accountable for the horrors they have brought to the world.
So to sum up, religions have some good but their time of control on the human mind is now beginning to unravel, take what you want from them (and I often do) but the idea of some intelligent, omnipotent, omnipresent creator is the stuff of human fantasy.
I don't go to mythical places with strange men.
-- Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul.
Islam, IMHO, is more closely related to Judaism than Christianity, but all 3 come from the same root.
The, by far, largest single similarity between all 3 (and every other theist belief system) is that their adherents are subject to the greatest mass historical, cultural, social and in some cases political delusion ever foisted on the human race and intellect.
The priestly caste/class have always had enormous power and religion is the only thing that holds this all together.
That is not to say that all religious teachings are bad, they often hold truths about society that developed long before our 'modern' religions appeared. It is easy to see early Man's need for explanations as to the world around him. However all religions need to be held accountable for the horrors they have brought to the world.
So to sum up, religions have some good but their time of control on the human mind is now beginning to unravel, take what you want from them (and I often do) but the idea of some intelligent, omnipotent, omnipresent creator is the stuff of human fantasy.
I don't go to mythical places with strange men.
-- Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul.