Here’s a link to Part 1 (47 minutes) of Richard Dawkin’s television documentary “The Root of All Evil?” where he argues that the world would be better off without religion.
And here’s the link to Part 2 (47 minutes) subtitled “The Virus of Faith.”
I do own and have listened to his audiobook “The God Delusion” and agree with many of its points, although atheism isn’t the belief system I personally subscribe to. He does make excellent arguments against organized religion (as with the indoctrination of children) and Christianity in particular (pointing out its many contradictions and inhumane portions of scripture), but I wouldn’t go so far as to deem all religion and faith as harmful and/or ludicrous. From where I sit there appears to be at least a smidge of truth on all sides in this argument. The trick seems to be in sorting the metaphors and literal interpretations from their deeper value and meaning.
I’m not convinced the secular era to follow won’t wind up manipulating and misusing science to further powerful agendas just as religion is used now and in the past. The psychology/psychiatry field springs to mind.
What I do know is the day the debate over Creationism being taught in schools is finally put to rest will be one of celebration over here, assuming I’m still alive then (not likely).
This is similar to Ayn Rand’s question “what is the root of all money?” and I’d reply in kind: religion in and of itself is likely no more responsible for “evil” than money is. The problem lies in us; and while religion absolutely does impact our thought processes and cultural norms, if it were absent people would likely only find something else to lean on (for example a political ideology). Yanking theology out from under people won’t force them to think for themselves if they’re determined to be led like sheep. Might help, but then again it might also lead to widescale moral breakdown as disillusioned people rebel, believing morality to be nonexistent without a religion to base it on.
Seems like there are potential benefits and consequences either direction we turn.
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wakemenow said
Those Hell House productions are repugnant.
I do have to agree with Richard Dawkins in thinking the Old Testament god indeed sounds like, to paraphrase Roy Zimmerman, “a stone-drag who gives deities a bad name.”
The examples of encouraged rape and sexism in scripture outlined on this film and in more detail in his book “The God Delusion” is what turned me off from the Old Testament definitively. Though I do believe there is value in some of the stories in both Testaments, particularly the teachings of Jesus, even if they are accepted as mythology rather than literal truth.
I also agree that morality need not be based on religion and would go even further to say it’s preferable that it not be. Richard Dawkins said what I’ve said myself for years: why not attempt to be moral and search for truth simply because it’s the right thing to do instead of simply fearing punishment from a deity? It comes across as disingenuous to walk the line only because you’re hoping to receive a reward or are afraid of burning in hell. The motive is purely selfish and has nothing to do with appreciating your brothers and sisters’ humanity or believing in the principles fundamental to Christian scripture. The desire to act right only so long as you are being watched and judged is a troubling concept for me.
Rape, unjustified violence and torture are wrong regardless of what any book may say, even if that book happens to be the bible. This may very well be considered an absolute truth in my own life philosophy, making it impossible to reconcile accepting a religion that states otherwise. Not simply because I wish to uphold my own beliefs but because my conscience hasn’t been presented with any compelling reason to accept such barbaric violations (and no, the bible does not qualify to persuade me on this matter).
That’s just how I see it. The film was relatively thought-provoking (for someone who already thinks about such things anyway) and is geared toward a general audience. I would recommend it to others as a starting point for scrutinizing religion’s role in our cultures and individual lives.