Now, most people would argue that religion is beneficial to society, and this would make sense from a hypothetical standpoint. After all, religion teaches morals and ethics, which are necessary for a cohesive society. If you look at the effects of religion on a singular, anecdotal level, of course it helps those dealing with grief, addiction, and many other problems with the human existence. It gives people a sense of community, of acceptance. Some therapy groups, such as AA, are based on religious concepts, and those are known to help addicts. Religion supports helping your community and others, which is very beneficial. Religious charities and mission trips help numerous people.
However, despite all of this, when you examine the other ways that religion affects the country, there are more negative effects than good when looking at the effects of religion on a broad scale.
Abstinence-only sex education, a product of the religious right, might be a factor of unusually high rates of teen pregnancy, abortions, and STDs in America. After all, studies have been done that show that “teens who received comprehensive sex education were 60 percent less likely to report becoming pregnant or impregnating someone than those who received no sex education. The likelihood of pregnancy was 30 percent lower among those who had abstinence-only education compared to those who received no sex education.” Obviously, the high-and-mighty abstinence only sex education is failing at what it set out to do.
The religious teachings affect young minds not just in matters of sex. Religious teachings set up a foundation of blind-following. Children are taught that God, the most powerful leader of their lives, is not to be questioned. Later in life, political leaders, especially those who appeal to the Christian base in this country by continuously spouting religious rhetoric, can manipulate the people more easily. They make themselves out to be moral, Christian members of society so that the public will trust them and, once again, blindly follow. This adds to corruption in the government.
Religion also blocks progress. Those opposed to changes such as gay marriage and stem cell research often pull out the Bible as a reference tool, invalid as it is, to support their claims that such progress is “evil” and “against God’s will.”
On a global level, religion isolates us from other countries. As shown in the attacks of 9/11, it breeds animosity towards us due to our theism.
Religion, essentially, divides us, and this, I think, is worst of all. As Jonathan Swift said, "We have enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another." As a country, we need to work together for the betterment of all people. However, this cannot be done when we are torn apart by beliefs that, quite honestly, should not matter outside of a person’s private home.
Religion has undeniably caused many wars and death simply because people disagree about which religion is better or right. Misunderstandings due to religion lead to violence on a daily basis. Indeed, Blaise Pascal was right when he said that “men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.” Again, I am not saying that Christianity itself is wrong. I am saying that in this world, it has had an adverse effect. Instead of enforcing acceptance, it divides us. Instead of breeding love, it promotes hate.
Additionally, let me remind you that we do not need religion for society to run successfully. Religion is not the only way that morals are taught and enforced, and this is shown in thriving secular countries. "A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." --Albert Einstein
So, if religion is ultimately a negative force, I will leave with the words of James Baldwin: "If the concept of God has any validity or any use, it can only be to make us larger, freer, and more loving. If God cannot do this, then it is time we got rid of Him."
As usual, I close this blog with a request for opinions in the responses. I’m always happy to look at the alternative side of the argument, so please post your opinions below.
The Center for the Advancement of Health. "Comprehensive Sex Education Might Reduce Teen Pregnancies, Study Suggests." ScienceDaily 20 March 2008. 11 November 2009
