Based on rules and assumptions about religion that most of us believe in strongly, if we had never thought of the concept of a God, then would we believe in Heaven or Hell? If not, would we even have the laws with we live by in society today? Would we have a conscience about killing another person, without fear of going to gaol, or damned in Hell? Or any Holy Wars, because we didn't think any Higher Power existed that there wasn't a place to base what we were fighting for on.
We live by a lot of religious factors today, incorporate it in our lives, but, if none of those existed, would we even be the same people with a society today, or would we be something entirely different, run by emotions and our own needs above everyone else, without technology, and not afraid of any punishment for a crime, because there would be no courts of law and people to tell us what is right and what is wrong?
2007-01-14 00:35:04 · 8 answers · asked by Lief Tanner 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The morals we live by do not require religion. They are simply the results of humans developing rules that make it easier and safer to live in a community setting, where individuals must rely on each other for food, shelter, and other basic needs. Even societal animals have such rules of behavior.
Nearly all religions are the result of ancient sun worship. The sun was vital to human society (and still is) and was worshipped for the light, warmth, and life that it gave to all living things. Eventually, the sun was personified into a variety of gods (including Yahweh, whose connection to fire, the sun, and the sky [or heaven] is undeniable), and other aspects of nature also became personified into gods, goddesses, demons, etc. It isn't hard for the more opportunistic among humanity to take advantage of the fear and gullibility of the masses; thus, hellfire and damnation were invented as ways of controlling people into obeying the commands of the priests, who claimed to have a direct connection to the gods. This is still happening in churches, synagogues, and mosques all over the world.
Your contention that technology came about because of religion is utterly false. Religion traditionally has REJECTED new scientific discoveries and advances, from astronomy to evolution, because it contradicts what they believe their holy book tells them about life and humanity. Many Christians now object to stem cell research that could save the lives of thousands, because of their false assumption that their sun-god gives a crap about embryos. Hell, it wasn't too long ago that they protested giving women pain killers for childbirth! Most religious people have a very primitive mindset that makes them reject all attempts at using technology to further human endeavors and make life better. They are so focused on their imaginary afterlife that they have no room to consider how to improve things right here and now. Without religion, we probably would have colonies on Mars by now and would have cured many diseases.
2007-01-14 01:17:45 · answer #1 · answered by Antique Silver Buttons 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of what many people think morals and being “civilized”, comes from personal deep faith and a view of society. Without religion there would be no morals and everyone would be worried about only one thing, “myself”. Sure religion isn’t perfect because man isn’t, but the concept of religion (which is the nature of, an to believe in something, even if it’s “nothing”) has kept man in check. You are right, without religion; there would be no sympathy or remorse. Without religion, there wouldn’t even be a concept of society. We would all live as far apart from each other as possible out of fear. Without religion, we wouldn’t have science and the medical arts since it was religion that started and studied these areas. Without religion, we wouldn’t have any of the major cities we have today; because, all of them started by people that gathered together with the same beliefs and philosophies. Those that don’t like religion in general, fail to realize that religion has shaped their lives much more then they realize; and it will be around long after they leave.
2007-01-14 01:02:29 · answer #2 · answered by Coool 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
People can have morals and not believe in God. I have an atheist friend who has "morals". People can create whatever laws and guidelines they want to use for their own culture. However, these morals will not mean as much to them because they are not accountable to anyone. On the other hand, look at the Ten Commandments; no other laws can compare to these. All crimes and sins can be placed into one of the ten. It is all encompassing. Our society is much better off by keeping the Ten Commandments and being accountable to God for their actions. So ultimately, we can have morals and laws regarldess, but I believe the situation will be much better based on having religion.
2007-01-14 01:48:13 · answer #3 · answered by summer98 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The number of crimes, assasinations, massacres, wars and other abominations commited in the name of God clearly show that the idea of God was not an advancement in civilisation.
2007-01-14 01:13:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well some people call it morals. But back then when people had nothing to really live for and death and disease was common and frequent, they needed something to believe in to convince themselves it was all worth it and they would be rewarded at some point for believing.
2007-01-14 00:39:54 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
we where civilised before that fairy tale god came along the man who invented god was a fool and this planet has been paying in blood ever since
2007-01-14 00:43:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
You are wrong, believing in God is what makes us civilized.
2007-01-14 01:06:21 · answer #7 · answered by julie 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello,God can hear what you're saying or typing.I will pray for your soul.
2007-01-14 00:43:31 · answer #8 · answered by Deleted 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