Atheist authors Christopher Hitchens and Richard Dawkins have condemned religious belief as harmful and useless. Several people consider that religion poisons everything. I always wonder if those people would never think about all those wars that happened in the world did not turn about ‘might’, ‘power and ownership?
Both authors mentioned above, have received criticism for failing to note the well-documented benefits of strong religious belief.
It is also funny that several thinkers spoiled God and religion during their lifetime, but then after their death, they were commemorated with a mass service and a Christian funeral. Then it was as if their souls had to be secured for all certainty so that they would not burn in hell (as many Christians think).
It should be remembered that the majority of battles are about disagreements, not agreeing with certain ideas and that the majority of wars are about acquiring possession of land and becoming ruler over certain peoples. Religion is only used as a pretext. Most religions preach peace. Also, in many religions, it is about getting rid of material bondage. In most religions, it comes down to striving for the spiritual and praising spiritual values highly.
To those who do not believe in God or a higher power, we can say that trusting in that Supreme Power gives certainties in life. Faith in God makes a person more secure and through faith in the future it also makes life more bearable.
Strong religious belief provides a range of physical, emotional, social, financial, psychological, and health benefits. The trust in God reduces anxiety. By trusting in God, there is less reason to worry and everything becomes much easier to accomplish. That reduces health risks, increases the likelihood of longevity and mental health, and has a positive effect on wellbeing in childhood as well as later economic outcomes.
Believers in the Supreme Deity, Jehovah, long for others to also believe in that Supreme and preach the peace of the Gospel with them.
When one looks at what religious people and groups have been able to achieve and contribute to the world of society and the arts , one can only conclude that they have brought about an enrichment rather than a destruction, as in wars all law is destroyed.
Religions also build a strong sense of community between strangers, and encourage the breaking down of prejudice. Religions are very good at moderating the behaviour of community members, in order to maintain the harmony and stability of the social group. They also have effective strategies for maintaining groups, and overcoming internal conflicts and problems, and as such are ideal to avoid fighting or wars.
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Preceding
- The Israel-Hamas War: What should Christians think about it?
- Background of Faith
- The focus of multiculturalism in Europe on Muslims and Jews
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Additional reading
- A world with or without religion
- Religious matters
- Looking at an American nightmare
- What makes you following Christ and Facebook Groups
- What sort people of faith do we want to be
- Collision course of socialist and capitalist worlds
- All the war-propaganda, all the screaming and lies and hatred, comes invariably from people who are not fighting… George Orwell
- Souls and Religions with Nirvana and light
- An A-Z for a world which has to change.
- Combat or battle fatigue – Memories fading
- This fighting world, Zionism and Israel #1
- Friendship and Offer for the cause of democracy
- Three magic genie wishes
- The real God
- Today’s thought “Blessed people …” (July 27)
- Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #9 Prayer #7 Reason to pray
Some View on the World 