Now that the latest studies show the number of atheists now equals those of believers, one question becomes more epochal than ever: Would the world be better off with no religion?
“No religion” will surpass number of religious next year or sooner
A new analysis published this week found that the number of people claiming “no religion” (23%) is equal to Catholics (23%) and evangelical (23%). Those claiming “other affiliations” is 14% and mainline Protestant is 11%.
In 1972, the number of people claiming no religion was at 5 percent. Since then, that percentage has been on a steady upward climb, while those claiming religious beliefs or affiliation has been on a continual dissent. Therefore, based on this trend, starting next year (or sooner), and likely every year thereafter, the number of people with “no religion” is going to start outnumbering the religious.
The atheist view
“There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”
– From a sign featured on “atheist bus campaign” 2008-2009.
Atheists believe we will have a more peaceful world without religion. They believe religion, rather than bringing people together, separates them. They believe wars will end, because religion is used to justify many wars. They also believe there will be more progress in the world, as they say a lot of scientific advancement has been restricted by religion.
Atheists believe that people will actually live happier lives because there will be less judgment. They see racism as having a religious component, therefore, racism will decline once religion is gone. They believe people will have more freedom because they see religion as a control system.
Atheists believe that the money now collected by greedy churches can go to more trustworthy organizations that really do use the money to help others.
As far as an afterlife, Atheists don’t have fear of going to a “hell” because they believe that neither heaven nor hell exists. In terms of an afterlife, Atheists have varying beliefs which are too lengthy to discuss here, but simply with some believing that our energy goes somewhere else, while others believe that life just ends.
Religious counterpoint to atheism:
Religious people believe that atheism leads to a lack of morality. They see a world in which the guidelines for treating your fellow human being with love are missing. They see the decline of values and the family.
In a worst-case scenario, they envision a world where occult and satanic practices replace religion, where infamous Satanist Aleister Crowley’s command of “do what you will shall be the whole of the law,” reigns supreme and leads atheists to believe that “anything goes.”
Christians see a world without religion as ultimately culminating in utter anarchy.
The religious view
Religious people contend that such beliefs are essential for maintaining morality in a society. Not only does religious doctrine lay down a set of laws, but it also instills a sense of awareness and good conscience. These doctrines teach us how to live with each other and maintain a peaceful, ordered society. And of course, religious belief is essential for one to gain entry into a positive eternal afterlife.
Atheist counterpoint to religion:
Opponents of religion say that it creates a prejudicial and judgmental attitude towards others. Although proclaiming love, the bias religion brings ultimately fosters hate and condemnation, because people fall into an “us and them” mindset. A common argument is “if religion is about love, why have so many wars have been fought in the name of religion?”
In some religions, adultery and signs that spouse is cheating brings stoning. In fact, Brunei has created worldwide controversy for recently enacting such laws, which also includes the stoning of gays. Religion condemns homosexuals and lesbians, in spite of the obvious fact that these people are born that way.
The middleground
There are certain things in life that almost all societies believe to be morally true regardless of religion. (Except perhaps a few isolated primitive and/or cannibalistic tribes)
Murdering people is wrong. Stealing from people is wrong. Harming children is wrong. Lying is wrong. These are obvious, common sense things that most societies have figured out, without the need for a “Ten Commandments.”
There are good and bad people in the world. Sometimes good people do bad things. Sometimes good and bad people do evil things. Some people are good all the time while others are bad all the time. Some people are evil all the time.
All of the above is true whether someone studied religion, adheres to religion or has no religion at all.
Human nature is human nature. In a world without religion, humans will still do what humans have always done – even when they had religion. This is something even Scripture confirms.