Has religion interfered with the advancement of humankind more than it has contributed to it?
Catholicism not religion
I dont blame religion for the setback, I blame Catholicism. And not the God aspect of it, only the human aspect of it. If humanity followed the guidelines of the bible like we are supposed to then every bit of the bad deeds of the Catholic church would have never happened.
Posted by: Ryan1979Religion is the poison that plagues mankind!
Simple, created by man, to control man. There was a time when the church ruled all, it was called the dark ages. Humans are fools to believe that religion isn't a means of control by the elite. If you really want to read the "Bible" read it ALL. Including the Apocryphal Texts! And turn off your "Idiot Boxes" as well. The Tel'Lie'Vision poisons your mind!
Posted by: AnonymousI believe religion has given more trouble to humankind than anything else.
More and more people get discriminated against just because they are not from the same religion. Our history of September 11 shows that people were mistreated just because of their religion. People are biased towards their religious place when you ask them to donate money towards religious places like churches, temples, mosque etc. If there was only one religion in this whole world it would reduce all the issues we are having and would give less chance for discrimination in this world.
Posted by: VigorousFrancis87Science, technology and medical advancement.
For example- Christopher Reeve could have been alive today if it were for stem cell research. But instead morals and ethical beliefs had to stand in the way of his and many, more deaths- which I think is morally and ethically wrong! If you found a cure for cancer and couldn't find a way to patent it or it came from something questionable therefore couldn't cure people is totally wrong in my eyes! SO many children/people die from their moral and ethical beliefs ...
Posted by: AnonymousYes.
One name. Galileo.
Religion demands unconditional acceptance of fairy tales.
They showed an old man the torture instruments they would use on him if he wasn't willing to tell a lie. By their fruits you shall know them.
Science is always willing to be proved wrong.
Religion wants to control the human spirit.
Science wants to set it free.
I know where I stand.Posted by: AnonymousIt's a little hard to say but yes
Religion has given many positive psychological contributions. Life without meaning or hope is depressing and it's very good for starving and suffering people around the world to at least have that to cling to even if it ends up being false. But it's also caused many wars and hindered progression in various aspects. I think if everyone was secular for the past thousand years mankind would have developed into a more indifferent people in terms of the meaninglessness of life so it's probably caused more harm but still some very good things too.
Posted by: phantomReligions has held back human potential by halting scientific progress in history.
Technological advancements almost came to a halt during the Dark Ages. Science in the western world was discouraged and contradicting the word of the church was punished duly. It wasn't until the colonization of the New World, modern day U.S, where science really took off. In a mere few hundred years there have been many fold more scientific advancements than the past few centuries.
Posted by: RayEarI agree with the statement because religion many a time interfered in matters of science and technology.
If religion had not interfered, the humankind would have far more advanced than today. Galileo is best example in the history that can be provided for such interference. If it was not the catholic church's involvement in his matters, such talent would not have wasted, and he would have discovered more things.
Posted by: KI3JoIIyYes religion......catholicism in particular has been the downfall of humankind.
You have to be delusional to think that religion has helped. The catholic church has been murdering scientists and great thinkers since it was first invented. And banning stem cell research? Are you retarded. The possibilities are endless and if the fetus's are going to be aborted no matter what, why not let them be put to a good use. The fact that scientific discovery was halted during the dark ages. I agree that not all religions are to blame. Its only a handful. Imagine where mankind would be if we never experienced that handful. We would be hundreds of years ahead of our time.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion Good, Church Bad.
Religion as an idea and model by which to live your life is of kind heart and is sincere in wishing good upon the world. However, the church has used this concept to control and abuse the people of the world that religion attempts to protect much more than it has helped it. All organizations can be corrupted, yes, but in no circumstance should it ever become as bad as it has been within the church and still be widely accepted as being alright.
Posted by: AnonymousThere's no question it has....
I was a christian until I went into a library and started doing research and found there were more than 2,700 Gods that have existed.. Every Christian holiday and story associated with Jesus has been taken from older religions... In the last 1000 years they have destroyed everything that a human being could've have become at this point in time.... by the 1800's over 95% of Europe couldnt read and write as the pursuit of knowledge was considered blaspheme... Even in the 1900's the Church controlled most of Americas hospitals and woudnt even teach prenatal care to women or the most basic of services in regards to educating the public...
