Expert: Vincent M. Wales Date: 6/13/2008 Subject: Help with a debate
Question QUESTION: My question is, what in your opinion are some of the negative effects that religion(christianity in particular) has had in society and on humanity? I am particularly interested in how religion has been used to oppress certain groups, particularly women, gay and lesbian people and people of other faiths(non christians). Can you give me some examples?
A family member who is a chritian and I were debating this the other day. He said that christianity has NOT been harmful to women or prevented them from reaching equality, and has in fact been responsible for improving living conditions for women and children by encouraging men to take responsibility for providing for their families etc I disagree. But I am not very knowledgeable about the issue. What do you think? Thanks.
Karen
ANSWER: Karen:
This is a pretty broad question, and there's a lot involved with answering it. So I'm going to take the easy way out and direct you to some sites. Take your time going through these sites (most have a good index and/or search feature), and I'm sure you'll find plenty of ammunition.
Ultimately, though, both the theist and atheist must acknowledge that religion is neither all good or all bad. Yes, it has condoned slavery, restricted women's rights, and oppressed all non-heterosexual / non-monogamous folks. But there have been some good things to spring from religious roots, too. But, in my opinion, the scales still tilt toward the negative.
Hope these sites are helpful. (The last one listed, btw, is my own.)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi there. I hope you don't mind one follow-up question. I checked out some of the websites, and they had so much good information! Thank you. I have a lot more reading to do, but read quite a few essays.
In one of them, the writer argues that the claim that "God" gave us free will is false, because people can't claim to be acting of their own free will when they are fearful. Christianity teaches that if you don't do as your told, you will be severely punished by being sent to this horrible place called hell. I agree with this, and actually made that argument. Like the writer said, if someone put a gun to your head, and demanded that you do what you were told or he would kill you, that isn't free will!
But they will argue that we all have the freedom to make bad choices(i.e. go out and committ a crime) but that there are consequences. for example, if you rob a bank you go to prison. If you don't pay your debts, you could lose your car, house etc. That kind of stumped me, because it IS true. I mean, there are even natural consequences. For example, if you eat too much or eat the wrong foods you can develop health problems. We still technically have free will, but that doesn't mean there are no consequences(i.e. going to hell).
I am just stumped on how to respond to that, but more importantly would like to know for myself. What is the difference between being told your going to go to hell if you don't obey a god and being told you were go to prison if you committ a crime? Other than that, the resources you offered provided me with a lot of answers to my main questions. Thanks for your time.
Karen
Answer A few things make a critical difference.
First, if you ask the VAST majority of people who commit crimes if they think they'll get caught, they will say no. The same cannot be said for the all-knowing deity. Secondly, many criminals don't think prison is that much of a threat... they either think they'll get off without going to prison, or they'll get out early, or that it won't be that bad. Whatever. Again, can't say that about hell.
However, more significant in your fight about free will, read the article in the Atheist Attic on the subject. Then feel free to email me about it.
