A query for my fellow Atheists...?

Question

I think it was in the book "Timequake" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. , an Atheist, that he said he didn't want his sister or wife (can't remember which) to stop believing in god, because he loved her. My question is, do you believe some people should continue buying into religion for their own good?

If everyone is asleep, I will post it again later.

th3_M3tal_Bang 3r: I think you're mistaking me for another Humbert.

Answer 1

Some people simply take quiet comfort in their beliefs. They have no need to 'validate' their beliefs by seeking out others who agree with them, or trying to convince others to conform to their beliefs.

I have no problem with that at all. If their delusions give them comfort and they do not pester others, that is just fine... I have no compulsion whatsoever to deprive them of their comforting delusions.

However... when somebody enters into a public forum (like this one), declaring that the myths, superstitions, fairy tales and fantastical delusions of a bunch of ignorant Bronze Age fishermen and wandering, militant, marauding, genocidal goat-herders represent some sort of cosmic 'truth' relating to fundamental issues of existence and reality... well, they can expect to get (metaphorically) dope-slapped.
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Answer 2

I leave the religion debates alone. I feel that if it works for some people, and makes them more honorable and better people, then let 'em have it. I live in a small town. If there's an abundance of anything here, it's bars and churches. I have come to recognize something here. That religion is the material that bonds a society together - makes them a better society than without. Now, I think this holds true for a small community like the one I live in. Not so true in a large city. The people really come together here to help others after a house fire, or a sever illness. All that help usually begins and is organized at the churches. The folks take matters personally and fix them, rather than complain the government isn't doing enough. I have a healthy respect for that. I've never prayed once in my life, but I appreciate the people in my town. And if they want 11 churches for a mere 1,000 people, I don't have a problem with that.

Answer 3

I think I would not discourage some of those people who are very insecure, dependent, lacking of the most basic capabilities for rational thoughts from looking on the side of the more progressive of the non-abrahamic religions for comfort, as I would not see why I should discourage very young children from believing in Santa Claus or the fairy tooth. But maybe these people shouldn't be left alone in society in the first place, vulnerable as they would be to manipulations and exploitation. This has not happened in my entourage yet, thankfully.

> do you believe some people should continue buying into religion for their own good?
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Answer 4

An excellent question. I would have to say -- reluctantly -- yes. There are many people who are unequipped emotionally and/or intellectually to act in a moral way without the stamp of religion telling them they should. Obviously, it would be better if everyone in the world had a system of ethics independent of superstition and divine sanction, but that's never going to happen, more's the pity. Then there are those who can find consolation for the human condition (read: our mortality) in religious claims of afterlife and all that jazz. Perhaps their lives would lose meaning if that crutch were taken away.

Answer 5

God fills the same need in adults as Santa does with little boys and girls. You can't force people to grow up and be rational adults, so for them we have God when they grow out of Santa.

Some people can't be decent unless some boogieman, be it God or Santa is making a list and checking it twice. As long as religion is keeping these kinds of people in line, it is a good thing. They are incapable of reason so what else can you do to keep them in line?

However we also see that religion can cause these irrational people to do things like crusades, terrorist acts and inquisitions, so hopefully we can find a better way of keeping irrational people from just acting like animals.

Answer 6

I hope you do not mind if I answer this since I am a Christian.

I think some people NEED religion and need to believe in a higher power because they feel helpless. They want to know that ultimatley someone else is in control. These kind of people need to believe because otherwise they feel even more lonley.

I have known atheists who let their children believe in God because to a child it is comforting to believe that you are always being watched out for.

Answer 7

I feel that religion is a useful social and psychological tool. At its best, it provides comfort and meaning, encourages morality, community, and being good to each other.

Further, since I'm an agnostic atheist (I don't think it's possible to know for sure if there's a god), I respect that others have reached a different conclusion than I have.

Answer 8

I truly believe that some people would be devastated without religion. I do see this as a weakness and a sad state to be in, but there you have it. Some people cannot and will not think for themselves and truly are sheep. Some like the attention, the stature in their community and the fellowship. Some like to be controlled. Whatever the reason, some do need it.

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Answer 9

The need to believe in God seems to be part of human nature. I don't see anything wrong with it just in and of itself. The problem is that believers are prone to being led by religious leaders into many bad things, things they otherwise might not otherwise even consider.

So perhaps belief is okay but it's organized religion we should be fighting against.

Answer 10

Depends. Is all their morality based on religious belief? If they didn't think God would punish them, would they throw all morality out the window and harm others without remorse? Those people are better off keeping their religion.
People who are emotionally dependent would be better off by developing their sense of self-worth and not relying on a god to define it for them.
Most people pretty much act as though God doesn't exist anyway, so who cares what they profess?