Popes - there have been maybe 5 Popes who were actually moral men... The rest of them were perhaps the most evil and twisted men in the history of our species, the crimes they committed against humanity and the genocides are so heinous they cant even be taught in schools... And like the Christians of the past that took control of a country (Rome) with the most powerful army in the world are today trying to do the same with our country and I would fight to the death to protect our freethinking people and to prevent a Theocratic government from every attaining power...Posted by: AnonymousReal Life/ Logic
After the fall of the Roman Empire, much of Europe was left in turmoil. Barbarians where running around pillaging villages, and raping women, and stealing all of the valuables. During this time of chaos one thing emerged, a hope that everything would be alright. This new hope was Religion/church, although the people did not know that because of religion humanity would fail
Posted by: AnonymousHuman need to better themselves
The hundreds of years of science and discovery brought to a screaming halt all for what.
We wouldn't be sitting here looking up at the stars wondering what's out there we would be there taking a look and advancing ourselves further.
The Dark Ages which was nothing but persecution followed by population decline all because of religion.Posted by: AnonymousReligion hinders social growth.
We are so behind in social advancements and in science because religion doesn't want to change their outdated beliefs.
Posted by: rogueYes
for hundreds of years the church has done so. without it we could have had discoveries made and let known to the world a lot sooner.
Posted by: TrikstarikAbsolutely.
Religion has halted scientific advancement, led to unnecessary warfare and violence, and has led to unnecessary divisions among people.
Posted by: vinnv226Yes, of course.
Anybody who has taken history class knows. Religion has persecuted scientists because of their beliefs differ from the Church's beliefs. Religion has also created unnecessary war. The money used in the wars could have been used to move society forward. Religions such as Christianity have also abused their peoples' beliefs in them.
Posted by: henrib736Religion has interfered with the advancement of humankind more than it has contributed to it, because religion serves only itself, by closing the minds of followers.
Unfortunately, the tenets of most religions are self-serving, because the ultimate goal of any religion is to gain converts. Rarely does a religion embrace new thoughts or critical thinking. In fact, heads of religious institutions do everything in their power to prevent dissent. This is part of the religious problem, in that religious tenets that are placed under scrutiny signal an end to the religious institutions. Also, the religious values taught by said institution are often the basis for contention among cultural groups. Unfortunately, these differences often culminate in war, both presently and historically. Science also suffers from the collective religious mentality, in that questions of religion are often put forth, instead of general questions of morality and benefit. Such is the case with stem cell research that the Bush administration prohibited on aborted fetuses. This was a decision based on the religious belief that abortion is wrong. Additionally, religion is a choice requiring free will. Therefore, groups advocating that governments should operate under religious principles are actually hindering the freedom of those who do not subscribe to such ideas, which often leads to irrational decisions and solutions for societal problems. In conclusion, religion hinders all from making informed decisions.
Posted by: CarIoBIackenIt was science
It was science which moved mankind forward. Absolutely unlike a religion which essence is not to question laws. Thus not revealing secrets of nature > not gaining this kind of knowledge. Today it is accepted that it wasn't prayers, nor miracles that helped mankind achieve great discoveries and so increase advancement progress of our society. It was human curiosity and ability to solve mysteries of nature; mathematics, physics, biology, psychology and many other areas of science.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is a hideous sore on the face of intelligent life.
Ever since men created gods to answer questions about our own existence that could not yet be answered by science, humans have used those superstitious beliefs to manipulate their fellow man and control society. Science and rational thought, logic and study have come to explain much more about how our world exists, taking religion kicking and screaming into the modern age. Religions of the world, namely the older ones, have slowly and begrudgingly relinquished their dominion over what used to be unexplainable. Things like the sun, reproduction, modern medicine among countless others have been “explained” through stories and charming anecdotes, until a point where we found out the truth behind these phenomenon. Religions not only contradict each other, assuring that no two could be right (although they could all be wrong), they have given rise to the worst crimes committed by mankind. A short list would include such atrocities as: Most wars, the systematic genital mutilation of newborns, oppression of a multitude of social groups, an ugly attack on our deepest moral integrity (suggesting that we would have no morally or ethically-stable way to live harmoniously without some absolute supernatural dictatorship), childhood indoctrination, ritualistic human & animal sacrifice and the abuse and molestation of children. However to narrow my focus and achieve greater depth, I will concentrate this paper on the suppression of crucial medical research in the United States of America.
