Is it right to make a statement like, "I think the world would be a better place without religion."?

Question

I saw this comment on someone's profile, and I don't think it's right to say something like this. It borders on discrimination, but above all, it just seems unfair. I mean, I have atheist pals, and I'd never make a statement that "the world would be better without athiesm." The same goes for different religions, other than my own. It's the differences of peoples beliefs and opinions that makes the diversity of our cultures so rich. To those who would hang the historical misdeeds of religious people over their heads, they are also over-looking the wealth of giving, compasion and sharing done by these same religions (when things like storm disasters occur, it's generally "religious" people first on the scene to offer help, a fact largely ignored by the media. But that's another subject.)

I respect other people, either athiests or people of faith, and I don't think it's right to make statements like, "the world would be better without...(blah)". Thoughts?

Kjelstad - you missed the point.

Answer 1

I think, stating that "the world would be a better place without religion" is a rather primitive way to look at things. I am an atheist myself, but I tend to feel that religion has appeared in human societies over and over again for a very good reason. Granted, religion has brought a lot of injustice and grief, and countless atrocities were committed under the banner of religion. But lets keep in mind that the two of the most well-known totalitarian societies of the 20th century (the Nazi Germany and the Soviet Russia) were, technically, atheistic societies. I don't think religion per se has anything to do with the bad things that are committed in the name of it... If I was to paraphrase the quote from your question, the world would be a better place without people. It's my personal feeling that the good and the bad are products of the human mind, and this includes religion, atheism, crimes, wars, heroism, you name it. Human mind has a great power and a great potential that I think is a long ways from being realized in its fullest.

Answer 2

Well, it is O.K. because of the way it was worded. The words "I think" shield whatever comes after in the protective realm of an opinion. If they left out those two words, like the way you wrote it twice afterwards in your details, make it sound more like a threat. But, that said, I also think the world would be ba better place without religion. Just think about it for a minute. The wars alone are a good reason to get rid of all religions, but that will never happen so relax and go read a bible or something else you consider holy.

Answer 3

Is it right? Not in my opinion, but that's probably because I believe in Christ. But it's an opinion. Incendiary, but an opinion. I think the world would be a better place without a lot of things. It’s my opinion & I'm entitled to it. Whether I should share it or not is another thing entirely.

Our culture away from God fuels the belief that without God we are each our own individual gods and this allows for the expression of opinions that were kept internal or in confidence by previous generations. If I believe I am my own god, then whatever I say and/or feel has credence and I will dare you to disagree.

To continue on this view, I think that is why we find ourselves in a position where most people don't disagree without being disagreeable. Because if our version of god (ourselves) is wrong, then where does that leave us? But if I can believe that I, god and lord of my own life, am right regardless of the circumstances, I can also have the freedom to believe that you are either unequivocally wrong, or right in your own godhood. While the immediate results are diametrically opposite (one that is completely argumentative and the other absolute permissiveness) it leads us to the same place in the long run - the Palace of Self, where my opinion is valued above all others, regardless of its affect on others. And from there is a short step from my opinion being the only one of value to allowing that opinion to guide my actions without regard to anyone else. Because if I’m right, everyone else must be wrong.

Of course, this is just my opinion & worth every cent you paid for it.

Answer 4

It all goes to being open-minded and accepting of others' beliefs and values. I understand that people have opinions and one nice thing is this place seems like a haven for differing opinions. While I may not agree with the opinion stated I think I would have an interesting time talking with this person about why they believe that the world would be a better place without religion.

Enjoy your day. :)

Answer 5

Due to the connection that religion has with violence and human abuse throughout the centuries (Slavery of African Blacks, European imperialism, Racism in USA) and the present (conflicts in eastern Europe,the middle east and numerous sex scandals) among those who are supposed to be paragons of spiritual virtue), there is a growing anti -religious movement worldwide. Many feel in all sincerity that since religious people contribute so fervently to world problems that religion in general has been a menace. I personally feel that there are some slivers in the religious community that have consistently stood for good. Usually these are the ones persecuted for not being violent, maybe they refuse to participate in war, or in other ways compromising, just to fit in. But largely religion has over the centuries failed mankind.

Answer 6

Hey there Mr religious, would we be better off without homos and porn stars? Start extending your courtesy to everyone and I won't be able to hate your ideologies any more.

Additional Details
Was your point that we should respect religion, and anything that may agree with the dogma? Some religious people have done good, so give them all respect? If you think the religious are the only philanthropists in life you should do a little research.

Answer 7

While many may not agree and many may anything that starts out with the words "I Think" is opinion and each person is entitled to one. Some may be more offensive than others but take away the right of having an opinion and then you will be living where someone will be doing all your thinking for you.

Answer 8

Aren't they entitled to have an opinion? I hear people all day saying things about how the world needs more religion: isn't one entitled to believe that the world would be better off without it?

Whether I agree with them or not, they have as much right to voice that opinion as one does to put up a "Jesus is Lord" billboard by the highway...

Answer 9

Religion is bad because it tends to slow down the development of humanity as a species. Those who believe the truth is dictated by some book or something will not seek out the truth in the world around them. Religion is a mass delusion and delusions are not healthy.

Answer 10

It makes me sad when people express their opinions and put others down in the process. Just goes to show how much they are truly missing in life by not being open to new things.