How do you respond if I say that in the modern world, religion has been a curse rather than a boon?

Answer 1

First, I agree with you. The records of religion include the Crusades, support of slavery; Salem witch burning; purchase of slaves in the name of freedom, with the result being that the former slaves are now slaves to the church; wars fought to force "infidel" people to live as others want them to live; wars fought to promote another nation's way of life; persecution of minority groups; all claiming the support of some deity.

All of these evils perpetrated in the guise of religion are the works of narrow minded people who believe that they have discovered absolute Truth, or that absolute Truth has been revealed to them alone, and that theirs is the only Truth that exists. They refuse to acknowledge that a transcendent being is capable of revealing a bit of truth to anyone except them and others who are like them.

The trouble with religion arises when any person or group stumbles onto, or invents, a tiny piece of what can be imagined as a cosmic jigsaw puzzle, and immediately concludes that this piece is the entire picture, and that no other piece can exist. This metaphor is not mine, but I offer it in support of my own conclusion on the matter; if I remember correctly, the metaphor is from author Allen Ross. If my memory is in error, I apologize.

In summary: yes, religion has been more bane that boon in modern times, because of the human desire for power over not only other humans, but ultimately, the entire universe.

Answer 2

I'd say you're half right. For some it's not a curse but a way of life- the only way they know. Without their religions, they wouldn't know what to do, or how to live. And for others, yes, it's a curse, especially for those who have been killed by religious zealots in the name of 'God.' In the modern world, religions still hold massive sway over populations and cultures, and therefore, the danger is still very real, that passions will reach a boiling point, which is scary for those not involved in their religious war.

Answer 3

How can you possibly know that since the world has never been without religion? Of course there have been problems with religion. Anything that is administered by humans will be highly flawed. What do you think the world would be like without the concept of a supreme being who will reward good and punish evil?

Answer 4

First I roll my eyes and groan. I put a lot more of the blame for the world's current condition on greed, apathy, and the desire to hold power over others. Religions for the most part teach the opposite.

Answer 5

I would ask you if science has done any better. Yes religion has caused many deaths, and intolerance. Science has allowed to kill much more efficiently, ruined the climate and has made life much less fulfilling in general.

Answer 6

Amen! Religion was used as a way to describe what science could not back in those days, which would be similar to a primitive being thinking fire was magical. We have come to the point where science is being held back because of the old ways of explaining things, (stem cell research, etc...) It is sad really...

Answer 7

I say you have a point. Religion has caused a lot of problems for mankind over the ages.

Answer 8

i would say right on. Here's a quote from 'Letter to a Christian nation.' by Sam Harris

Absolute ideas divide people.That includes communism, for the theists who point to communist/atheists states as bad.

Answer 9

They tried living without it in the Soviet Union for many years.
I wouldn't exactly say it was the happiest epoch in mankind's history.

Answer 10

I agree with you.