religion good or bad?

Question

does any1 agree that if religion didnt exist then niether would all the conflict in the world.that seems to be the only thing people fight over,the catholics and the protestants,muslims and christians these are to name but a few.if nobody believed in such things then you couldnt arge over it and say that your god told you to do this and that.if we all woke up tomorow and there was a world wide ban i feel the world would be a much nicer place.

Answer 1

We all should just stick to the religion of the country they are living in.
xxx

Answer 2

I'm sure that removing religion altogether would help immensely, but I'm not confident that it would actually *end* wars. Seems to me that religion is an *enabler* rather than a cause in most cases.

There are some exceptions - wars whose only reason is religion. How much quieter would the Middle East be, for instance, if both sides didn't believe that God hisself told them that the land was theirs alone.

The biggest problem with religious conflicts is that they just don't respond to diplomacy, offers of aid etc. No matter how much the sides stand to benefit materially from cessation of hostilities, negotiations will always stall on 'Yes, but see: God told us...'

But outside of these true loony-toons wars, it's pretty plain that many combatants would be a lot less enthusiastic if they weren't told, over and over again, that God was on their side. Or that it was only the territory, the inhabitants or the rice crop that had to be defended, and not 'the faith'. And even if 'the faith' really were under attack, and the evil enemy believed that Holy Joe Blow was just a prophet, and not the messiah, who really stands to lose? Why, the church hierarchy, of course! No wonder they're so keen to spill everyone's blood to keep their jobs!

Another thing: I don't know if a ban would do the job. Many religions just loove the idea of being persecuted. It makes 'em excited as anything. And of course when anyone gets busted for practising religion illegally they can have loads of fun protesting about the savage heathens abusing their martyr. Look at these guys who go smuggling Bibles into Saudi, for instance.

I reckon the best way would be 1) via taxation: drop the unfair charitable status that religions have; 2) block any 'charity' work that has doctrinal strings attached (those organisations that ostensibly help the poor in Africa, but actually work to prevent abortion and contraception - especially those trying to block condom use in HIV epidemic areas). 3) make it expensive for the adherents, and a financial contribution to the rest of society. 4) eliminate as far as possible the indoctrination of children when they're too young to see the holes in what they're handed. 5) a vast educational campaign to teach scientific facts about evolution, cosmogony, abiogenesis and other points of conflict.

CD

Answer 3

Very few wars have been caused by religion. None have been caused by Christians, because Christians always turn the other cheek. Jesus came so that there would be no more wars, or even small fights- but people have ignored him.

'Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.' Eph 4:31-32 NIV

Answer 4

I think yes, that if religions were abandoned we'd be much better off. However, the ethical teachings that are inherent in most religions are pretty damn good. I grew up a catholic but am not a christian, (i'd say i am an athiest/humanist) however I think that Jesus was the greatest human rights activist that ever lived. I think religion is a creation of men who knew that they could exert their power over people by using religion to induce fear and control over the general populace. Religion has also been the bane of many wars over the years. The Nazi Regime and the KKK are examples of groups that have taken religion and skewed it to work in their favor, with little consideration to the actual messages contained within scripture.

Answer 5

i do think maybe there would be less religious conflicts although i often think this is just what people hide behind and more often than not conflicts are over power. But i know alot of people get through tough times in their lives because of their faith...i know my nan could have never survived my grandads death without her religion. People in fearful situations, even people who never practised a religion before often turn to one...so maybe it is a good thing...although i know people will always say it isnt i have to stick up for what i believe on this one!

Answer 6

People just fight. If such a strong thing as religion wasn't in their lives to fight over they would fight over something else. Hopefully one day there will be peace but I very much doubt it.

Answer 7

Yes religion is definitely bad. It does cause an awful amount of conflict in the world which is really not necessary. After all how many different Gods does the world need? Whatever happen to love thy neighbour?

Answer 8

Religion is bad. It is destructive, divisive and wasteful. No body can deny the conflict and hatred that is carried out in the NAME of religion. The case for an up side is week. But you already knew all that.

Mankind would probably find other things to fight about but at least we would have to take responsibility for our bad behavior if we did not have religion to justify our actions. That just might make some abstain from hateful behavior.

Answer 9

Would you not agree they would fight over something else instead it is in human nature to fight and have wars, people just use religion as an excuse. Its all about power and oppression.

The will to power is what it is all about.

Answer 10

Religion is bad and was created by man and not by God for sure. Everyone thinks that their way is right and belittles other religions which is a waste of time. Just be a christian for goodness sakes. Just share Jesus Christ and not your religion. God doesn't honor that.