Necessary then but unnecessary now?

Question

Religion was designed to keep uneducated wild men inline, controlling society, centralizing power and enforcing its laws as the only laws existed during the twilight of our civilization.

In modern times govern and law enforcement functions of Church are replaced.

Church as organization is rotten inside out, it is the wealthiest landlord in the world but the charity is questionable, and the moral image of the Church cannot inspire our communities nor provide any unbiased services neither. Why exactly do we need Church on the social, community level?

Answer 1

Specifically, the Judeo-Christian religion has become more about money and power and control than the moral teachings of Jesus. In virtually any church--catholic or protestant--in europe or north america--look at the money spent on the building itself-and the support structure as opposed to how much is actually spent on good works. I'm not a conventional Judeo-Christian yet when my neighbors need help--or I see someone that needs help--I use the pay it forward philosophy. My neighbor kept his home because I gave him $2000 when he was laid off. His church was unable to make that kind of outlay--$6,000,000 building lol. He doesn't go there anymore.

Answer 2

As an atheist, I personally don't think we "need" them, however the vast majority of people believe they "need" churches to help keep them on the "right" track, or to give support and direction. The religion is the cohesive value.

That said, I feel that a secular establishment would fulfill the same function. The purpose being to come together, do activities and support charities together, offer day care and private schools, etc. The problem being that with the religiosity so prevalent, it makes it difficult to offer the same thing without religion in part because of the negative viewpoint the religious tend to have toward the secular. (E.g. Becoming quite defensive of their religion.)

Answer 3

We dont NEED church on a social or community level. On an individual or personal level is where church is needed. Nearly everything that the church can do, society/government can do also (build homes, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, help with bills, etc.).

Is religion a neccessity for society? Probably not, although some would argue it is neccessary. So should we get rid of it? I dont think so. Are the little toes neccessary to walk? Probably not. So should we cut them off?

Answer 4

Religion is designed to build a relationship between God and man. While government may be able to control human society and centralize power, it does nothing about the questions of God.

So religion is still needed to answer that very fundamental question which is outside the bounderies of government, wcience, politics, education, philosophy, or any other area of human study.

Answer 5

I have fed the hungry. Counseled the lonely. Clothed the needy. Taught the unlearned. Wept with those who mourn. Visited the sick. Buried the dead. "Why exactly do we need Church on the social, community level."

Answer 6

Jesus pointed out that it is not religion that man needs, but a relation with God.

Religion can be twisted to serve man (like Hitler said his finale solution was of God), but God will not bend to man's ways, it is man's place to bend to God's will.

Answer 7

I think your premise is wrong. Religion was not designed to control society.

Answer 8

Its true , even the blible was manipulated by constantine....and reencarnation does exist!!

Answer 9

We don't - but like all institutions, they tend to be self-perpetuating.

Answer 10

Welcome overstayed.