It was discovered in the mid 1800s that some cells could generate other cells in the body. In the early 1900s the first actual stem cells were discovered when it became known that blood cells could be generated in this manner as well. The most potent kinds of stem cells are harvested from human embryos, namely in the blastocyst stage. The cells taken here can be made into any of the 200 plus cells found in the human body. The use of stem cells taken from adults has already been used in successful therapies and natural regenerative medicine, curing and aiding patients with a host of diseases once thought to be incurable. Some ailments include: Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, Leukemia, Multiple Sclerosis, dozens of cancers and autoimmune diseases, Burn victims who need skin repair, blindness, deafness, liver disease, metabolic disorders and spinal cord injuries… to name a few.
Adult stem cell research is currently allowed in the United States, but embryonic stem cell research has been argued over, slowed, vetoed and outlawed by the prominent religions in the country. Catholic & Christian social groups have come out against embryonic stem cell research, despite its’ greater potential than the already successful adult stem cell research. They claim that any form of sperm and egg combination is considered a sacred human life, not to be engineered or destroyed for any purpose. This is purely their own opinion and it has not been substantiated with evidence or reason that a group of 150 cells is a living thing with rights; it is just what they believe. Human embryos cannot experience pain, pleasure, love, or any sensory feelings because they do not possess brains. They have no cognitive functions whatsoever, and it has been proven that these things are true because it has been well documented that the brain is where these things are located. Everything we perceive can be broken down into electrochemical signals interpreted by our highly developed brains. President George W. Bush vetoed embryonic stem cell research at the governmental level because he could not reconcile his religiously motivated set of ethics.
Adult stem cell research has been and continues to be a colossal success for human medicine, and although embryonic stem cell research holds even more promise for the future of humanity, it will unfortunately have to wait for the day where world religions surrender their stranglehold on morality and let science be able to freely do what it has been doing under the watchful eyes of religion and discover more and more truths every day. This will be a glorious time for human society, where we can pursue rational, logical truth about the world we live in; as opposed to the tribal traditions of millennia past. I realize this paper is heavily biased and opinionated, but if I have not yet made my points known, then continuing this effort would be to no avail.Posted by: AnonymousThe Dark Ages
The Catholic church destroyed so much knowledge during the Medieval Dark Ages. They burned countless libraries, books, and anything else that they deemed "harmful to God". The Catholic church has a long history of suppressing knowledge in order to give them more power and control over the uneducated masses.
Religion has done more harm than good to the advancement of mankind and knowledge.Posted by: AnonymousReligion has in fact effected the advancement of man kind.
If we could cling to the ways of logical reasoning we could be hundreds of years more advanced. Religion has caused countless wars and deaths and some of those people were meant to be someone but their lives were taken away by something they love. I have nothing against religions, I think they are all have their own reasoning and ways to explain things but mankind could be more advanced without it.
Posted by: AnonymousYES...ingnorance is bliss
First off, most religions have caused more suffering throughout history (especially Christianity). The church imprisoned or killed those that did not carry the same beliefs. Galileo was imprisoned when he contradicted the "all-knowing" church that Earth was NOT the center of the universe. If not for science, man would still beleive heaven exist in the clouds, stil be building temples trying to reach heaven and still be killing others that do not beleive as they do....oh wait, we still do that.
Someone mentioned that Christianity was a great religion that didnt cause war. Ignorance must be bliss. Millions have died at the hands of Christianity. To this day Christians seems to be the most judgemental, condemning those that dont share the same views. The spread of Christianity was due to converting Pagans or killing them off. Most chose to live...silly, i know. At least there was compromise though...Christians would make up holidays that fit their god on existing Pagan holidays. Aside from that, Christianity has branched off into more craziness. No one can agree, so they make up a new religion and new stories and call it baptist, mormonism, etc. The old testament seems to be forgotten. If i spout out that an unruly child should be taken to the edge of town and stoned accroding to the old testament, people go nuts and say "we use the new testament." But then I ask , "do you live by the 10 commandments?" Guess what...old testament. Let's just pick and choose what we want. Most people never even read the bible...they simply take verses from it to preach. The quickest way to becoming an athiest is to actually read the bible. back to science....evolution is still considered taboo because of religion. Really? So much so, that people fight it in schools. How can you say relgion doesnt hinder us? We as a country make a bigger deal out of "God" being taken out of the pledge than the fact that our children rank low in the world when it comes to math and science. If we based out life on religion and never asked "why" we would still be in the dark ages. religion didnt build the iPhone youre reading this from, the television you watch or the video games you play. What it has done...created new hate groups that protest at soldier's funeral's , promote hatered against other races, genders and religious sects, and have become a main influence in American politics. we have representetives who claim global warming isnt an issue because "god told moses he wont flood us again."
