Would eliminating religion improve the world?
Religion is dividing the world and is outdated.
Religion is splitting up the community and causing many tragic incidents, which are caused by religious extremists. How is believing that by being a suicide bomber and killing many people good? Well in one religion it is. Plus religion extremism are the backbone of many many incidents. All it was used as a hope that there was a "better world" when you died, but it was never proven, like most if not all things in religion. Science is constantly proving and disproving facts using evidence, whereas religion is just a written book or books that never say why this or that happened. If we don't want crazy extremist people hijacking planes and flying them into buildings or being a suicide bomber, the religion has got to go.
Posted by: Anonymouseliminating religion improve the world
Look at the middle east! Iran is about 50 year backwards degraded from the time the Islamic government is in power. Religion is something individual and must be eliminated from the regular government. The people may have freedom to practice their religion with respect for others ideology, believes and ideas.
Posted by: havamReligion has brought nothing but wars and destruction.
Throughout history, we have only seen corruption and destruction from religion, wars and regimes. Because people are sinful, they corrupt the very foundations of what each religion is trying to teach - usually good things.
Ultimately, it is not in carrying out the rituals and rights of religion that is important, it is through a personal relationship (not religion) with Jesus Christ that a person can come to know his or her true purpose. If everyone stopped practicing true religion and listened to the one true God, then asked forgiveness through his son, there would no longer be a desire for the pagan traditions of religion.Posted by: laceydoesitIt would certainly improve the world's intelligence.
The ignorance of the US is astounding, and Christianity teaching creationism and brainwashing children sure isn't helping. Religion isn't the problem. It's the cult-like actions of certain churches and people, especially in the bible belt. Silencing children, stunting their academic growth. No way I'd ever live in the US. It's cruel to deny those children a proper education and chance to help improve our world. It should be outlawed.
Posted by: wearethestarsYes it will
The essence of all revealed religion is to create dissent among the masses. How else can we explain the atrocities in the Middle East based on an alleged promise given to a diluted individual that wanted to gut his own son? To make matters worse, the promised land is the only place in the region that doesn't produce oil.
Posted by: HitchslapReligious superstitious belief has caused more harm in mankind than all other pains combined.
Religion preys upon the weak-minded and their irrational fears causing the truly inane to act in horrible ways. Religion has never been a positive force through its teachings. Throughout history, it has been proven time and time again that monotheistic belief systems cause civilizations to fail. Every advancement that humankind has made to move forward has been directly against religion. Religion doesn't breed love. It can only breed to intolerance caused by hating things that are different or considered evil.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion does not cause morality, removing Religion will have no ill effects.
"With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion."- Steven Weinberg. Religion for the best part of 2000 years has been laying claims to morality. Human culture is based around morals: not to murder; not to steal; to help those around you, these morals help build a more efficient society. These morals were not religious until certain religions laid claims to them. The charities run by the Catholics will not stop being charities if Religion is removed, those who work don't do it because of their faith, they do it because they want to help. Religion doesn't make someone a nice person, they have to be a nice person in the first place. Remove Religion from society, you will bring in an era of understanding and curiosity as those who were ignorant of science will come to want to know why we are here; rather than falling back on the age old excuse 'God must have done it'.
Posted by: AnonymousEliminating religion would improve the world because a major reason people fight would no longer exist.
If all of a sudden religion ceased to exist, a lot of countries and people would no longer have anything to fight about. There would be no difference between Jews and Muslims. The Holy War would never have taken place. Jesus would never have been crucified for spreading Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church would have never had the power to abuse. A lot of problems would have never developed, and it would be one less difference between the entire human race.
Posted by: K3lbyGiveMost wars are caused by religion
Most wars are caused by religion, it has no place in modern politics. It is just as much a right under our constitution to not believe in God as it is to do so. It is nobody's right to tell someone else they are ignorant because both sides could easily say so. How can a religious University have a science department? Only by ignoring scientific facts that the earth is billions of years old.
Posted by: AnonymousNot sure about the world.
