Mainstream religion's affect on collective conciousness

This may be taking some liberties here, I don't want anyone to think I am saying that there is definetly a collective concious or that mainstream religion is right or a good thing.

I just notice lately that people I'm around at work and all over are always talking about church and God bless this and that - and they don't argue over what is what (like we do here). Kind of on the same page (in an ignorant sort of way sometimes). They go to church to do good and they talk about what's going on. Well how much good do they do? But of course making a big positive difference is a very hard thing to do sometimes.

Anyway I can't help but notice how this sort of affects a whole collective conciousness (edit to add: in a local/cultural sort of fashion). It sort of gives people a way to look at things, and a way to generally agree on what is what as far as spirituality goes. They may not actually have the same beliefs, they may not even have their own beliefs pinned down, but in their perception, they are agreeing with those they talk to about God and church. It fascinates me, but from their view, they don't question or give it much of a thought, just how they do it.

Mainstream religion is quite corrupted in my view. But do you notice how it affects this idea of collective conciousness? I mean open minds see it a different way, but there are a lot of good people in the world without open minds or without a need for open minds (as far as I can tell). Do you think it is good or bad what mainstream religion does to collective conciousness (according to how I describe it)?

[edit on 25-7-2007 by Novise]

Collectively, religion is taught, it is engrained in everything we do, whether concious or sub-concious, we still do things according to our surrounding influential religion.

We are taught as a kid to believe in god by being forced to go to church when we'd rather be playing with hotwheels.

How many times do you say "oh my god" at something shocking? OK, now how many times do you do it on purpose? That's subconcious programming.

As a whole, there are so many people out there that we interact with every day, that the things we do rub off on others whether we know it or not. Even facial expressions can cause others to copy us. I know, because I've done it. It's annoying. I find myself copying what someone does for no reason.

I don't think there is as much of a collective conciousness as there is a sub-concious desire to fit in.

The idea of a collective consciousness has achieved scientific notoriety because of the work done at the Global Consciousness Project over recent decades. But how does religion influence the collective consciousness?

For now, it looks like research only indicates that consciousness influences physical reality on the quantum scale. While the numbers are scientifically significant, they don't pose much use with regard to practical application. Not yet. The more we learn, the better we understand, the more we'll be able to utilize the power of our own conscious mind in reality.

Religion could influence the collective consciousness in a variety of ways, given the fact that the vast majority of humanity subscribes to one religion or another. I believe religion impacts the collective consciousness as much as any other mindset prevailant throughout humanity.

When i think about how religion could influence the collective consciousness (which can theoretically influence physical reality), i think about those born again christians who, once they accept jesus and begin living their lives differently, begin to find more success. Doors open easier, they're met with fewer obstacles. One prime example is my sister. EVERY time she goes to a casino, she comes back with a thousand dollars. It's amazing.

On the same token, i'm not a religious person. I believe in karma, all those good things, and i keep a positive outlook on life. I've found since i started living as an optimist, more doors open for ME, and i am met with less obstacles. So perhaps it isn't religion that influences the collective consciousness, but certain mindsets that religion breeds?