The Necessity of Religion

I know it would be far more predictable to discuss the evils of religion, but I think that most people are well aware of that argument. I can find where religion plays an important part in society. How good are men really? If a weaker man had the rules and restraints of his religion taken away, what life might he live? It is true that many have done awful thing in the name of religion, but what of the average man? Would he give to charity if not for his tithing? Would he follow the basic guidelines of a moral society if not for the Commandments? 

I say all this as a non-believer, someone who finds no practical use for any religion personally. But I do see others that resemble their ancient ancestors lost in a world they can't explain. They want answers to explain  cosmic questions and needless suffering. They have replaced Sun Gods with more modern deities, but the motive is still much the same.

As I parent I see how much easier it is to be religious. When your children are afraid it is much easier to talk about angels and heaven instead of quantum theories or vast voids of nothingness. Your children will fit in much better with the masses of other children. They will not feel odd when the coach says a prayer before a game, and they will not feel like they could not be president because of their lack of beliefs.

For many it is easier, it is necessary. It guides them along their life giving them a handbook that appears to provide every answer, and if it does not, then they can simply say it is God's will that they do not know. After all, knowledge is what got Adam and Eve in trouble in the first place. The fear of hell and promise of paradise or virgins keeps them in check just in case they do not have enough moral fortitude to make the right decisions on their own. This is why many powerful men have endorsed religion, they understand it is the best way to keep the masses obedient and in fear.

Perhaps some people are better kept under these restraints or given false hopes when they struggle. It is appropriate God called his followers his flock. Some men were meant to be just that..sheep.