But it sure as hell would improve the crap going on in Texas and the rest of the Bible belt. Stop pushing your beliefs off on other people.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is a source of division
Organized religion is behind much of the bloodshed in human history. It is a source of division in humans. Many of its teachings are not founded in truth. Many religions do not practice what they preach. Their conduct is shameful and offensive to the god or gods they represent. Eliminating all the principal religions of the world would better mankind.
Posted by: AnonymousPeople would have a better understanding of the world.
The books of the Bible were written a long time ago. Today we know that the story of Adam and Eve as it is written didn't actually happen. While evolution may not be very popular among Christians, it's well established in the scientific community. Many other events of the Bible are no longer considered historical by modern scholars. Finally, you don't need religion to be good or happy or live a life just as meaningful. What you get is a better understanding of the world, which I believe leads to a better life.
Posted by: AnonymousIt will remove unnecessary rituals and customs which should not have any place in this modern world. Thank you.
No need of any religion. Humanity is greatest religion. Say yes to humanity and no to hatred. Nations can develop better in such an environment. People would think of humanity as a whole and not the other person as an enemy. The wars and terrorism going on the name of religion will eventually stop.
Posted by: ilovehumanityReligion is a source of divide.
Organized religion is behind much of the bloodshed in human history. It is a source of divide in humans, many of its teachings are not founded in truth. Many religions do not practice what they preach , their conduct is shameful and offensive to the god or gods they represent. So eliminating all the principal religions of the world would better mankind.
Posted by: AnonymousYes absolutely yes
Religion was created to try and explain why we're here. Hinduism is the first recorded religion. Although there are several religions that thate back further that worshiped multiple gods. Science and knowledge now answer these questions. All religion's do are separate people it never unites.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion has served its purpose and is an outdated belief system that now only serves to divide.
Religion is a belief system based on myth that is no longer serving its purpose (explaining natural forces which we now have scientific answers for). Now it only serves to divide and give lunatics something to kill and die for. Science and nature are much better 'religions' to base beliefs upon since they serve all living things and are evidence based.
Posted by: Th4FireYes, on so many counts.
Religion is divisive. It brainwashes people to be less critical in their thinking and discourage individual thought. It is behind so many of the worlds problems on a micro, meso and macro sale. It is behind so many wars. It is behind so much of the psychological damage inflicted on people around the world, which is in it's own self interest as in endeavours to navigate its way through a maze of every increasing awareness and critical thought among people the world over. It is a crutch to human existence and an impediment to progress.
However. People do have the right to believe what they want without impediment. You must respect that right though you don't have to respect their beliefs and there should be no curtailing of free speech and so called "Blasphemy Laws" such as those recently enacted in several states around the world.
Anyway besides all that. It's just a big huge enormous fat lie.Posted by: AnonymousReligion has been a detriment to education since the Middle Ages.
And that trend is still sadly doing the same today, in America even more so than a lot of the world. It is no coincidence or fluke that the 'happiest' countries on Earth are the most secular. Obviously religion will never be ELIMINATED. For religion is an idea. But as world events show, things like even this discussion show...Religion is losing it's 'We don't talk about that' favored status. The internet, global communication, 24 hour newsfeeds...And religious groups actually trying to ban, or regulate all of these (And the irony of saying 'Google the topic if you doubt me' is not lost on me). As Professor Dawkins has stated, I as well WANT the Bible available to students. LET the Bible stand on it's merits. Today, very few believe the Earth is the center of the universe. Even most 'religious' people. Another idea religion worked for many years to convince people was incorrect, sometimes to the point of imprisonment, and even execution.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is nothing more than an archaic way of explaining things we don't yet understand.
You may as well say it is caused by magic, something that Religion has a history of persecuting against. Religion has often been used as a tool to promote intolerance, as an excuse to hate someone so you don't feel bad about harming them and also has a history of refusing to accept new ideas. Personally removing it entirely, while would be the optimal solution, we all know how hard it is to let go of such beliefs. At the least Organised religion should be removed as a key influence on our lives and should stay out of the way of progress.
Posted by: AnonymousI believe that the absence of religion would make the world a much better place, because too much violence has occurred in the name of religion.
