What are the Good Things About Religion?

JulesKorngold

Argument Topic: The Good

From the Gemini chatbot:

Religion offers a variety of potential benefits to individuals and communities. Here are some of the key positives:

Sense of purpose and meaning: Many religions provide a framework for understanding the world and humanity's place in it. This can give people a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Community and social support: Religious organizations often foster strong communities that provide social support, belonging, and a sense of connection. This can be especially helpful for people who are new to an area, going through difficult times, or feel isolated.

Moral compass and ethical guidelines: Most religions promote ethical values like kindness, compassion, honesty, and forgiveness. These values can guide people's behavior and decision-making.

Comfort and hope: Religion can offer comfort in times of grief, loss, or hardship. It may also provide hope for the afterlife or a better future.

Mental and physical health benefits: Studies suggest a correlation between religious practice and positive mental health outcomes such as reduced depression and anxiety. Religious involvement may also encourage healthy behaviors and social connections, which can contribute to physical well-being.

Charitable works and social good: Many religious organizations play a vital role in charitable work and social services, providing assistance to those in need.

Art, music, and culture: Religion has inspired countless works of art, music, literature, and architecture throughout history.

JulesKorngold

Argument Topic: The Bad

From the Gemini chatbot:

Religion, like many other aspects of life, can have some drawbacks. Here are some of the potential negative aspects of religion:

• Division and conflict: Religious differences can create divisions and conflicts within communities, and even between nations throughout history. Doctrinal disputes and competition for followers can lead to violence and persecution.

• Oppression and discrimination: Some religions have been used to justify the oppression and discrimination of certain groups, including women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ people. Rigid interpretations of religious doctrine can limit individual freedoms and social progress.

• Scientific conflict: Some religious teachings contradict scientific findings, leading to tension between faith and reason. This can discourage critical thinking and hinder scientific progress in certain areas.

• Violence and extremism: Religion has been used to justify violence and extremism throughout history, from wars and terrorism to acts against those deemed "heretics" or unbelievers.

• Promoting passivity: Some interpretations of religion may discourage followers from questioning authority or working to improve their circumstances in this life, focusing instead on an afterlife or divine providence.

• Financial abuse: Some religious organizations have been involved in financial scandals or exploited their followers for money.

jack

Barnardot said:

So what are some other really good things about religion?

Hello B:

As you may know, I'm an atheist..  But, I'd NEVER tell you what to believe.  Your beliefs are none of my business - just as my beliefs are none of your business..

Now, that that's outta the way, adhering to a religion makes people feel good.  It offers a solution for all problems or difficulties.  Ain't nothing wrong with that. 

excon

MayCaesar

I have met someone who had had a very difficult childhood and life afterwards. For her religion was a means of finally finding peace: she was desperate for some answers, and she found them in the Bible. She finally was able to make sense of everything and to get the answer to all the "Why?" questions about her suffering: it was all a part of the divine plan, the magnificence of which she cannot appreciate, but the ultimate outcome of which is her happiness.

When things are dire, we will cling to any hope we can get, any fantasy that makes us feel better. When life is hard and facing the cold and harsh reality is unbearably difficult, finding a refuge in a fantasy world may be necessary. I suppose this is the good aspect of religion. The problem is, this fantasy is sticky, and when our life does become better and its usefulness expires, it does not just go away.

I think that with a proper rational approach one can develop better tools for handling difficult situation. For me, for instance, one of the main tools is humor: when life gets unbearably hard, I laugh in its face, imagining myself an actor in a wild movie and thinking about how enjoyable the movie is to the audience. It does not involve any fantasy, just understanding that for now it is time to laugh so as to not the pain grab a hold.

But if all else fails, then, I suppose, religion can be one's last refuge.

Barnardot

@JulesKorngold ;Sense of purpose and meaning: Many religions provide a framework for understanding the world and humanity's place in it. This can give people a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Yes but it is a false sense based on made up premises. So okay nothing to much bad about that until the understanding of there world is that they are far superior to any one else and that people in minority are evil. And there purpose and meaning in life is to worship and praise there master every day and that they are just puppets told what to do and how to do it.

And if some one has to go to some organization or an ancient book for there morals it doesnt say much about that person does it?

What mental benefits religious people have are far out weighed by the constant fear of God they have and the stress of living in divided families since religion is also very polarizing.

Sure churches do a lot of charitable work but that has only been in rescent times when the churches were losing poularity.

Charities social services and art and culture come more from secular groups but they dont try and induct members to there folds by preaching and converting.

Barnardot

@jack ;Now, that that's outta the way, adhering to a religion makes people feel good.  It offers a solution for all problems or difficulties.  Ain't nothing wrong with that. 

Sorry to contradick you there but research shows that there is no difference between the hapiness levels of religious and atheists. What we do know is that religion has divided more families than any other instirution. And there solution for all problems or difficulties comes with diabolical conditions like conversion therapy and not allowing abortions. There are highly trained professionals and organisations who specialise in helping people with out the nasty strings.

Barnardot

@MayCaesar ;For me, for instance, one of the main tools is humor:

Well thats grate but there is certainly no humor about religion to make you feel better. In fact its totally morbid and fearful. What I have found is that many people who go to religion for comfort get all elated and think its the answer just like druigs. But when they find out about the side affects and get off it thaey are even more screwed up than when they took it up. Thats because religion addresses weaknesses and fears by telling there clan that the meek shall inherit the earth and its okay to be like that. Its okay to hate gays, its okay to hate other religions, its okay to hate abortion and its okay to be delusional because what your really seeing is God. I reckon you could do that chick a favor and get her out of that religion and get her in to some descent social groups and get her descent therapy without all the nasty strings.