Celibacy has become a big issue, you're right, and not even I agree with it. It was instituted by a human, after all, so that is not the fault of the church in any way. They felt that for some humans, it would be safer avoiding the stresses of marriage and devoting oneself wholly to the worship of God.
Chaos23: you are far behind, have you even looked at any of what I'v been saying? If you have you could have drawn somewhat of a conclusion that the organized 'church' is a hell of a lot different than the real thing. That's why us Christians are so hated, I've come to learn. Christian-bashers make generalized statements about what they know as the 'Christian church' (being the televangelists, the hypocrites, and what not) and do not bother to delve into theology to actually make sure what they're saying got interpreted in the right fashion. One religion should not be blamed wholly for the faults of several of its hypocritical followers.
And also, religion is hardly mind control for the masses as you make it out to be. It is a valid and working way to find out more about the history of existence. Once you get past the stereotypes and generalizations you may have about religion, you can actually see religion for what it really is, but until you toss those out, more likely than not you're going to view religion in a bad light as you do now. I strongly advise you to change your thinking to at least understand religion and tolerate those around you who practice it, as we are all human and must live on this world together, so why not make the best of it.
Also, on the issue of the music being against religious teaching, I know it is Islam you are talking about, but it is in no religion's teachings that music with anti-religious themes/lyrics to it is BAD or contradictory. It is whether YOU personally take in those beliefs and make them your own and support them that makes such things BAD or contradictory. The music in and of itself is in no way, shape, or form conflicting with religion in anyway. I, for one, listen to Black Metal and Death Metal a ton because it interests me and it is another form of "Music", so why not? I listen to all types of music. I can listen to Dani Filth chanting the Satanic Mantra and still not be affected one bit. Have I sinned from listening to the music? hell no, because I don't hold those beliefs.
Clangorous: I was stating all those things previously and 'taking it personal' because you were bashing Christianity unfairly. You also seem a bit confused about your religion, as you ended your post with something to the tune of 'Now is the time for SATAN!' while claiming to be Hindu which (correct me if I'm wrong) constitutes hypocritical thinking. And actually, religions CAN agree that there might be something other than their God. You can CALL it whatever name you want, but as long as you believe that there in fact IS a higher power which gave life, then we can agree. I am a Christian in general, but some of my thinking is not wholly Christian, I guess you would say. I call the being 'God' and believe that his son, 'Jesus', was the enfleshment of God, so I am actually Catholic. also, Catholicism/Christianity do not FORCE others to convert if they are unwilling to. This is another generality that is constantly applied to Christians.
On holy wars, you may be ridiculing all religion, but guess what buddy. THE WARS WERE OVER WAAAAY BACK! Don't hold that crap against us because it doesn't apply anymore, we are not responsible for what our ancestors did even though we have to suffer through everyone's constant remembrance of it and ridiculing by people who believe it still does apply.
On the concept of animals living better lives than humans, I totally disagree. Animals have very tiny brains and can hardly think outside of the box. The box being the need to provide for itself and its own needs. We humans have a much larger brain and are intelligent enough to know that only thinking about one's own worries isn't helping anyone else. I know Christianity teaches that we are put on this earth for many reasons, one of them specifically being to help and aid others, as we all share a common trait. We are HUMANS, as different as we may be and we should help others in whatever way we can. You end your arguments by stating that you indeed do not give a shit about a higher power and even went as far as calling yourself atheist/misanthrope. You REALLY need to figure out WHAT you are because you've just went through 4 religion changes in less than a week.
In closing, if anyone finds me to be annoying or bothersome because of my 'sickeningly good-natured heart' then congratulations, you've just experienced the driving force behind all the hate that is thrown at Christians. Most of the time, halfbrained people go against Christianity simply because they can't stand the air of positivity (is that a word btw?) surrounding most Christians. They can't get past their hangup of such a person being so nice and thus end up wanting to rebel against whatever is the driving force behind such happiness in hopes of breaking the happiness. I'm not saying YOU are a halfbrain for feeling the hate, but the general public who do so normally are, so that's why I said it.
(to everyone reading this) Have ny more questions about religion? If you do, go to a fucking theology class and LEARN (I didn't say convert, did I? NO. just LEARN). It might just bring you the answers you are looking for, as I of course have only probably 5% of the answers to your questions and such, even after a good solid 10 years of theology and religious knowledge. I'm sick and fucking tired of trying to explain and defend religion while in turn getting no good results from it on here. But, I am one of the few Christians you'll find outside of a classroom who, while NOT using the words "Fuck off and burn in hell, because I surely won't see you in heaven!", actually will take the time to explain why they believe what they believe in depth to a group of non-believers.
