If all religion was banned, would the world be a better place to live?

Question

Law governs the bounderies whithin which we live our lives,
religion has historicaly caused the most death and suffering,
It is the biggest money spinner of all time!

Answer 1

I doubt it. Most wars and problems are caused by politicians and global businesses. Nations are kept in poverty because of politicians and global businesses.

Answer 2

No

Many people's moral values are supported by their religion. To theoretically ban all religion would be to remove a major foundation for these moral values for generations to come. Many of these moral values involve love and respect for others; more people, thus, would be less restricted by the morals in their actions, and would be more inclined to commit theft, violence, etc. to others, more so than now.

Also, to theoretically remove religion would remove hope from many people's lives. If a person doesn't have any spiritual beliefs or faith in a better life after death, what would there to be to look forward to.

That kinda touches on the theoretical view. Realistically, people would still practice religion where they could, away from public view, or at the very least in their own hearts and homes. People doing this would likely be considered to be violating the law; a heavy burden on their lives, always looking over their shoulder, or if not, being subject to whatever punishment is given for such a "crime."

Also realistically, people who would seek such a ban might believe to be doing the world some good, or at least removing a perceived "threat" from their worlds. The truth is, this wouldn't really be happening, based on the previous paragraph. While a happily ignorant few might believe things have improved, even those that wanted it would not see any real improvement. In fact, it would cause many to embrace their religions more...the casual, devout, AND fanatic.

Maybe the idea of banning religion is based on the existence of violent sects. Banning religion would not remove these; rather, they would become more emphatic and desperate in their actions.

A final point: from my perspective, any limiting of a basic freedom such as freedom of thought or freedom of association can only be detrimental to this world we live in.

Answer 3

Interesting question. There is a Bible based answer for this question and it is found in the book of Revelation. Chapter 17 describes a great harlot called Babylon the Great. Who and what is she? She is the entire world empire of false religion. Soon, very soon, Revelation 17:15-18 will come to pass" :15 And he says to me: “The waters that you saw, where the harlot is sitting, mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues. 16 And the ten horns that you saw, and the wild beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire. 17 For God put [it] into their hearts to carry out his thought, even to carry out [their] one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, until the words of God will have been accomplished. 18 And the woman whom you saw means the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.”
In Revelation 18:1 - 19:10 it describes the fall and destruction of Babylon the Great

The net answer to your question is not "IF" all religion was banned --- It is "WHEN WILL" all religion be banned.

At Matthew 24:3-14 Jesus gives a description of the condtions and signs of when the this will take place. At 2Timothy 3:1-4 it shows the conditons of the society of mankind as the signs of the last days.

The two articles below will give you insite into these times we are living in and what God has purposed to do to provide mankind guideance for these "difficult times hard to deal with"

Answer 4

Religion has had a lot to answer for in the past. A lot of the bloodiest wars and sustained periods of persecution have been caused by religion. Even so, by banning religion you would be saying that people cannot have their beliefs. This would be as bad as some of the religious persecutions of the past and so I think the world would ultimately not be a better place.

I have many problems with religion but would never deny anyone their beliefs as long as they don't harm me or others.

Answer 5

This would really depend on if you mean all belief systems or all organized religion.

There is a basic human need to look for a system of values, morals, and explanations for the otherwise inexplicable. There will be a need to bolster these systems with mythologies, and there will be a need to congregate with those who share similar beliefs. The world without an outlet for such needs would probably be pretty f'd up. *cough* communist Russia *cough*

Even so-called atheists satisfy these needs in other outlets, sometimes we just don't recognize these as religion because they don't have the hint of supernatural that signifies religion to us. For example, a belief that all science is correct once proved out, or just having faith in the scientific method, is a belief system all the same, yeah?

As far as the world doing without the kind of institutions that draw power through indoctrination, instilling fear, and blind thoughtless faith, I imagine the world could be better off without all of that.

Imagine.

Answer 6

Just because something is banned, doesn't make people stop believing in it. No, I believe it would just make the jails fill up. People would still keep believing, even if it means death.
If you mean if religion was proven to be false, then it may be a worse place. Most people who had faith would now be in deep depression, and possibly commit suicide. Life would stop being worthwhile.
However, it may be better. People could spend more time finding cures for illnesses, helping homeless persons find a place to live, and generally fulfilling meaningful things for the human race.

Answer 7

I think the world would be a worse place. Many people are comforted in times of great upset or stress by their religion and it has made people happy, stopped suicides and helped people feel less alone by going to church.
Many religions have their own charities and help people who otherwise would not live.
Of course there are always those who use religion as an excuse to do bad things but many, many more only do good.

I am not religious so I am only giving my own personal opinion

Answer 8

People have already tried that all throughout history. Not really banning all religion but trying to force people to believe one thing and not giving them the freedom to make their own decisions. Look at all the bloodshed it caused. Far more than we are doing now. I do, however think it should be illegal to be hurtful or patronizing when talking about someones beliefs or lack of belief. I am a Christian and yes I will share what God has done for me, but I'm not gonna be mean to you if you see differently. All this will do is cause conflict and probably push you further away. I'm supposed to be showing God's love not making a fool of myself and the name of God.

Answer 9

I just argued about this with my wife today. If there were no religions, we would all be a bunch of hedonists. It's easy to blame religion for everything, but look at all the good they do. Have you ever heard of Atheistic Charities,etc. Some people with religion are not so good, but the basics of religion make us all better people. Look at Christianity, it's based on love. You never heard Jesus telling someone to blow up the Jews.

Answer 10

Religion has been the cause of so much suffering throughout the ages. The Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, World War Two.

I think if we hadnt believed in it at all, the world would be a much better place.

Answer 11

Most of us think that spirituality is inseparable from religions. As none of the religions today teaches true spirituality they are existing for the benefit of its leaders. Individual who understands what is spirituality can get away from religion for free thinking without bindings whatsoever. Even atheists keep better moral values as compared to the religious ones today.

Today the states have their own rules and so the abolition of religions are not going cause any serious problem. To those who desire true spiritual life it will be helpful too.