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Sunday, March 23, 2014

Why Do Atheists Ignore the Good Religion Does


Christians often ask atheists, "Why do you ignore the good Christianity does?"

This is an odd question since I never see Christians promoting the good done by other religions. Why would Christians think atheists should promote anything good they do?

I'm not one who denies that Christianity ever does anything good. I'm sure many religions do good, and it's a shame that with all the money and power they have they don't do more.

Instead, they seem to use their money and influence to take rights away from those they disagree with. It's one thing for them to have their opinion, but it's another to go a step further and influence politicians into creating laws that restrict people's freedom. 

Atheists who promote reason aren't focused on highlighting the good an organization does whether religious or secular (although it's great when they do and we often encourage it) - it's to get people to think critically about their beliefs.

Beliefs matter, beliefs are what cause religious terrorists to blow themselves up killing others around them. Beliefs are what cause some to think climate change isn't an issue to worry about because their god is ultimately in control.

As Sam Harris has said, "I know of no society in human history that ever suffered because its people became too desirous of evidence in support of their core beliefs."

Yes, irrational beliefs can still motivate people to do good, but the good that comes from religion doesn't make up for the bad - and even if it did, it wouldn't make that religion true. Anything good that comes from religion can also be done without it. If we understand the reality of an issue we have a better chance of improving it, unlike relying on wishful thinking or superstition.