How does religion a deterrent to social progress/ development?

Answer 1

Religion can lead to intellectual stagnation and atrophy. For example, in the areas of the stem cell debate and foreign policy. Also, one is less likely to search for an answer if one believes one has a pat answer that answers everything, and which relies upon others not finding other answers that might conflict with it.

Answer 2

Many religions are reluctant to allow change, which makes sense because they think that their ideas are the only right ones because they are handed down from God. When religion sticks its hand into the public arena and starts trying to control others and government, it can impede progress.

A frew examples: Stem cell research, Islam and women's rights, the Medieval church and scientific progress. Remember, it was the Rennaisance, when secular thinking took over, that many major scientifc advances were made. If religion isn't willing to change or adapt, then everything will remain the same. That's the definition of lack of progress/development, right?

Answer 3

It is not. Religion inspires social progress. Religion was the source of ending slavery, of civil rights, of education for all, of individual rights innate to the human condition.

I would say that secularism is a greater deterrent to social progress, as manifested in the USSR and China.

Answer 4

there are three ways to gain control in a culture and society through religion, military and politics. when those in power continue their performance and the culture society continue yo prosper and grow those in power remain in power when they do not another group takes over control. when one culture society meets another culture society and one needs the resources of the other the weaker culture society is absorbed or annihilated by the stronger. the stronger culture society will eventually change as the ideas of the absorbed culture society eventually become a part of the stronger society. therefore religion is not a deterrent to social progress but one of the causes of the change.

Answer 5

Religion is against most scientific progress that puts at stake the idea that god made the world. And it introduces confusing ideas that question philosophical ideas. And social progress and development without science or philosophy is impossible.

Answer 6

We notice human's religion can affect their moral judgement. All your government leader & local authorities are make of human that adhere to certain beliefs, be ye atheist, agnostics or christian, muslim etc, their law making decision stems consciously & sub-consciously from their core values/beliefs. Those laws passed will have social & economical implications.