Religion will always hurt people. We can be moral, charitable and supportive of others without bringing in supernatural fairy tales.
my 5 yr old son asked his mother what causes thunder. she answer "god." This annoys me...it is acceptable to answer with "god" for anything we do not understand. 2+2 does not equal GOD just because you do not know the answer.Posted by: mikeamorganI agree that religion has interfered with the advancement of humankind simply based on all the killing that has been condoned in the name of religion.
The biggest hindrance religion has caused in the advancement of humankind is death. To steal a line from Dan Browns' novel The Davinci Code, "As long as there has been one true God, there has been killing in his name." That is a worldwide fact. This, in turn, has caused humankind to be less accepting and tolerant of different cultures, customs, and general ways of living. It has also given each of the three main religions excuses for killing, waging war, and murder. This ultimately becomes a great barrier for humankind to live harmoniously with each other.
Posted by: BrianDjAside from war yes
Technical advancements in warfare technology, from jet fighters to night vision glasses, have vastly evolved due to so many conflicts around the world. Many of these conflicts are caused by differing religious beliefs. Aside from warfare, though, religion held back science. If you dared to carry out experiments with science you were accused of witchcraft and burned alive on a stake in public to dissuade others from carrying on.
Arguments that religion gave mankind hope is preposterous, people did not go around committing mass suicide because they did not have religion, Atheists do not go around killing themselves on mass these days either.
Religion is a way of controlling the masses. If people are stupid enough to believe that religion is a way of being accepted by their chosen god, good luck to them. For me, I want proof. I believe Jesus lived, but I believe Jesus after being told by his parents he was the son of god was a bit mental and not surprising but he was just a normal man who lived and died, the church keeps say he's coming back, he is not coming back he died 2012 years ago, he had a wife and kids funny how the church dismiss that too. Plus the majority of priests are sexually repressed or paedophiles!
As for the Jews they do unto Muslims as what the Nazi's did to them, clearly history and religion did not teach them to be tolerant of others. And talking of Muslims they just want to suppress their followers and kill anyone that does not agree with them, Christianity may have evolved somewhat in recent times but they are all wrong, they know it (otherwise if they are god fearing; why do Muslims kill people over cartoons and films and why do priests interfere with children? Because they all know it's BS)Posted by: mike-barrettMans prideful arrogance
Man has much pride and each time we try to enforce our own religious view, people are effected and many die as the ensuing conflict. Each religion thinks he should have his way and thus war breaks out and millions die. Religious fighting has kept many countries in poverty. Look at Sudan as it fights to wipe out the Christians and many other countries. Our planet has more religions now than ever before and are we better off? No. Each new religion brings about a tyrant who thinks he has the answer. Hitler is an example. How many died due to his wanting the perfect race.
Posted by: AnonymousYes
Let's look at the middle ages for a second. Many peasants believed that their life on Earth didn't matter, and it was only a pathway to heaven. Thus, for centuries, peasants in western europe did not try to advance their lives very much, because they did not feel the need to. Also, the papacy knew that any advancement in the lives of peasants or any questioning of their authority, would weaken them. Thus, they tried Gallileo as a heretic, condemned Copernicus, tried to kill Martin Luther, etc. Even in modern times, you see the church condemning same sex marriage, and the use of condemns and other stuff to prevent STD's and unwanted pregnancies, on the basis of a 2000 year old book.
Posted by: slydessertfoxReligion does nothing but divide humankind and provoke wars and strife.
The number of historic conflicts attributed to religion are vast. This is not just a problem in history, however. Religious wars continue today, all over the world. One only need look at news from the middle east nations to know that religion is doing nothing but dividing people and making them hate each other. Religion is isolationist and unnecessary.
