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Unfortunately, very little has filled the void left by religion, and I think this is having a profound negative effect on society. Churches used to (and still
by Thorentis 5y ago
Unfortunately, very little has filled the void left by religion, and I think this is having a profound negative effect on society.
Churches used to (and still do) provide: a local support network, initiation rituals for children (giving them a sense of belonging - something very important and very lacking in our Western culture without religion) , a social outlet and place to make friends, often have free to use facilities for members so you can have events there like weddings, funerals, birthdays, a shared experience that gives people a sense of belonging, etc.
People might say that these things have all been replaced by other things, and while that might be possible if you go out of your way to find a replacement for each and every one, humans are quite lazy and very few people ever do this. Being part of a church or other religious group gives you all this for free, and despite the other negatives, I think that is a huge positive that many people are starting to miss out on.
- paulryanrogers 5y agoAfter 30y in the church I'd trade all the mediocre benefits to get back all the time and peace of mind that was lost.
- etempleton 5y agoThis. I got absolutely nothing from religion and I tried throughout my whole adolecence. Went to Church every week. It never made sense to me. I never felt the faith, or the community, or anything. I just don’t think I am wired for religion.
- tsol 5y agoPeople keep equating Christianity with the concept of religion. It is a religion, sure, but only one particular religion. But it's a bit like saying "I dated Christy she just wasted 10 years of my life, it's clear I must be aromantic"
- paulryanrogers 5y agoSome of us have explored other religions as well. Most seem to rely on unprovable claims that must be taken on faith, or experiences that cannot be quantified or tested in any meaningful sense. As far as I'm concerned the scientific method is a far more productive and fulfilling way to live and solve problems.