Most people think religion is the root of the world's problems, according to a recent international study.In a recent Best Countries survey of more than 21,000 people from all regions of the world, the majority of respondents identified religion as the "primary source of most global conflict today."
Or are religions basing much of their moral guidance on default human behaviour? It is often argued that, as social animals, it is normally in our species best interests that we cooperate, look after the weak in our communities. avoid killing each other and refrain from stealing each other’s mates - though some individuals will break all these rules if they think that they can get away with it. Even many animals don’t tend to go around killing and hurting each other just for fun and will get annoyed with pack members who don’t obey the rules of good behaviour. Religion certainly can be, and often is, a force for good. As in the examples above, there is no denying that religious organisations and individuals tend to support good causes, provide help to the weak in society, encourage thought about the right way to live, and get people to think deep thoughts about the nature of the universe and the fragility of life. A real belief in a vengeful god may also be enough to stop some people from behaving badly if they think that they will be punished in the afterlife. However, religion can also bring out the worst in people. Examples would be the massacre of the Cathars, mass killing of innocents during Crusades, burning of heretics at the stake (for their own good) at various times and places, persecution of Jews. It is also often used as an excuse for rulers to seize power and expel peoples of the “wrong” religion. In our present time ISIS is a nasty example of what can happen when religious zealots get a chance to enforce their beliefs on others. The Soviet Union under Stalin is often used as an example of the terrible things that can happen because of atheism. It seems to me that Soviet Communism had a lot of features in common with religion. You were required to subscribe to a laid down worldview and worship a living god (Stalin). Any heresy was grounds for drastic punishment. So, yes Religion has produced many benefits and is often a force for good. However, if it is not moderated by humanity and secular laws, its adherents can do some terrible things.
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