Topic of the Month: October & November

[Admin]

Would the world be a better place without religion?

Jimmy writes:

People blame wars on religion but if it wasn't that, it would be money, power, politics, race, technology that would fuel the fire. Man by nature does not really have true inhibitions. Remember when it comes down to it, we are animals. Many people try to be good because of their religious ideals, or fear of being judged by a greater power when they die. If there was no 'greater power' to instill within man a moral compass I think the world would be 10x worse, not as rosy as you think. Even before major established religion there were tribes that massacred the crap out of one another. The evil that is inherent in man may not be eliminated by religion, but I believe it contains it.

[Senorita]

I don't think the world would be a better place without religion. I think Jimmy hit the nail on the head with his comment. Religion is to a large extent what guides many people into making decisions about what is right and wrong. Yes this differs across religions but essentially like Zoroastrianism, each religion preaches to its followers to do and be good.
To go ahead and blame wars on religion is completely wrong. Wars have and always will be about survival. Religion is just the cover that people choose to wrap these disputes in.

[Nasha]

For some people, religion provides hope and faith. It 'guides' them. Without a guide, people would most likely feel lost and confused. Therefore, in my opinion, religion is valuable. If people do not believe it is, then they have that right.

[Nasha]

I'm sorry. I read the question and posted my reply. I just now read what someone above me wrote about the whole 'guiding' issue. Sound similar to mine. Just wanted to clarify that I was not 'copying'. I apolgoize.

[manubanu]

Would the world be a better place without religion?

Jimmy writes:

People blame wars on religion but if it wasn't that, it would be money, power, politics, race, technology that would fuel the fire. Man by nature does not really have true inhibitions. Remember when it comes down to it, we are animals. Many people try to be good because of their religious ideals, or fear of being judged by a greater power when they die. If there was no 'greater power' to instill within man a moral compass I think the world would be 10x worse, not as rosy as you think. Even before major established religion there were tribes that massacred the crap out of one another. The evil that is inherent in man may not be eliminated by religion, but I believe it contains it.

It would make sense for man to do what he could get away with. Human nature to look out for #1. Religion and people "fearing" the gods or God was what kept them in line.