Since the dawn of human civilization, men have gone to war and killed each other due to differences in belief as to what happens when you die. Organized religion is radical and intolerant in many cases. Religion doesn't preach true morality, because of the the fire and brimstone that are claimed to be waiting for sinners in Hell. You should not need the threat of eternal damnation to lead a good and moral life.
Posted by: AboriginalKing28Religion as Insanity and Control
Religion involves the complete renunciation of a person, to the ideology of dead "prophets" whose followers treat their word as infallible. This requires constant attacks on a persons self worth, declaring that any action the person commits is based on the influence of an unaccountable abstraction; that any deed committed, regardless of intent, that is depicted as abhorrent by the prophets or any "representative" of God, is by that logic evil and justly punishable. It is the fear of this all seeing power, and the punishment it can swiftly place on them, that causes them self destruction. That the only means to alleviate personal misery is to renounce themselves and put themselves under the will of "God." But since no such figure exist in reality, they are left to serve Gods infallible "representatives," limited only by how closely their actions relate to their respective holy text. In its most logical state a truly religious person is a madman, clinging to a belief, which history has exposed as irrefutably flawed, and willing to destroy anything that the "faith" deems unholy and immoral.
Posted by: AnonymousEducation would improve the world!
Religious divisions are responsible for most of the death and mutilation that millions of people have suffered. It is one of the few superstions, (others are a belief in withcraft, or the power to do evil by intention alone) that haved plagued the world since man began to imagine. The only real antidote is education.
Posted by: AnonymousIt sure would!
Hate for gay, other races, and terrorism would not exist. Sounds like the world would be much more peaceful and free! Religion based politics would also be gone, that's the closet any thing could get to a utopia. This needs to happen, religion has no place in the modern world.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion is divisive and a man-made artifice
Religions are based on scriptures that, even though they may contain factually correct historical information and sound philosophy, also contain blatant contradictions. Often written by multiple authors, and translated from ancient (often poorly understood) languages into different modern languages. Even translations of the same scripture often differ semantically. More confusion arises when these translations are interpreted by different theologians, even within the same religion. We see differences between catholic and protestant Christians, between sunni and shia Muslims, and between orthodox and non-orthdox Jews. In one of the greatest ironies, Christians, Jews and Muslims have for centuries slaughtered each other despite a common belief in the God of Abraham, and despite the fact that the old testament contains the commandment "Thou shalt not kill".
The first comment I read in support of religion here stated that "religion gives us all hope". I believe the exact opposite. Religion makes me despair for the future of the human race. There is probably a bigger threat to world peace today from religious fanatics of various persuasions trying to impose their particular brand of religion on others than during the so called "Cold War". At least the Russian and American strategists knew that WW3 would mean mutually assured destruction. When you have "God on your side", such considerations don't really matter.
If, on the other hand, someone were to say "God gives us all hope", outside the context of this religion or that religion, I could at least emphasize with such a statement. After all, I don't know how many religions and sub-religions exist, but if one of these religions is "the one true religion", then logically all the others must be wrong. I see evangelical "Christian" preachers making huge sums of money by reducing audiences to a state of hysteria. How do you tink Jesus Christ would have reacted to that, given his treatment of the money lenders in the temple? I hear about Islamic preachers urging young Muslims to strap explosives to themselves in order to blow up peple they don't even know, with the promise of a place in heaven and fifty virgins. Is that what Mohammed wanted?
I could go on and on, ad nauseum and ad infinitum, about what is wrong with religion. The saddest thing is that those hooked on religion cannot see the truth, even when incontrovertable evidence is presented to them. Those seeking God do not need to join a religion. They need look no further than within themselves. Or look out of the window at nature. Can anybody seriously tell me that a being that created such a complex universe, the nature of which we only dimly understand at best, actually cares which church we go to, what religous scriptures we choose to read, what we eat or drink, or how we dress?
