God and Religion are Probably a Good Thing for Society

Post Reply New Topic

I typically avoid posting on this topic. As I consider it a very loaded topic. In any event...

In my early youth, I struggled with this question of God. It really bothered me, why so many people believed in something, just because (you can fill in the blanks here, as you see fit).

The question of why this is the case, pre-occupied me during my college years. I really wanted to understand why these belief systems existed. So, I took numerous courses in Philosophy and Religious Studies.

My conclusions were simple:
1. It’s probably a good thing that people who need God, have a God to believe in
2. It’s probably a good thing that people who need Religion, have a Religion to belong to
3. I shudder to think what would happen to those people who need God, who need Religion, if it was taken away from them

Spirituality, good.
Religion, bad.

Religion is just a way to limit and control people.

You would have to compare society with a primarily areligious society and evaluate the pros and cons.

If I did not fear damnation I'd be a really dangerous person to do business with. I tend to do whatever's expedient and in my interests...so I need religion as a baseline or anchor. It keeps me level.

Really? Religion a Good Thing.

Just lie the following?

Witch trials
Torture
Persecution of Heretics
The Crusades
Persecution of people just for seeking the truth. Think about Galileo.
Forced conversion of the natives
all this and more....

A Good Thing?

This is one of my favorite aphorisms. I wish I had said this first:

Yes,because those stonings bring the whole family together.

I have read your Manuscript with some Attention. By the Arguments it contains against the Doctrine of a particular Providence, tho’ you allow a general Providence, you strike at the Foundation of all Religion: For without the Belief of a Providence that takes Cognizance of, guards and guides and may favour particular Persons, there is no Motive to Worship a Deity, to fear its Displeasure, or to pray for its Protection. I will not enter into any Discussion of your Principles, tho’ you seem to desire it; At present I shall only give you my Opinion that tho’ your Reasonings are subtle, and may prevail with some Readers, you will not succeed so as to change the general Sentiments of Mankind on that Subject, and the Consequence of printing this Piece will be a great deal of Odium drawn upon your self, Mischief to you and no Benefit to others. He that spits against the Wind, spits in his own Face. But were you to succeed, do you imagine any Good would be done by it? You yourself may find it easy to live a virtuous Life without the Assistance afforded by Religion; you having a clear Perception of the Advantages of Virtue and the Disadvantages of Vice, and possessing a Strength of Resolution sufficient to enable you to resist common Temptations. But think how great a Proportion of Mankind consists of weak and ignorant Men and Women, and of inexperienc’d and inconsiderate Youth of both Sexes, who have need of the Motives of Religion to restrain them from Vice, to support their Virtue, and retain them in the Practice of it till it becomes habitual, which is the great Point for its Security; And perhaps you are indebted to her originally that is to your Religious Education, for the Habits of Virtue upon which you now justly value yourself. You might easily display your excellent Talents of reasoning on a less hazardous Subject, and thereby obtain Rank with our most distinguish’d Authors. For among us, it is not necessary, as among the Hottentots that a Youth to be receiv’d into the Company of Men, should prove his Manhood by beating his Mother. I would advise you therefore not to attempt unchaining the Tyger, but to burn this Piece before it is seen by any other Person, whereby you will save yourself a great deal of Mortification from the Enemies it may raise against you, and perhaps a good deal of Regret and Repentance. If Men are so wicked as we now see them with Religion what would they be if without it?


Ben Franklin


As a people known for having a hard time "reading" others we more than others need to support those parts of our culture that encourage honesty.