Posted by: StereotypedBurl60Religion is poison.
Religion forces the believers mind to close to reality. Believers think already know the truths through their God and their holy book. Science is the exact opposite in that it accepts that we do not know things about the universe and sets out to discover truth! I was raised Catholic and studying science cured the mental illness I had that was my faith. Now that I'm on the outside of religion analyzing them with an objective perspective I finally see them for the blight on humanity that they are.
Posted by: AnonymousA lot of religions have contributed a great deal to humanity through the teaching of love and decency.
Although it is obvious that some religions have been a detriment to humanity, I have to disagree that all religion has been a detriment to humankind. Many religions teach love of all mankind, they try to help feed the poor and take care of children with no homes. As seen recently in Haiti, there was a tremendous outpouring of not only people going there to help, but of religious sending food and supplies to help those who had lost so much.
Posted by: R0d0FerdyIn modern times perhaps less, but...
Because of the elapsed time of the existence of man, I'd say on average religion still greatly hinders humanity. Even in the modern world, technology and free will are becoming more prevalent, but because of religion (particularly islam), freedom of speech is being heavily regulated. Technology and free will allow the creation of the film "The innocence of muslims", a poorly made "troll" film that is, regardless of what anyone thinks, simply free expression. It is not expressing anything positive, but a lot of times people rant like this. Only when religion is involved do we see such extreme reactions! Where there are people who would normally wish death to america for little to no reason (like the ones about decadence), now there are riots. People are being murdered over this lame film and directors and cartoonists everywhere might suffer limitations on their creative freedoms in the future.
In short, yes. Religion tends to have a few flawed bases (such as flat earth statements and utterly flawed statements about the cosmos) and very angry followers. Religion cannot be revised for modern times because it would discredit the word of god, while a religion made now would just conveniently make use of humanity's advances so it would appear accurate. As long as can be convinced that the world has corners or is flat, religion must be regarded as detrimental to our ability to advance.Posted by: TwistedLocusReligion has interfered with the advancement of humankind more than it has contribute to it, mainly because religion has limited advance of science and investigation.
Religion has interfered the progress and advance of humankind because it has limited investigation, science and research. Many religious principles are opposed to science. For that reason, and in order to make people believe, religious organizations have limited or restricted the advance of science, and has imposed penalties to people who believed that humankind needs more openness to reach a better quality of life.
Posted by: l0olllooi
Science mainly came from religion
Many important scientists and fields of science were heavily influenced by the ideas and teachings found in religion especially astronomy and taxonomy. Religion is like science in that it offers a tenable answer to a currently unknown question and in this way I believe it has had a very positive influence on humanity overall. Would we have ever developed the scientific method without first explaining the cosmos and the existence of ourselves using religious ideas?
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that religion has contributed to the progress of humanity.
Progress without rules will only lead to a world of chaos with too much technology in our hands. Religion helps us to stay rooted to our morals and beliefs.
Posted by: Pyr0BarReligion has not INTERFERED with the advancement of mankind; mankind's unbelief has stunted them.
Religion has not INTERFERED with the advancement of mankind; mankind's unbelief has stunted them. People do not go after the things of God. Therefore, they are not advancing at all. Peoples opinion of life is askew. We were not created to succeed in society. We were created to fulfill what God, our Creator, has for us in this life. And because most people reject that, they use their lives to run after things that are not only unattainable but unfulfilling and ultimately not good for them. God came to Earth in the form of Jesus Christ and he showed us the way to live, and I really don't see much of that going on now. So, no, we are not advancing.
Posted by: 5c4ryCarReligion is better for humanities communities and individuals than any other human study.
While some have abused Christianities religious texts for power over people and for their own gain (of course every study has been used in this way) the idea that Western culture could have reached individual human rights is slim. I give a small argument for this here: http://www.exegeticalstruggles.com/2011/08/religion-is-better-than-science-why.html
Posted by: AnonymousScience has grown under the nurturing arm of religion.