No. If indeed there is a God, which I sincerly hope there is, I think they must be appalled by many of the actions undertaken by human beings in the name of religion.Posted by: AnonymousReligion is outdated method of keeping society in order
Religion was invented in ancient societies that were based on hierarchical ranks of social classes. Religion relies on myths and gods and non-scientific worldviews. Religion requires blind faith and to adhere to whatever the authority teaches. Religion turns human into robots who cannot think independently and cannot explore the world objectively. Religion is anti-rational and anti-social, and its moral only pertains to the moral rules that benefit itself. Religion is harmful for us in this postmodern world, and must be eliminated
Posted by: auramon
Religion gives us all hope when all is lost, whether we believe it or not.
Many of us may not know it, but our species have survived this long because unlike other organic beings we have acquired the knowledge to imagine and believe in supernatural things that lifts our spirit and gives us hope. We as the human species need something to believe in even though we sometimes deny it. To loose our religion is to loose the human spirit and to loose the human spirit is to loose what makes us who we are.
Posted by: luckieEliminating religion would only lead to the growth of new religious outlets, rather than changing anything.
Religions have always existed, and evidence in neurology shows that people's brains are wired to be religious and to seek meaning. If some dictator suppressed the religions that existed, other religious outlets would arise, or the current religions would go underground. Destroying all religion was tried under Communism, and it failed utterly to improve anything. In fact, it made things worse.
Posted by: R3yGoobIeThose who believe that eliminating religion would improve the world have no knowledge or understanding of history and consequently no understanding or knowledge of the present. Religions have, for the most part, improved the world rather than harmed.
If you trace the formation of all of the important institutions in the world you will find out that the majority of them got their start because institutions of religion or people motivated by religious fervor formed them to meet the needs of all peoples. Hospitals, schools, colleges, universities, orphanages; assistance organization which feed, house, clothe, heal and take care of people were all started by religious people and continue to do their work in the world. Those who look at religion and blame it for the world's ills should look again and perhaps blame things like greed, the petty and selfish desire for power and position on the part of political leaders, fear, nationalism, anger, fights over scarce resources, and other things that sometimes are covered over with a fine veneer of religion rather than being caused by religion itself.
Posted by: SportyHartThe world without religion would still have humans.
Humans cause most of the world's problems. A world without religion would still have humans in it so I doubt very much the world's problems would go away. Non-religious humans (Stalin, Hitler, Mao, for example) seem to have killed just as many people and caused just as much suffering as religious ones have, if not, perhaps, more.
Posted by: AnonymousEliminating the religion will not improve the world because it is the backbone of the world.
No, I totally disagree that eliminating the religion will improve the world. Religion has been the guiding pillar for the humanity since ages. Religion is the building block for the humanity and provides direction in improving the world and becoming a better human being. Also,Religion has been giving guidance to humanity by various teachings and principle on how to live a meaningful life and become useful to society.
Posted by: I0rFashionEliminating religions to improve the world will result only in anarchy and chaos.
The basic problem lies not with religions, but with men who can't respect the faith of others. In our quest to prove that our religion is the best, we end up insulting the other guy's faith, and this is the crux of the problem.
Religions were made for the well being of mankind. But, paradox is that today, men are ready to kill and die in the name of religion. Every religion preaches virtues, ask us to do good to others and to love thy neighbor, but we are being stupid in not understanding the basic facts.
The Supreme Power is only one though we may call Him by many names. When mankind becomes intelligent enough to understand the other man's point of view and show equal respect to all religions, this world will start its progress.Posted by: R0wHeavenEliminating religion doesn't mean people will change.
Eliminating religion doesn't mean people will change. People act partly by how they were raised and there beliefs, religion or not. Example of that is a few of the terrorists from other countries believe that if they do a suicide bombing, they will please their god, but if you eliminate religion, which would eliminate their god, they still do it to please and get respect from there leader and family. Also, in some cases, people do not sin because of displeasing there god, so if you would take that away, what would stop them from sinning?
Posted by: MiguelSimmonsTrying to Obliterate God
No. Removal (or outlawing) of religion is something greatly desired by people keen to promote the idea of "everything is permitted" and that the human is actually God. By removing religion, people are attempting to remove God because they want to live their lives in ways which are selfish, perverted and greedy. The idea that there might just be a Supreme Force in charge is something they don't like because they don't want their consciences pricked while robbing others or engaging in perversion.
