More Religion Free Society

In an unusual event, we took up the topic from the week before once again.  A number of people had been waiting to speak, and time was short.  Over the week, I pondered whether a religion-free society would actually be any different from what we have now.  The proponents of such a society, as well as firm opponents, have rather strong opinions on the differences, with those being good (pro - more tolerance, less violence, greater respect for humanity and science) or bad (con - selfishness, anarchy, widespread destruction) depending on which side one falls on.  However, we are taking for granted that religion is the obstacle to or foundation of social behaviors, and that its disappearance would lead to fundamental change in interpersonal relations.  I do not think it is that simple.  Religion is not actually something handed down from on high, magically appearing in human society to prop it up, but rather is the product of that society.  Humans create religion.  If we create it, we must find some use in it, but religion is a tool to serve a purpose, not an agent that controls us.  We like to feel belonging in a community; we like having answers to questions great and small; we like feeling special or superior to others; we like having instructions for life.  Religion gives us all of those things, of course, but so could other groups or social organizations.  Atheists and non-religious people do not actually withdraw from all society just because they do not form part of one group, but instead find other groups that fulfill the social and perhaps moral functions of religion.  A religion-free society, sadly or not, would probably not look very different from what we have now.  Even the evils or excesses of religion are not due to any particular flaw in that system, but to flaws we all have as human beings, so ridding ourselves of one tool or outlet for them would not eliminate them.

Our Doctor had missed the first part of the discussion, meaning the first meeting, but was not out of step with the conclusions.  He also reasoned that religion was an institution, a human-created thing, and part of our social evolution.  He left open the possibility of different forms of belief arising, leaving modern religions aside.  In fact, it is almost impossible to live without some form of belief in his opinion.  He warned us to be careful of insulting others for their beliefs, however strange they might seem, and connected this principle of tolerance to the French Revolution, saying one of the major ideas behind it was fighting for respect for individual rights and beliefs - until they try to kill you.  The last part may have been a Doctor's addendum.  He also spoke of the groups created by religion, noting that Spanish unity is as much based on a single religion as anything else.  As he has said in other meetings, he stressed the importance of a group for an individual's survival: "If you are alone, you are dead," he said.  In his final contribution, towards the end of the meeting, he observed that there was practically no disagreement in the room.  As the Source says whenever he can, religion is related to power, norms, and dogma.  The Doctor even thought that religion should disappear, as well as states, since all institutions have the tendency to degrade over time and lose their relevance.  Religion was necessary in the past as a method of social control and transmission of ways of thinking, but science has changed how we think, and the old ways are no longer needed.  The only thing he seemed to think still useful from religion is the feeling of compassion it can generate.  The Actress chimed in, saying religions are doomed and almost incredulously asked how they can still exist today, but also noted that many religious people are not capable of understanding morality not based on a god or gods looking over your shoulder.

The True Philosopher continued to remind us of the importance of community in human society, but said that the modern world is "post-religion".  He also thinks the need for gathering together will remain rooted in us as human beings, and be released from any connection to religious worship; we will come together in the spirit of fellowship and companionship, as people and social animals, not as worshippers.  One major problem with religion, in his opinion, is the business aspect of it.  Rather than concerning itself with providing the comfort and care that it purports to, organized religion tends to be about money, like any other business.  The True Philosopher would see that vanish from society, whether we lose our beliefs or not.

The Leader also reiterated the benefits a person may find in religion, including connection with others, rewards material and spiritual, and psychological support.  He pointed out too, that many who act in the name of religion are not acting in accordance with its principles.  He felt certain that religions that discriminate against scientifically shown facts lose credibility among rational people, and that contrary to what the Doctor said, religions do not actually evolve; only society does, and eventually society will leave clunky religions behind.

The Educator had a number of things to say about the separation of church and state, essentially laying out a religion-free society within society.  She found the exemptions given to religious beliefs where health is concerned disgusting, saying those who refuse medical treatment for their children should not be allowed to make such decisions.  She also railed against subsidies for religious schools, saying only public schools should receive money from the public, albeit through the government, and those schools should take a tolerant and neutral stance on faith and religion.

The Source remained on the quiet side this time, possibly having said almost everything the week before.  However, he did give one short contribution, insisting that religion provides more disadvantages than advantages.  He compared faith to toxoplasmosis, saying it causes behavior that does not promote self-preservation, but rather benefits something beyond oneself.  He listed a number of problems stemming from religion: war; cruelty; anti-science stances; fear of change.

I would have to refer back to a comment I had made the week before: the problems are due to human weakness, and religion is just an easy excuse for them.