Let's start with the first time religion played a major part in the "controlling" of men: the European Dark Ages. During the Dark Ages, barbarianism became the rule. Ancient Roman and Greek texts were burned, not because of the Catholic Church saying so, but because the barbarians were intent on destroying all of the remnants of the Roman Empire. The reason that the only books to survive in Europe during this time period were religiously based is because the Catholic Church was the only organized entity in Western Europe that time that could prevent the destruction brought by the barbarians, and the arms of the Church at that time were considerably weak. In fact, most of what has been kept in the written records about the Romans and the Greeks can be attributed to the Arabs, a notably religious group that had just become united thanks to the religion of Mohammed, who were having a cultural flourishing, where science was growing alongside Islam.
As the Catholic Church began to reunify western Europe, first by naming the "Grandfather of France and Germany," Charlemagne, Holy Roman Emperor, and then later on by taming the previously wild, barbaric people of the British Isles, learning returned to the West. The printing of the Bible led to increased literacy rates around Europe. Otherwise destructive wars, which often lead to the destruction of places of learning, were held in check. The first universities were commissioned by the Church. Agricultural practices were spread by missionaries to the corners of Europe. Corrupt kings were held in check by religious decree. Even the corrupt popes had an enormous interest in the advancement of science, which was seen as a religious path in life. The understanding of science wasn't counter to God; it was the understanding of the magnificent things that God had made.
During the Renaissance, great minds like Leonardo Da Vinci and even Galileo were provided funding by the Church. Galileo's heliocentric universe was even supported by Pope Paul V, until he insulted the Pope in his publications by calling him a "moron," for seemingly no reason.
Past the Renaissance, the individuals in the Church, like Mendelev, the abbot who is credited as being the father of modern genetics, contributed to scientific advancement. The Church was even one of the first religious entities to accept evolution, and has gone so far as to promote the ideas.
Today, religious-based schools, such as the Catholic school system, altogether foster the minds of the young around the world far more efficiently than secular-based public school systems.
You can point out figures in history that started their lives out as Christians, like Hitler, or Stalin, but it was their conversion to atheistic ideals, as in Hitler, or to true atheism, as in Stalin, that lead to the atrocities they committed.Posted by: vrath57Look here.
If it wasn't for the Catholic Church we wouldn't even have science today. It would have been eradicated during the dark ages. Much of science comes from religion, the Islamic religion created basic understanding of light and they created the astrolabe. They had amazing architecture. Most early arts were due to the church. Though it may be true that clergy members often did not create technology during the ancient times the power they had over the stupid people allowed order to take place. This allowed intellectuals not to be killed by stupid idiots calling black magic. Religion kept mankind in check there is not a single case where a civilization existed without religion. The only times when religion interfered with the advancement of mankind is during the early modern period but all sorts of weird and crazy powerful people existed in this time. Albert Einstein says, "Science without religion is lame. Religion without science is blind." You people who think religion prevents the advancement of man kind are fools, there are hundreds of missionary trips to Africa and Asia that teach children.
Posted by: htet.htut3No, it hasn't.
Without religion, most people wouldn't have the will to go on knowing that there is no life after death. The human race may have ended a long time ago if there was no such thing as religion. Yes, it is true that the middle ages put a huge gap in our race's technological advancement, but without religion, humans would not have any hope.
Posted by: harrypotterfantngI do not think that religion has interfered with the advancement of humankind.
I think that it is very easy to blame things like war on religion. In the course of my struggle to come to terms with my own feelings about religion (I am an agnostic), I have thought to myself that "without religion, all these terrible things might not have happened." However, in recent times, I find myself wondering what the world would really be like without religion. Would people learn tolerance for others without the teachings of Jesus? Would logic alone truly lead us to the idea of loving our neighbor? Or would we feel free to go around, unchecked by any higher authority than that of man, to do as we please to advance ourselves without regard for the happiness of others?
Posted by: Shim2freeAlthough religion has often interfered with the advancement of civilization, in certain eras, it has also been the sanctuary or repository of the knowledge that allowed civilization to once more move forward.
Religions, because they are created, formulated, and headed by mortals, show the same tendencies that any organizations do: to retain and consolidate their power and influence, and to expand that power and influence to "take over" perceived rivals. These tendencies inevitably create a group mindset that opposes change and leads to stagnation. A very good thing if you are a religious leader, but not a good thing if you are a scientist. Religion has always opposed science. Religion does not want to change its beliefs or tenets, and science wants to challenge everything. This tension is not likely to change. Culturally, religion states that it is right, so challenges to it must be wrong. Fortunately, most people are more practical. If what has always been a cultural norm is not working, they replace it with something that does work. Examples might be child labor, the feudal system, and that improbable social experiment called "democracy". During the Dark Ages, existing knowledge was hidden away in monasteries and abbeys. Religious orders such as the Jesuits have added to our scientific knowledge. Religion may be a "brake", that by resisting change, it makes us "look before we leap."
