

Is Religion a Force for Good?
43 snips Apr 5, 2024
Shadi Hamid and Annie Laurie Gaylor debate whether religion is a force for good. They discuss the positive impact of religion on individuals and society, as well as the historical conflicts and discrimination it can perpetuate. The conversation explores gender roles in Islam, harmful consequences of extreme religious beliefs, and the need for human intervention over relying solely on prayer for healing.
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Religion and Well-being
- Religion correlates with happiness, possibly due to stronger family and community ties.
- It provides meaning, belonging, and resilience, even if the belief is not based in provable fact.
Ethics of Religion
- Basing morality on religious dogma rather than reason and consequence is dangerous.
- Holy books offer mixed messages, containing both love and violence, impacting behavior.
Divisiveness vs. Connection
- Religious divides can be positive, fostering diversity and pluralism.
- Religion connects people through shared beliefs and practices within communities and houses of worship.