A better place

[LeedsRhinos]

Would the world be a better place without any Religion

[ELVIS68]

Yes

[chakka35]

Certainly.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Better, yes. Perfect, no.

I sometimes get the impression that Theists think atheists believe that if all religion disappeared the world would be (ironically) a paradise. Of course, this isn't what atheists believe at all.

[brionon]

Yes !!!

[squarebear]

There would certainly be a lot less war.

[jake-the-peg]

I'm not sure there'd be less wars.

Would so much of the worlds population be content with their lot without the promise of "Jam tomorrow ?"

[Octavius]

Maybe, if our world was ruled by enlightened rationality, which would possibly rid us of the sectarian hatred that exists within elements of religious intolerance. But a lot of people will still feel the need for the supernatural and a sense of transcendent ethereal wonder.

[netibiza]

Maybe if everyone kept their religious faiths to themselves and draw comfort from it, then the world would be a better place, without trying to inflict their own beliefs and creeds on all others.

[China Doll]

People would still look for something to aspire to.

Religion is not the problem. Extremism and organised religion is to my way of thinking.

Most religions teach peace, love and tolerence, those are bad lessons to learn or live by. They also provide comfort to people. I see no reason to take that away from others just because I don't believe it.

[naomi24]

It would certain be a better place without organised religion.

[Doc Spock]

yes.

[weeal]

I think organised religion is on the decrease now anyway, but I think, yes, it would be a better place.

[Sweep2k]

I think it would be a far more thoughtful place to live.

I take China Doll's point, that the teachings of most religions are peaceful and loving.

But imagine a world where people looked out for their fellow man and tried to lead as good a life as possible, not because they were told to by a book or a prophet or a clergyman or a deity (and because they feared repercussions in the afterlife), but because they decided themselves that it was something they wanted to do. A world where goodness is an end in itself rather than an insurance policy.

[RIAS]

No! It is intolerance of others that is the basic cause of all wars and strife.
I'm the husband of a priest and see at first hand how she spreads Christian love wherever she goes and how this is reflected in the love and support she receives from all those with whom she comes into contact

[naomi24]

Rias, are you saying your wife wouldn't be as loving if she wasn't Christian? Plenty of people spread love and help others, and receive support in return, but they don't need to be Christian to do that. They just need to be caring people.

[jake-the-peg]

What's the basic cause of people burning other people as witches?

[Octavius]

Jealousy. Perhaps the "witch" looked at another womans husband, or entranced him to go into the woods and be naughty.

In a world without organised religion, we would have disorganised religion. Would that really be better?

[WaldoMcFroog]

Yes.

"Right, let's go and burn some witches..."
"Hang on... where's my keys?"
"Doesn't she live on the other side of town?"
"I thought you had the petrol..."

[toby99]

No - without religion there would be no hope and where would we be without hope and without hope there would be no purpose.