Is Religion impeding the evolution of Society?

[xNoName]

Simple question, but a strong one – Is Religion impeding the evolution of Society? Do you think without Religion, societies would be able to evolve better, industrially, technologically, and morally?

My pick, Morally: Yes, Industrially/Technologically: Maybe. Religion was meant to bind people, not to discriminate them. But nowadays, people are distinguishing and discriminating others on the basis of their castes, religion, etc. It's wrong. Acceptance of a "supernatural claim" tends to promote cooperative social relationships (Religion). This communication demonstrates an inclination to accept the influence of the speaker. By encouraging this kind of behavior, where the most intense social relationships occur, it facilitates the lack of skepticism and deters more open-minded thinking. Inculcation closes minds and further breeds distrust and hatred.

Fundamentalists and Narrow-minded believers of a "Being" plays some part in slowing down progress. That is what I think.

Anyway, Discuss.

[zx0]

Organised religion is a scam.

I was shocked to find in the US that 'creation' instead of evolution is to be taught in schools. The US is a backward country when it comes to religion.

[zolockit]

Most Religious organizations are essentially businesses. Any business tries whatever they can to remove competition of whatever sort. If this "impending evolution" is something that could inhibit the acquisition of profits/new members, the business will try to eliminate the threat.

Marketing essentials made easy. ('w')b

[expt2601]

im with zx0 and zolockit

[failedhornet]

The US is a backward country when it comes to religion.

Were not nearly as bad as others

I am an atheist and proudly so but unlike others understand the value of religion in society. Religion does not impede society at an evolutionary level, at least not in the western world. Religion has no influence over innovations in technology or industry. Most organized religions promote good morals. Religion also breeds more diversity in our society which i believe to be much needed.

[Max465]

No, that's just stupid. If religion was impending the evolution of Society then we'd still be cavemen using rocks as tools. Religon in one way or another has been around almost as long as man has. Yes, it has certainly caused some problems, but it's also given others hope and allowed them to conquer things that they might not have otherwise pushed themselves to conquer.

Now, I'm not the most religious man in the world. I'm Agnostic,(Atheism has gotten to the point where it's just a bunch of kids rebelling against what adults are telling them. No offense to people who are actually in it because they legitimately believe in Science) I do believe there is more out there, I just don't know what. I honestly don't think it has as much control as a god, but there is certainly more than what we can see.

If someone has a belief and a faith they follow that's great for them. It means they have something they want to fight for. They have a goal. It's when people start forcing that goal onto others. That's wrong. Now, there is a difference between forcing your religion and then just informing someone about it. You can inform people about your religion, that's fine, but if they refuse and you continue to inform them, that's forcing your religion, and that's wrong.

Anyway...I got way off topic. Point is. Religion is fine and I don't think it's having any major harmful effects out the evolution of our society.

[lemmingllama]

Organized religion is something that does impede us. However, faith is something that isnt bad at all and can be very benefitial. If everyone followed their own faith, then maybe we would be further along in most aspects of life.

[Manifesto]

No, that's just stupid. If religion was impending the evolution of Society then we'd still be cavemen using rocks as tools. Religon in one way or another has been around almost as long as man has. Yes, it has certainly caused some problems, but it's also given others hope and allowed them to conquer things that they might not have otherwise pushed themselves to conquer.

Now, I'm not the most religious man in the world. I'm Agnostic,(Atheism has gotten to the point where it's just a bunch of kids rebelling against what adults are telling them. No offense to people who are actually in it because they legitimately believe in Science) I do believe there is more out there, I just don't know what. I honestly don't think it has as much control as a god, but there is certainly more than what we can see.

If someone has a belief and a faith they follow that's great for them. It means they have something they want to fight for. They have a goal. It's when people start forcing that goal onto others. That's wrong. Now, there is a difference between forcing your religion and then just informing someone about it. You can inform people about your religion, that's fine, but if they refuse and you continue to inform them, that's forcing your religion, and that's wrong.

Anyway...I got way off topic. Point is. Religion is fine and I don't think it's having any major harmful effects out the evolution of our society.

He did say evolution of society not biological evolution, Before I get into the topic I want to say I'm atheist and no I'm not 'rebelling' against what 'adults' are saying,I just lack the belief in any deity really so yeah...Are you saying that if a person has no faith or belief in any deity they don't have something to fight for ? that they don't have a goal ? just wondering because it comes off as if you are, on topic I just want to say that ''religion strengthens superstition and hinders science or truth-seeking.'' But that's just my opinion.

[Diablo]

No, that's just stupid. If religion was impending the evolution of Society then we'd still be cavemen using rocks as tools. Religon in one way or another has been around almost as long as man has. Yes, it has certainly caused some problems, but it's also given others hope and allowed them to conquer things that they might not have otherwise pushed themselves to conquer.

Well that is true in some cases like some of the backward Islamic countries.

I sure do think that it causes slowdown in progression of mankind. But sometimes religion is also good in some cases. Like in India many people are vegetarian in name of religion. Btw I'm an atheist and I do not believe in religion but still I avoid eating meat bcoz I hate cruelty towards animals. Most of people over here do that in the name of religion. I'm saying it's not good to blindly follow your religion. Some people follow their religion without reasoning it. Many times people tend to do evil things because of that.

[Max465]

Are you saying that if a person has no faith or belief in any deity they don't have something to fight for ? that they don't have a goal ? just wondering because it comes off as if you are.

No, I wasn't saying that. I was more refering to the fact that some people find happiness in religion. Find their own things to fight for through it. No not everyone has that, but they usually have something that keeps them going.

For Example, if it wasn't for anime, I honestly would be very depressed right now. It's not something I need anymore(Still love it though), but there was a time when my life was in a very dark place and one of the only things that kept me going were the hours I was able to smile and laugh at the stories I watched unfold.

Religion is just some people's way of coping with life. Why should that be taken away from them?

[Xanodus]

I believe sometimes religion is slowing us down, with all the wars and disagreements going on. However also, in a way, it doesn't, as it shows us (we can see) the different ways in which people live.

[Anooxy]

Back during the Dark Ages? Hell yeah. Nowadays? No, it doesn't really affect much since we can invent or discover whatever we want without religious people whining at us.