Has religion caused more problems than it's solved?

Question

Religious institutions have been at the base of all societies and forms of civilizations since man first started organizing.....

So, question : does religion solve more problems through the use of organization, and by providing a foundation for life for people who otherwise could not form their own.

OR

Does religion cause more problems because of insane, religious zealots who try to force their way on everyone else? (Like extremists and reactionaries. EG diehard biblethumpers and jihadists are good examples)

Answer 1

"Religion is the opium of the masses" -Marx

And he is true.

Religion is a drug.

It subdues people, gives them something to do that makes them freel important, gives them an explanation about the world around them, because honestlyl, RELIGION is just a way to explain the cosmos, to explain the things we have no "REAL" explanation for. It has, and ALWAYS will be.

But the thing with opium is... it NUMBS you. Religion is an outlet for people to 'explain' their suffereing, rather then DO something about it.

What did people in the early industrial times do? They worked in factories, they lived in HORRIBLE conditions, they let themselve be ruled by bosses that had NO interest in their well being. And what did the people do? They turned to Christianity and the Protestant movements, saying that their suffering was justifed in the fact that they will get rewards in heaven and only should sit back and SUFFER the rest of the lives away. They didn't CHALLENGE their bosses to make their lives better, because Christianity said "hey, it's alright" Religion was their Opium. Their DRUG! And in the end, it took THAT much more longer for people to rise up and reform, to form unions, to fight for better conditions, and better wages.

'opium of the masses"... that is what religion is. A drug... a simple means to dumbing down what people think about. Instead of challenging their conditions, knowing they were Horrible, they kept on. Instead of THINKING about the world, Religious fanatics DON"T think at all, they just BLINDLY FOLLOW what someone laid out before them, accepting it BLINDLY, without thinking.

Answer 2

Actually, I'd say it is people that cause all the problems, not religion. They use religion as a means to achieve their ends. Think about it: Many people are inherently violent and will either find a way to express that violence or find a way to curb the violence. Religion (especially man-made religions) are a perfect opportunity for both. In general, most religions are rather peaceful but a few are violent. With that said, those who want to practice violence will naturally be lead towards a religion where they can - and maybe will even choose to be non-religious so they can have "freedom" to express themselves how they want. Many others will choose to find peaceful religions to follow and will change their life for the better. Finally, some might choose to just live a life faithful to God and ask Him to keep them on the right path. They may still mess up, but they are earnestly seeking to be Godly and I can't fault them for that. So I don't think religion causes any problems or solutions. People do. And that's what makes God that much more important in our lives! Because if we try to live our way, we seem to make lots of mistakes.

I prat many blessings for you. Thanks for asking a great question!

Answer 3

Excellent question. Firstly I dont know that religious organisations have always been at the base of society. Man invented religion (pre-stoneage) to have somewhere to put those things he did not at the time understand: though at the time man would not have accepted it as a human invention. Also it is debateable that more modern religions have a far more spiritual basis than the first 'religions' and therefore mean more to human beings. However all religions are human interpretations of the particular form of spirituality in question. And I think this is the crux of your question. It is this interpretation aspect that has plagued religions for ages. Religions being human inventions are like all other human inventions, open to untruth, falseness and lies. Corruption is as much a part of religion as it is the police force. But this doe not mean that all religion is bad, it simply means we should be aware and make our spiritual religious decisions with care. And you are right too, religion is often the support that we need, the comfort that we need and the understanding that we need. Religion is human and as such open to human dis-ease, but I believe far more importantly, religion is the roadway to a spiritual life that someof us chose. And I think the positives outweigh the negatives.

Answer 4

It really depends on the religion. I would argue that, while important, religious institutions have NOT always been the basis of all societies and forms of civilization. There have been many forms of spiritual expression that are not an 'institution' at all. Religion as a social construct, as opposed to how the individual relates to the Divine, are two different things. Religions out of the Middle East, like Christianity and Islam, are death cults intent upon global conquest. Ask yourself: Is social conformity really the true basis of human spiritual endevour?

Answer 5

Although it seems like this I really do not think this is the case, as the percentage of those who have gone out of way because of religion SUPPOSEDLY does not over rule those that have stayed peaceful, but those that are violent simply make bigger impacts on some parts of the world, thus seeming like religion causes problems.

Personally I think for many people (not all of course, as I *don't* believe that someone being Athiest causes them to not have morals) religion is what keeps them under control! The belief in an afterlife is an incentive to do your best in hopes of a good result afterwards, thinking that this life is only a short test compared to the greatness afterwards.

It depends on how you look at it..are those problems really overuling everything even though they are a lower percentage? Does the percentage not even matter because of their impact?

Answer 6

for starters they have NOT been the base of ALL societies and forms of "civilizations" since 'first' man organized.
Religion causes the problems it solves. christians seem to be unaware that they are actually fighting each other quite often. Its not christians verses unbelievers. Its christians vs christians. Muslimes are also christians. islam separated from christianity 1400 years ago. They took jesus and the virgin birth and took off. Like Mormons.
religion is the cause of many problems.
Moderate christianity is just as problem producing as fundamental christianity. Moderate religion is just a cover for the fundamental aspects of their religion.Moderate religion thinks itself to be default way of life.
At least the fundamentals believe in the doctorines. Moderate religion is just a joke.

Answer 7

No. People who think they are GOD have caused more problems than they have solved.

And just as equally people who have no religion think they are God regardless and have caused more problems than they have solved.

THINK GOOD AND HARD ABOUT THAT.

Religion is not to blame it's people. They use religion just like politicians use their people and corruption to get their way. Was Saddam using religion? No. Was Hitler? No. Evil is evil and if you took religion right out of the picture they would just find something else as a reason to fuel thier intolerance and greed and need to govern and rule.

Answer 8

Have you ever noticed that almost no eligion follows it's own teachings? It seems to be a lot like communisim in that it sounds great on paper but it never works that way in any sort of practical measure.

Religion has been one of the greatest focal points for war known to man. When there is plenty of food water and resources to build a house they go to war over god.

I vote for # 2

Answer 9

Religion is originally based on the knowledge or belief in a Higher Being...known to many as God...and stemmed from the word of great prophets and wise men such as Christ or Mohammad. It was designed to help us find our way back to our origins as spirits...and to acknowledge we aren't alone within the Grand Scheme of things...but someone decided their prophet was the only correct way to Heaven...and everybody is wrong in who they follow within the teachings and lessons of these wise messengers of God...and the quest for superiority was born.

What was originally designed as messages of hope and love to unite us became convoluted and divisive. As a result, many atrocities were and are committed in the name of God...and this defeats our purpose in life...for we are all a part of the Whole and when combined we form the smallest concept of God. To hurt one, is to hurt us all...and until everyone understands this; we will continue to experience hardship through war, suffering and other abominations in God's name.

The good news is there are many, many good people who do God's work and continue to teach us in the hope we pay attention.

Answer 10

its not an easy question to answer

on the one hand religion has proved a base of morals and ethics that our so city depends on. Also religion was vital in the development of civilization.

it is not without its faults wars started in the name of religion are a clear sign. Though many argue that most of them would have started regardless of religion.

to me it sometimes looks like one of those cant live with them cant live without situations.