Atheists: are we deluding ourselves by thinking that society can function w/o religion?

Question

Do some people need religion as a built-in moral corrective,or like an extension of the law to check their tendancy towards anti-social behavior?

There have been many ex- convicts who claim that they "found Jesus" and it changed their life.
If you pull that crutch out, might they revert to their anti-social ways?

Choose Rea---The legal system seems to be over-stretched already. Doesn't it?

Ms Trustm--I'm sure the 1st men were atheists, but no need for "robots" if nobody was controling them.

The Dude---I'm not trying to save religion, I'm an atheist, just trying to get input from others if it has any hidden value.

David T.--Says who?---you/

Answer 1

I think it would function just fine but it would have to be fazed out so slowly over the course of many generations. We can't just pull the religious rug out from under people because many people would flip out and go insane since it's something they've come to rely on. 'Morally' we would be fine as long as we rely on our own judgment and follow the idea that it's just not nice to hurt other people, etc.. We would be able to make the world a good place for our own well being, not just because we felt we 'had to' because God says it's the only 'right' way.

Realistically, religion would just start up again on it's own anyway. It's like anarchy. So many people say it would work just fine but we all know that slowly but surely some form of governmental system would reform. We seem to naturally form idea/belief groups for some reason.

Answer 2

If anti-social folks need religion to stay civil that says more about the type of people who are a part of that religion than anything else now doesn't it?

Those of us that don't need god and live perfectly ethical and civil lives are proof that their god isn't necessary for such a life. If they still wish to act out in that way if they were to find out the truth about their god I'm sure the legal system would take care of the overflow.

Answer 3

You're assuming there is a tendency towards anti-social behavior.

In reality humans in social groups who were very dependent on each other for their survival. They evolved to be good and helpful to one another, but unfortunately, less so to outsiders.

The base of morality can be found in mammals and especially the social primates, especially the chimps and bonabos.

If you're looking for religion to be a moral guide, all you need to do is read the Bible or Koran carefully to see that you can justify the worst horrors imaginable.

Answer 4

We're deluding ourselves even more by thinking that society needs religious dogma at every turn, and a bible-thumper on every street corner. Some people do need religion, as a crutch and a convenient scapegoat to escape responsibility for themselves. They can just say, "St.Christopher will guide me, and the Devil made me do it. When I go completely bonkers, it's okay, because St. Jude will lead me home. Michael will fight my battles for me, and Gabriel will wake me in the morning if my alarm clock doesn't. And St. Peter will fudge the big book on my behalf if I bribe him with a big church donation. I can even kill somebody, then go to confession and I'll still go to heaven..."

Answer 5

i like what that guy said about sweeden. i heard sweeden was an actual 1st world country too. anyway, religion is unessesary. its only because its been a staple of humanity for hundreds of years that we (speaking in general terms here) live religiously. if we slowly started to close down churches and ween people off this crazy religion drug, in a couple hundred years we may be able to achive something meaningful and stable. of course you run the risk of wars starting all over the world due to religious conflict. i want to be like sweeden. i wish my country was that smart. i'm jelous. as for the second part of your question, parents need to do their jobs and stop threatening their kids by saying god sees all. ample communication and honesty with the youth and we should be just fine.

Answer 6

It can however function without atheists who don't seem to have any moral corrective and a tendency towards anti-social behavior. And yes you are deluding yourselves.

Answer 7

I believe people should keep their faiths private unless asked by someone who is willing to learn or something like that. Religion is not all bad although it can be at times.

Answer 8

I think that statement is absolutely correct. I am athiest but I have a very religious family and I see the benefits that having faith can bring to their happiness and livleyhood. I have nothing against religion as long as they are not heavily imposing their beliefs on you. We will be ready eventually, just not now.

Answer 9

Back in my agnostic days I would say with arrogance, maybe some people just need religion either to give them hope or to keep them in line.

Now those words seem so pathetic to me. It’s not so much that we need religion in our lives as we need to acknowledge God. God does exist and we need to be focused on Him and all creation, not ourselves. Not out of fear of going to hell but because whether we acknowledge it or not, we belong to God and we will never be complete without him.

I fully understand the sentiment behind this question, having been there myself. But no matter how much humans advance, we will need God, whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not.

Answer 10

Sweden is 4% religious, and the US is the most pious country in the developed world.

They (Sweden) have ridiculously low crime, we (United States) have embarrassingly high crime.

Better luck next time.

David T -- Sweden's gun control laws are actually pretty similar to US law. They're regulated, but you're free to own a gun: http://pang.larp.se/licens.html