Perhaps we should look at "removing religion" in a different way. Many folk don't like the church hierarchy, the bishops, archbishops, the fancy robes and all that. It can be intimidating to some. How much of it existed in Jesus' time, in the first Christian Church? Do we really need it all, to praise God? Maybe deal with the "trappings" of religion, pare it down; but you will still have God because He is there, wherever two or three are gathered together.....Be it on a hilltop, a church or a cave.
People seem determined to set their own idea of a "moral code" and I think we can all see where that has led us in the past few years; one-parent families, gay marriages, pregnant schoolchildren, and so on. Once Man starts classing himself as God and making the rules, chaos will surely follow, just as in Tolkien's tale of the arrogant Assault of Men Upon The Blessed Realm.Posted by: AnonymousNo, I disagree that eliminating religion would not improve the world, because religious guides us to do good.
Many of us believe in a higher supreme being. This gives many a sense of calmness, and a place to turn to in the time of need. Spirituality also guides us to do good, and stay on a path that is all good. This guidance is very important to many of us and, thus, everyone should have the right to follow whichever religion they want.
Posted by: StripperMorReligion is an outlet for many things that couldn't be controlled without it
There are extremists to every religion, obviously. These extremists give a bad name to the people who actually try to do what their religion states them to do. For everyone saying religion has no place in science, how does it not? Are you saying it is impossible for a person to have a religion and be a scientist? And wars are also caused by famines and land, should we eliminate that too? Religion helps most people, so without it, most wouldn't know what to do with their lives, thus creating sheer and utter chaos. And for people saying it is outdated, so are Julius Caesar's rule and Plato's teachings, but we still practice and read them today, correct? Religion may be "splitting" the world, but since when does every single person have the same belief? Religion (for the most part) provides hope and security, and if you people saying no don't want people to feel secure, happy, and hopeful, then by all means, it should be eliminated.
Posted by: AnonymousReligion has a mixed legacy, but beliefs are personal and should not be regulated or ruled upon.
I fully acknowledge that many conflicts in the world have been a direct result of religious beliefs. However, I believe that religion also brings a great deal of goodness to the world. It is certainly possible to be a moral and just person without religious leanings, but believing in a god does give some accountability to people. Additionally, belief is not something that I feel should be regulated at all. It is an inherent right to be able to believe in whatever you please.
Posted by: KKinneyReligion is a vital source of guidance and morality to the world.
There are far too many people in the world whose belief systems guide their life. Those belief systems are religion, and their religion tells them to do certain things in the world. There are few religions in the world whose purpose is for people to commit acts that are without value to the world. Take this away and there would be far too many people that would flounder in insecurity and act completely impulsively and selfishly.
Posted by: MariaREliminating religion would destroy and not improve the world because mankind would be lost without the presence of God.
Religion is one of the ways for humans to reach out to God. God puts goodness, kindness, generosity and love in human hearts. Without religion, we would lose touch with God and thus with the humanity within us. Eliminating religion would only cause chaos and anarchy in the world, destroying it and doing nothing to improve it.
Posted by: TigerDeIIReligion is mainly a positive force in the world.
The vast majority of human religions fulfill the basic need to believe in something greater than oneself. Religion provides many opportunities for positive social bondings and promotes a strong positive moral feeling towards fellow humans.
Posted by: gornickReligion is the reason human rights exist, if we lose our religion we will lose the tenants that go with it.
For the past two thousand years Christianity has worked tirelessly to elevate the status of women, children, the disabled, the poor, and the enslaved. After such a long time most of the world now too recognizes that people have intrinsic value given them human rights. The only thing that teaches us that people have value is our religion. Even if you are an atheist you believe in human rights in a western culture grown out of moralistic Christendom. If we eliminate what teaches that people have value naturally then we will lose the human rights we have worked so hard to secure. The idea that religion does what other studies are unable to do is continued here: http://www.exegeticalstruggles.com/2011/08/religion-is-better-than-science-why.html
Posted by: Anonymous