Are priests and vicars "authorities on religion", Yes, by definition: they made it up. Alll religions have them, always did. But they are not authorities on God , either as a personage, or as the concept of the "highest good." That is something for human beings themselves to decide, democratically.
Why are we ruled by a small number of assholes? Because they originally took over by force: they are not held back by conscience. Once a power/wealth structure is established, it runs pretty much on its own. There is no new money, just recycled and enhanced old money. People have always known they were being screwed: history is full of evidence. Seventy thousand slaves rebelled under Spartacus, knowing the consequences if caught. Citizens have challenged their governments at the risk of horrible torture and death.
People do know better and object to injustice constantly, unless they are on the winning end.
of course propaganda is a big factor- especially concerning war, and the men who are gang-pressed to fight. It has to do with false, flattering concepts of "honour" and "manliness". It has to do with "divide and rule."
"That is something for human beings themselves to decide, democratically." - that's what's been happening through the ages and it's called sects. Of all kinds, "values", you name it. "Democratic" too.
And so here we are - evolved per your opinion - yet completely hapless and sheep-like. Some evolution!
We don't have democracy, and never did. Sect leaders are hardly democratic. Where did you get that idea ? Calling something "democratic". doesn't make it so. It's magic.
Are priests and vicars "authorities on religion", Yes, by definition: they made it up. Alll religions have them, always did. But they are not authorities on God , either as a personage, or as the concept of the "highest good." That is something for human beings themselves to decide, democratically.
Why are we ruled by a small number of assholes? Because they originally took over by force: they are not held back by conscience. Once a power/wealth structure is established, it runs pretty much on its own. There is no new money, just recycled and enhanced old money. People have always known they were being screwed: history is full of evidence. Seventy thousand slaves rebelled under Spartacus, knowing the consequences if caught. Citizens have challenged their governments at the risk of horrible torture and death.
People do know better and object to injustice constantly, unless they are on the winning end.
of course propaganda is a big factor- especially concerning war, and the men who are gang-pressed to fight. It has to do with false, flattering concepts of "honour" and "manliness". It has to do with "divide and rule."
"That is something for human beings themselves to decide, democratically." - that's what's been happening through the ages and it's called sects. Of all kinds, "values", you name it. "Democratic" too.
And so here we are - evolved per your opinion - yet completely hapless and sheep-like. Some evolution!
We don't have democracy, and never did. Sect leaders are hardly democratic. Where did you get that idea ? Calling something "democratic". doesn't make it so. It's magic.