Does religion foster bad behaviour?

Question

Top of the class, in both Atheism and good behavior, come the Japanese. Over eighty percent accept evolution and fewer than ten percent are certain that God exists. Despite its size—over a hun­dred million people—Japan is one of the least crime-prone coun­tries in the world. It also has the lowest rates of teenage pregnancy of any developed nation. (Teenage pregnancy has less tragic consequences than violence but it is usually unwanted, and it is frequently associated with deprivation among both mothers and children. In general, it is a Bad Thing.) Next in line are the Norwegians, British, Germans and Dutch. At least sixty percent accept evolution as a fact and fewer than one in three are convinced that there is a deity. There is little teenage pregnancy is low, although the Brits, with over 40 pregnancies per 1,000 girls a year, do twice as badly as the others. Homicide rates are also low—around 1-2 victims per 100,000 people a year.

At the other end of the scale comes America.

Over fifty per­cent of Americans believe in God, and only 40 percent accept some form of evolution (many believe it had a helping hand from the Deity). The US has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy and homicide rates are at least five times greater than in Europe and ten times higher than in Japan. All this information points to a strong correlation between faith and antisocial behavior—a correlation so strong that there is good reason to suppose that religious belief does more harm than good.



At first glance that is a preposterous suggestion, given that reli­gions preach non-violence and sexual restraint. However, close inspection reveals a different story. Faith tends to weaken rather than strengthen people's ability to participate in society. That makes it less likely they will respect social customs and laws. All believers learn that God holds them responsible for their actions. So far so good, but for many, belief absolves them of all other responsibilities. Consciously

Answer 1

It can. I think it depends on the person. Particularly with Christians, in America, there is evidence of excessive bad or criminal behavior. This may be because their view of 'God' is so uncomplimentary. In spite of the sugarcoating they give Christianity, their bible gets across the message that 'God' is cruel and unfair -- and that 'the devil' is always trying to kidnap their souls or 'lead' them 'astray'. There's a tendency to not take full responsibility for what they do. At least subconsciously, according to what they are taught to believe, Christians blame either 'Satan' or 'God' (or both) for the things they do, and the things that go wrong, so they feel they are not in control of their lives.

Answer 2

No.

Religion is a reflection of the society and a compass for the direction in which they move.

Right now in America the Christian faith has become a social organization in which like-minded people can come together and learn how to judge each other. Their faith has become a social organization in which they learn the modern, acceptable ways to be bigoted, intolerant, and justified.

The average American Christian will deny this, but when you ask them about select social issues their true beliefs will come shinnying through in all of their fanatical glory. The true shame of it is that the next generation of Christians will also believe that hate and intellectual ignorance are true family values.

And that is where we are as a culture: Spoiled, conceited, and blissfully ignorant (and we like it that way).

Japan and other similar cultures are in process of an "all for one" movement where they work for the common good. This is achievable in all religions and cultures if it is called for.

Unfortunately, religion and myth is what holds the intellectually lazy to a path of action. And since it's so easy to change any religion or myth, this path can skew a whole society if enough people believe it is divine or infallible.

It will change soon, the pendullum swings both ways and will come back towards center before people can get much more fanatical. Thank Whatever that we as a society can't stick to one thing for very long.

Answer 3

I'm not sure that it's a fair comparison. I see your point, but are there other factors in play? For example, in Singapore (sp?) crime rates are low simply because the consequences are harsh. Remember Michael in the 90's? He was flogged for vandalism. In America he probably would have made a court appearance, sentenced to 30 days in jail, but suspended and put on probation instead. Nothing to do with religion.
On another note, look at American Hasidic Jews. This group is all about God, and within it murder, rape, theft, etc. are virtually non-existant.

Answer 4

Nopes!!not at all and i don't agree with Ur statistics cos come to look at it Saudi Arabia is a ISLAMIC country 100% Zero percent HIV and AIDS related cases zero percent zero percent crime rate,No abortion cases...Zero percent Homicide and can go on and on..yet this is the birth place for ISLAM and is practiced .

Answer 5

I think part of the hatred and bigotry and racism are related to christians who see it the way they choose to, and then force it down the throats of unsuspecting children, who later become ignorant adults who don't even KNOW that they are ignorant.
Organized religion is NO GOOD.

Answer 6

It is only the lack of observance of the proper religion, that is behind bad behaviour.
Those who love God (and their fellow man) will not even think of doing evil.

Answer 7

Bad religions foester bad behavior, Ideas are better than religion because religion is more cut and dry people will die for it.

Answer 8

I don't think that it dose. Sure some Christians are not all that good, but no one is perfect. You tell me one person that is and I will change my answer.
(Some people do get corrupted you know.)

Answer 9

Research proves it!

Answer 10

All religions do.