Without religion, would society fall apart?

[flobadob]

Say, somehow it was proved that there was no God, and that when you die all that remains is your body, no soul, no afterlife. If this was proved inconclusively, would society fall apart, as people would know there is no punishment after death for any act committed on earth?

[123everton]

Yes, but, we've tended to stir the pot considerably in the middle east to suit our own ends, that is another question entirely.

[naomi24]

It is? It's a situation that's causing more grief and misery in this world than we've known for a very long time, but we'll ignore it shall we, because it doesn't suit our agenda to mention it?

[Meg]

When you're dead you're dead.
End of story.

[123everton]

If you want to post a question on the middle east, be my guest, I'll try and help you as best I can.
I'm pretty good on history, a bit patchy on the middle east, a bit more informed on the near east, but no expert.
Go for it, could be a hoot!

[123everton]

P.S.
Dunno about that Meg, there's a few on here who'd disagree with you, but if you're comfortable with that, then roll with it, no skin of mine (or anyone else's) nose.

[naomi24]

Haaa! A party pooper in your Mardi Gras, eh Everton. ;o)

[chakka35]

Good stuff, RATTER, naomi, beso and LazyGun. You're doing so well I can just sit back and enjoy it.
123everton, you've completely lost the plot, but keep going; you produce such great responses from the others!

[mibn2cweus]

Move over and make room for me Chakka. While we're at it kudos to the author of the question as well for sparking this debate.

Hand me over a marshmallow, would yah Chakka?

http://www.fastforwar...9/10/SCA-campfire.jpg

[naomi24]

You two are incorrigible! I get the impression that you may have taken your seats a little too late - but we shall see. Never mind, you can still eat your popcorn. :o)

[flobadob]

Perhaps religion was invented in the first place as a deterrent to people in the olden days. Perhaps society was completely lawless and someone got the bright idea to introduce a character which will punish you after you've died in the naive hope it would help society. Worked a treat, didn't it?

[chakka35]

What does it matter, naomi, how late we took our seats provided we applaud the performers?
What ingratitude!

flobabdob, the idea that society was completely lawless until somebody invented gods is breathtaking in its impudence. Are you suggesting that I will continue robbing banks, raping women and abusing children until someone tells me about a god called Plinge, after which I will become a respectable citizen? Words fail me.. well.. er..not quite..

[naomi24]

Chakka. No ingratitude intended, I assure you. Merely a thought that the best bits have already been played out. ;o)

[flobadob]

chakka, I'm not suggesting you go around stoning women and chopping people's heads off, but some people do. Society doesn't begin and end in your mind.

[mibn2cweus]

//Perhaps religion was invented in the first place as a deterrent to people in the olden days. Perhaps society was completely lawless and someone got the bright idea to introduce a character which will punish you after you've died in the naive hope it would help society. Worked a treat, didn't it?//

. . . then again, perhaps there is a better deterrent to misguided behavior . . .

http://bitrazor.com/c.../wtc_2nd_impact_2.jpg

[naomi24]

^^Yes indeed.

[chakka35]

If 'some people do', flobadob, then the introduction of religion wasn't the answer, was it?