I'm sure we're all aware of the many atrocites and horrific events which are attributed to the devout obedience and inexorable faith in various religions' (both individual, and societal) adamant claims...

But I'm sure many of us have also glanced at the flip side of the coin, and seen much of society's basis for ethical and moral behavior showing it's roots in various ancient and modern-day religions. Many of our standards for what we deem 'right' and 'wrong' has its base in ancient religious scripture, or even folk-tales and moral stories, which have been passed on as a portion of teachings by various religious groups.

What I'm wondering, is in your opinion (I'd like to avoid people claiming 'facts', unless they have hard proof to support them): Has religion on the whole had more of a positive, or negative impact upon how we live? Would the world be a better, or worse place in the absence of religion? Does 'organized' religion (Christianity, Taoism, Hinduism, etc) bring more positives or negatives with it as opposed to more 'individual' or 'personal' 'religions'? What aspects of religion have altered society positively, and what aspects have altered it negatively? If it were possible, would you remove religion from society, or add more to it? What would you add, or remove from existing religion to make it better for society as a whole? [For this purpose, I'm using "Religion" in the context of: "A personal or institutionalized system grounded in belief and worship." and/or "A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader."]

Just a few questions and ideas I've been mulling over and debating... feel free to jabber about any of this stuff.

- Age

There was a very similar thread a few weeks ago. I would just like to reply your last question : I would like religions better without their "brainwashing" aspect. Some parts of most religions, christianism, islam, even buddhism, rely on brainwashing methods to keep their power. There are also in the same religions people who rely on intelligence and goodwill. I prefer these.

Hmm, I just now noticed the thread put up by Havok.

Consider this a continuation, with a twist, and a few more questions. ;)

I do agree with Astra alot of religions rely on fear of the unknown or fear of God. Alot of religions tell us "God said this"..."God wants that"..... but the fact remains God didn't say anything if he had then where is the proof? The last I knew no one had God talk to them, or atleast I have never seen solid proof of this.

I believe religion has done good and bad, in todays life religion seems more peacefull then it did in past times.

Has religion on the whole had more of a positive, or negative impact upon how we live?

Overall, given the billions of people that manage to be civil to each other on a daily basis, I'd say more of a positive impact. But there's no doubt that the negative impacts have always been significant.

Would the world be a better, or worse place in the absence of religion?

I suspect society would have come up with the same set of rules on its own.

Does 'organized' religion (Christianity, Taoism, Hinduism, etc) bring more positives or negatives with it as opposed to more 'individual' or 'personal' 'religions'?

I doubt that there's much difference, outside of some religion that might encourage sacrifices or something. As long as one has ethics and morals, I can't see how one religion would be better than another in that respect.

What aspects of religion have altered society positively, and what aspects have altered it negatively?

I think the only real negative aspect of religion is the need some people have to destroy those of different religions. Whether or not that is the fault of the religion or the fault of humans is debateable. Clearly humans are quite happy to use any difference to justify the destruction of someone else.

If it were possible, would you remove religion from society, or add more to it?

I think the current balance is pretty good. I think if you add religion, you create intolerance. If you take it away, you create more lawlessness.

What would you add, or remove from existing religion to make it better for society as a whole?

Not that it's possible, but I'd remove the need people have to perform the duties of their particular god, which is to say to judge and sentence fellow humans for their failings.

Well, good question, Age...

You can see how I feel 'bout the separation of Church and State in my "He died due to Pilate error..." entry in the Polics forum...

As fer the brainwashin' aspect, I believe it's undeniable that the focus of most religions is on BELIEVIN'... not THINKIN'... not ta say that NO believer doesn't occasionally think... and in creative ways, too...

I recall a co-worker who wuz asked by an irate boss just why he came bouncin' inta the office THREE hours late... His response: "God stopped me by the side of the road for a little chat..."

Did he git away with it? Well... yep, he did... :)

Have a God one... so ta speak... :)