why or why not?
2007-07-08 19:09:34 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think so. It's funny how many people who regularly say things like, "The truth shall set you free" do everything in their power to obscure that truth by refusing to think.
While I'm not going to stand here (okay, you got me: I'm sitting) and say that religion doesn't have its good points, I'll simply say that seeing things for what they are has many more.
Why can't we cure disease instead of say that a disease is God's will? Why can't we research stem cells, knowing that those cells are simply going to rot in a landfill if we don't (this is the truth--the stem cells being "protected" by Christian fundamentalists are simply rejects from fertility clinics, and destined for disposal)? Why not encourage others to live their lives in freedom and happiness (another Christian slam in regards to homosexuality)?
No more can we kill one another because our God told us it's a good idea to kill infidels (while I'm still glaring at Christianity, I'm now also glaring at a few other choice faiths). No more regarding women as second-class citizens (which has religious roots). And what's more, just maybe we'll learn that we're a part of this planet--not superior to it. Maybe we'll see ourselves as part of the animal kingdom, instead of its overlords.
If no one believes in an afterlife... you think just maybe we'd learn to value life just a little bit more? I think so; it worked for me. I was, at one time, a Christian. It's funny how I see life's value more as an Atheist.
Yes. I think the world would be better off without religion.
2007-07-08 20:01:38 · answer #1 · answered by writersblock73 6 · 2⤊ 5⤋
No. Religion has nothing to do with war, crime, hatred, etc. It might be used as an excuse for these things, but those who believe it is the cause are mistaken. It is in our nature as humans to hate others, to think ourselves superior and others inferior, to insult, to attack, even to kill. If you don't believe this, all you have to do is look around on this sight. Atheists on this sight insult, attack, and look down on others just as much as anyone else. Why would this be if religion was the cause of such animosities?
Religion tries to bring about a standard of morality. This is usually a good thing. Religion also brings about hope. This is also a good thing. Do people use religion as an excuse to do horrible things, or do horrible things in the name of religion? Yes, of course they do. It does not mean, however, that if it had not been for religion they would not have done these horrible things.
Adolf Hitler was an atheist. While if you listen to some of his public speeches you would not think so, he was trying to get a very religious nation to believe in his lies. If you read his private journals, however, his true feelings on religion becomes all too clear. Joseph Stalin was an atheist. He killed more people than Hitler did. Jeffrey Dahlmer was an atheist, but he became a Christian in prison. He suddenly became very saddened by the things he did. He stated that he felt that if we just all came from ooze than there was really no such thing as right and wrong, and he had held no remorse from his actions. But upon understanding that there was a God, he understood that his actions were wrong.
Now I am not saying these people did things BECAUSE they did not believe in God, but I am stating that these people did not do these horrible things out of religion, either. These are possibly some of the worst examples of humanity we can find, and religion did not motivate their actions. In Jeffrey Dahlmer's case, at least, it seemed that religion would have prevented his actions.
Religion has given us the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and almost every hospital ever built in America (and much of the rest of the world) has been because of religion. Christian missionaries have brought food, medicine, clothes, and clean water to numerous people throughout the world.
Again, I am not saying that atheists are not able to be charitable, but in the past, most charity has been as a result of religious groups.
Religion brings hope, a sense of belonging, and a sense of purpose. The world certainly would not be better off without it.
2007-07-09 02:46:38 · answer #2 · answered by Serving Jesus 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The major cause of the worlds problems are people stealing each others lands and assets. Religion is sometimes used to try and justify it. But there is a bi problem for those who say we would be better off without it, they always avoid explaining away how the communists used violence to wage their wars and slay millions in a relatively short time span. Seems the lack or religion didn't help them out much or make them any less violent or more rational. You don't have to look to far to see that extremeness can be found in any ideology from religious to political. Hence wars are not restitched to those with religious viewpoints. If religion is the opium of the people then unbelief has been the crack cocaine. Writers block suggests why can't we cure diseases rather than say it is God's will. Hate to burst your bubble my friend but many people of faith are doctors/scientists who are doing just that. I'm amazed when people seem to be be unaware of some of the great scientists and doctors who are believers.
2007-07-09 02:18:58 · answer #3 · answered by Edward J 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
After I have been reading what all of us share in this forum I believe religion is the main reason why we have so many conflicts in the world today. If we all can understand that there is only one God and different people visualise it differently it will fine.But with most religions claiming that their religion is the only way to attain salvation...guess we could have very well done without this diversity in religion.
Even though I try to understand other beliefs I find that you are not welcome, so long as you do not wish to give up your beliefs...change your name, be born again,grow a beard etc...how ridiculous!!
The simple fact is lead a good life by doing, All the good you can in all the ways you can...period!
2007-07-09 07:21:39 · answer #4 · answered by su 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Boy, you ask deep!
A lot of world conflict has to do with religion and land, If you took religion out of the equation, land and territory issues are won by sheer power.
But where would that leave the quiet law-abiding citizen, who is looking for guidance and meaning in this ever-changing world?
Religion as we know it, no.
A higher power, for some.
Can we be better off, yes.
... and it will take more than just religion.
2007-07-09 14:38:06 · answer #5 · answered by PAUL A 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a Christian, YES - (emphatically I state this). You may be scratching your head, thinking, a Christian who rejects religion? !!! Why I say this is, that religion has no bearing on Christianity - none whatsoever !
Christianity - the REAL thing, is based in SPIRITUALITY - that is in a relationship with God, the Father, through the grace of Jesus Christ. Spirituality promotes the process of conversion within the mind [ IN-ternal change] whereas, "religion" is rooted in ritualistic "legalism" - "do's & don'ts" (Law), and is accomplished through out-ward [EX-ternal ] means or "works" only, devoid of any spirituality or relationship with God. Religion attempts to get others to CONform to ritualistic practices, failing to address the real problem the human heart (mind). Religion says, you ARE sin; whereas, spirituality says, you do sin. Religion adresses what you do, as a person - spirituality adresses who you ARE , and TRANSforms you, as a person. An example of "religious" people are / were the religious doctors of the Law - the self-rightous, grandiose, Pharasees, who conspired to murder Jesus, along with the Sanheddrins - the priests of Jesus' day.
This is why "religion" is useless to the world because it fails to address the real issues - the evil within all of us !
MORE JESUS - NO RELIGION !!!
2007-07-09 02:45:48 · answer #6 · answered by guraqt2me 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Religion... the organization's created by man and often abused for purposes of personal gain... yes. The world would be a much better place without them.
But the world would be far poorer without Faith...
2007-07-09 02:30:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
It would be better off w/out some religions. Namely the ones that require mass murders by flying planes into the sides of buildings.
2007-07-09 02:16:43 · answer #8 · answered by Lyndsey G 3 · 4⤊ 2⤋
There would be no world without religion
2007-07-09 02:16:17 · answer #9 · answered by omie88@sbcglobal.net 2 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Religions do guide us in our everyday life. No religions teach bad things towards believers. It really depends on how the worshippers interpret the teachings. I think it's good we have religion. i should say better if there's only one religion in the world, that way, no conflicts will arise between the teachings of various religions.
2007-07-09 02:24:58 · answer #10 · answered by mike d 2 · 4⤊ 3⤋