Would the world be a better place with no religion and no belief in any higher power other than oneself?

Question

Being an atheist, you know what side I'm on.

Just another note: When religion was created, it was in an attempt to preserve society. This is obvious as they opposed scientific development and had a carrot-stick (heaven-hell) method to coerce people into acting the way they wanted them to. When people developed religion, they were hoping for stability. But life isn't like that- it stops for no man. Now all religion tries to do is preserve the status quo in an evolving universe.

Several of the people who have answered have said there would be no altruism without religion. I don't believe that, for the simple reason that it is an evolutionary quality. We need altruism to keep with our social herd and thus increase our chances of survival.

Thanks for the answers so far

Answer 1

First of all, I think the world would be a better place with no religion. Secondly, there is a power much stronger than I am; it's called nature.

Answer 2

That's two questions, the first of which I agree would be very satisfactory. I am soon going to Northern Europe to visit a friend, and there only 15% of the population belong to a religion. It's a very calm, self-assured, advanced, very together sort of country. I don't think atheism is popular there, though - They're mainly Pagan, but not the modern paganism of the Celts. Theirs is a much more ancient paganism, and before you ask, no, they don't go for animal or human sacrifice to anything. (Well, not now, at any rate).

Answer 3

Hmmm........ we've seen this in history a number of times. Hitler believed that there was nothing higher than himself, as have tyrants and conquerors throughout the ages and look at the destruction, suffering and misery they have caused.

Leaving the restraints taught by religion aside, is it within Man to truly do good? Religion is at the foundation of almost all laws followed by mankind. Take away the foundation of religion, and everyone will be able to do what is right in their own eyes and nothing would be considered wrong, for you, as God, would decree it to be so.

Not a world that I would want to live in........

Answer 4

that is good question and i believe that it would be better without organized religion. but i do believe there is a higher power out there whom i choose to call jesus christ. ya see; Man founded and wrote the original religions and continually manipulates current religions to favor whatever they want. i believe man has ruined religion. and because of that i believe it is each individuals responsibility to form an educated decision on what he believes and to follow it according to how they percieve it; instead of how a mortal man tells them too. i personally have a personal relationship with god. i talk to him frequently for praise, guidance, or strength, my god walks beside me always and even carries me during hard times. so yeah i guess im against religion, but i am totally for a higher power who ever yours maybe.

Answer 5

I don't let religion get in the way of my relationship. Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father except by me." John 14:6

Answer 6

The world would be a better place if we would transform ourselves from "Man", who lives what he BELIEVES, to HUMAN BEINGS, who Live what they KNOW!

Answer 7

It's that belief in oneself called humanism that has got us in the mess we are in now. Adam and Eve chose themselves instead of God.

Answer 8

That way, you have nothing to look forward to! That is a selfish way of thinking!

Answer 9

No.