Posted by: CI3IikeI DO NOT AGREE THAT RELIGION HAS INTERFERED WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF HUMANKID
For my opinion Religion is a "REGULATOR" AND "GUIDE" for the mankind. Religion helps mankind to take the right decisions in order to separate the Good and Bad. Like the question express "advancement", advancement means go ahead in the right way for example the invention of different ways of transportation, the invention of medicine, tehcnology, etc. Religion always support the advancement fo the human being but also Religion does not agreee with the destruction. In conclusion, Religion never interfered in the advancement of the mankind.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion has always helped with the advanced of humankind.
No, I disagree that the religion has interfered with the advancement of humankind more than it has contributed it. Religion has always played a vital role in the advancement of humankind. Religion has been the backbone for the development of the human kind. It has taught human beings how to lead the quality and good life as human being. There are many religion which has code of conducts which human beings need to follow and obey in order to reach from where they came from.
Posted by: I0rFashionHumankind has interfered with the advancement of humankind, not religion.
Religion hasn't negatively affected humankind in any big way; if there was no religion, people would find other things to start wars about or persecute others for. In fact, they already have. More wars have started over land than religion, and people have been and still are persecuted over their race or other aspects of their culture. And in all cases, it's not religion or other things that are to blame, it's the people starting wars, hating and otherwise spreading evil.
Posted by: AnonymousOn balance no.
While there are instances of religious figures interfering with the development of the sciences, the fact is that religious institutions created the first academic institutions in Europe, which incidentally spread the most during the Middle Ages, a time where Christianity was common place.
I find some of the answers on the yes did to be infuriating. Many are content to name Galileo, as one single bullet point makes their analysis correct. First, it lacks context, as Galileo was not condemned because of his theory, but rather because he insulted the Pope. Who coincidentally had been his greatest supporter before then. Second, much of their opinions lack balance, as they only look for the bad without considering any good.Posted by: johnnyboy54I disagree with the statement that religion has interfered with the advancement of humankind.
Religion has been influencing mankind since the beginning of time. I believe that without the influence of religion we would be without law and order. Religion has been the landmark of obedience since the Roman Catholic days. Cities that don't practice any type of religious order end up chaotic in nature.
Posted by: lacosaMostly no.
It really depends on the religion, but I believe that overall religion has contributed more. Yes, some religions cause war and other problems, but others, such as christianity, have made great contributions in charities, and in simply putting good people into the world. Regardless, all religions should be respected and permitted in America.
Posted by: martiansharkReligion has contributed to the advancement of humankind by creating virtuous cycles of good behavior.
Religion has helped humanity advance by setting good guidelines that benefit society over time. For example, by turning the other cheek, as the Catholics preach, conflicts are reduced in scope and duration. This is good for a society over time. By limiting sexual partners to a man and wife and limiting divorce, a more stable society is produced. Stability allows for humans to develop new products, new ideas and better ways of organizing resources.
Posted by: 54mP5KryPtoNah man.
If it wasn't for the Jesuits, we wouldn't have the science that we have today. Heck, if it wasn't for the Holy Catholic Church, we wouldn't have a lot of what we have today. It was Catholic monks who kept learning alive during the dark ages (which wasn't our fault, although everyone will have you believe that), and the Catholic Church which started the scientific revolution.
Posted by: AlwaysMoreThanYouReligion may attempt to halt some advancement, but it has also been responsible for preserving a large portion of humanity's knowledge, also.
Religion is often faulted with halting or event inhibiting human advancement. This is an easy view to understand, because religion tends to be hyper-conservative. It takes them decades to adapt to societal changes on a normal scale. On a large scale, they tend to respond by halting advancement in that direction. But, in reality, they only succeed in slowing advancement a small amount. Much of our early advancements were stored and remembered by religious organizations. Much of our knowledge and history was kept safe by monks or priests of various religions.
Posted by: KnownEvan