Quote:
Originally Posted by crs82
I don't know. Religion, as many practice it, is as valuable to them in this life as it is in the afterlife. In general, religious people are happier, recover more quickly from illnesses (while under the care of a real doctor  ), usually have a larger sphere of friends and acquaintances (due to membership at a church, synagogue, mosque, etc.), and have a largely positive outlook on life. That kind of takes care of the "bad situation" you describe. And if, as you believe, there is no afterlife of any kind, what else is there for them to worry about anyway?  |
It's not that simple. Look at the 'Wives submit to your husbands' opiate. It kept women happy in subordinate positions for thousands of years, thinking they were doing god's will. Was it good for society as a whole? Are we better as a species educating women and allowing them equal power in the family, society, politics and industry? Seems to me we are. It's a tremendous waste of human capital to limit women to household tasks who could be soldiers, biologists, presidents, factory workers etc.
Same could be said of the opiate, "The Bible says it, I believe it, end of discussion." It keeps people secure, it makes life easier, and keeps in place a social order which has been around for a few thousand years. Are we better as a species because of it? Certainly not if your gay or a woman or Native American, an atheist etc.