A
actualltn
Iron
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Let's set aside the debate on whether God is real or not for a moment. I want to address whether religion is necessary for society to function today.
1. Why was the Church so useful? Why do many atheists reject this idea?
Many atheists believe the Church hindered human thought over the years due to the dogmas it created. However, it is well-established that this is largely false. While it did restrict certain lines of thought (pardon the redundancy), the Church held massive power and used part of it to promote education. It created the university system, developed critical thinking and the scientific method, and democratized primary and secondary education on a global scale.
2. Why do people think religion is a hindrance to society today?
* Cultural barriers: Any societal structure revolves around its majority religion, and with so many religions, this can be an impediment to cross-cultural relations.
* Funding: In many places, a portion of tax money goes to religious institutions, even though they no longer contribute to education today.
* Restriction of individual liberties: Religion blocks personal freedoms such as euthanasia, sexual orientation, etc. (some religions are extremely strict on these matters).
* Prejudice in deeply religious societies: Speaking from personal experience, as an atheist, many people constantly try to find flaws in my morality. They hold the idea that because I don't believe I'll burn in hell for doing wrong, I have no reason to do good.
* Intolerance to new ideas: This point also covers the lack of tolerance many religious people have for new concepts. Even subtle shifts in interpreting certain matters can cause backlash from one's family, social circle, or religious institution—not to mention the experience of atheists in deeply religious families.
3. Why do I think the Church is still essential for society?
Despite the drawbacks religion generates, we are ignoring the ignorance, lack of morality, and poor mental health of average people we pass on the street every day.
* Mental health: People struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harm, or similar issues often refrain from taking action simply because feeling part of something greater lifts a weight off their shoulders. It offers companionship and makes them feel their lives have meaning, ultimately making them more functional.
* Morality and control: For people who lack inherent morality or judgment, the only cage keeping their dark thoughts in check is the belief that doing evil will condemn them to hell (or whatever punishment their religion prescribes).While these may seem like simpler or less detailed points, without something regulating the mindset of the average person (all major religions were created or adapted to benefit rulers), there would be massive chaos. It would be an exceptionally difficult society to maintain.
Open to hearing other perspectives.
1. Why was the Church so useful? Why do many atheists reject this idea?
Many atheists believe the Church hindered human thought over the years due to the dogmas it created. However, it is well-established that this is largely false. While it did restrict certain lines of thought (pardon the redundancy), the Church held massive power and used part of it to promote education. It created the university system, developed critical thinking and the scientific method, and democratized primary and secondary education on a global scale.
2. Why do people think religion is a hindrance to society today?
* Cultural barriers: Any societal structure revolves around its majority religion, and with so many religions, this can be an impediment to cross-cultural relations.
* Funding: In many places, a portion of tax money goes to religious institutions, even though they no longer contribute to education today.
* Restriction of individual liberties: Religion blocks personal freedoms such as euthanasia, sexual orientation, etc. (some religions are extremely strict on these matters).
* Prejudice in deeply religious societies: Speaking from personal experience, as an atheist, many people constantly try to find flaws in my morality. They hold the idea that because I don't believe I'll burn in hell for doing wrong, I have no reason to do good.
* Intolerance to new ideas: This point also covers the lack of tolerance many religious people have for new concepts. Even subtle shifts in interpreting certain matters can cause backlash from one's family, social circle, or religious institution—not to mention the experience of atheists in deeply religious families.
3. Why do I think the Church is still essential for society?
Despite the drawbacks religion generates, we are ignoring the ignorance, lack of morality, and poor mental health of average people we pass on the street every day.
* Mental health: People struggling with suicidal ideation, self-harm, or similar issues often refrain from taking action simply because feeling part of something greater lifts a weight off their shoulders. It offers companionship and makes them feel their lives have meaning, ultimately making them more functional.
* Morality and control: For people who lack inherent morality or judgment, the only cage keeping their dark thoughts in check is the belief that doing evil will condemn them to hell (or whatever punishment their religion prescribes).While these may seem like simpler or less detailed points, without something regulating the mindset of the average person (all major religions were created or adapted to benefit rulers), there would be massive chaos. It would be an exceptionally difficult society to maintain.
Open to hearing other perspectives.
