The Utility of Religion

The world can be a very complicated place. Some people have the ability to rapidly grasp complex concepts and their ramifications. Others may struggle for many years and never wrap their minds around these same ideas. This is not a judgement. Its just a fact.

Some people are comfortable with uncertainty, even chaos. Some people are comfortable with their insignificance in an incomprehensibly vast universe. Most people need something more tangible. They seek safety, security and some sense of certainty about their future.

Religion can fill this void. It can provide a framework within which people can live their daily lives. Yes, even though they demand freedom and independence, most people want some level of boundaries imposed. They want a stanard of behavior to follow. When you can rely on the knowledge that most people will behave in a certain way, it provides greater confidence in embarking on new ventures.

Religions can provide a place of safety, security and community, or at least a perception that these ideas actually exist. Religion can help to support the structure and sustainability of a society.

The danger lies in ceasing to think. There is danger in refusing to question the tenets of your religion. There is danger in refusing to question the actions of your religious leaders. There is lack of responsibility whenever a human opts to “turn off their brain”. It is especially dangerous when we adopt the mantra, “We are right and everyone else is wrong.” This is the behavior that leads to social polarization and violence.

It is enough that people seek to live a productive, peaceful life. It is enough that people seek to participate in a supportive community, committed to the respect for all individuals. It is enough that religious people understand and accept people in other religions who seek to do the same. If relgions can fulfill this role they can be an asset to mankind.

Approached with righteous zealotry, they will be the death of us all.