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ZeusAres42

Following an interesting debate from Christopher Hitchens and Tony Blair which I still have yet to finish I would like to know what other peoples views here are in regards to this question.

I myself haven't looked at this too deeply to have a definitive position. With that being said, however, I am currently leaning towards the position that religion is not a force for good or at least not necessary as being a force for good in the world. What do you think?

Plaffelvohfen

I'm with Christopher on this one... To me religion is a paleolithic philosophical tool, sure it helped early tribes social cohesion when we learned to walk on two legs but it's as outdated as an Oldowan stone chopper... 

Insisting on using religion to explain Existence when we have science and philosophy is like insisting on using a flint hand axe to perform brain surgery... Results are about the same...

MayCaesar

I don't think religion is really a force in itself. Religion is merely a reflection of human flaws, of our innate desire to have the image of the world that resonates with our psychological traits and that compensates for our insecurities - even if that image of that world has no reason to have much in common with the real world. If there was no religion, there would be some other ideology covering the gaps the absence or religion leaves.

The overall role of religion is probably negative, although it does have some positive effects - but, again, it is not as much the fault of religion as that of us, humans.

Dee

No it’s certainly not , religion has been used to tyrannize ,subjugate and divide people since it’s first inception and it continues to do so , take a look at Islamic countries that follow Sharia law where women are treated as inferiors to men , apostates are jailed or executed , child brides perfectly  acceptable  and homosexuality given the harshest of punishments.

A belief in a god came into being by people who could not explain natural phenomena as in storms , lunar eclipses , earthquakes etc ,etc the one who claimed to know was elevated to the special status as one in communion with the gods and thus began the whole religious racket 

YeshuaRedeemed

I try to be a good person, and serve people, but some religious people are nasty. Every faith has good, and bad people. I hope that helps.