COMMENTARY||
What would happen if all of mankind became atheists? Would there be complete and utter chaos? Most religious people cite faith in a higher power as a force for good. It can be. On the other hand, it can be destructive, biased and exclusive. So what would happen if everyone on earth became an atheist? Would it really be all that bad? I don't think so. In fact, there might even be some improvements in our way of life, the way we treat each other and the way we behave if none of us believed in a higher power. Here's why.
This life might increase in value.
Religious people believe that they are going on to a better place when they die. For atheists, this is it. Therefore, it stands to reason that there might be more value placed on living right and doing right by others, the first time around. After all, in atheism, there are no second chances or redeeming graces. This life is the be all end all of an atheist's existence. That makes it more precious.
Good behavior becomes its' own reward.
What motivates religious people to behave themselves? Isn't it, at least partially, the fear of God's retribution or the promise of everlasting life? Atheists have no such belief. There is no heaven or hell for atheists. They won't burn for their sins or be lifted up for their triumphs. They have to be self motivated. That means well intended atheists behave themselves for the very best reason. It's the right thing to do.
Note: Of course, human nature being what it is, no one is exempt from bad behavior, whether atheist or religious.
Religious wars would die a peaceful death.
How many pints of blood have been shed over the years for religious differences? How many more religion based wars are there to come? If everyone in the world were atheists, there would be no more religious wars. Of course, we humans go to war over other things as well. Peace on earth may not ever happen. But, without religion in the picture, we would certainly be one giant step closer.
The laws of nature, not man, would reign supreme.
Ah, now, here's something quite interesting. If there is no belief in God, does nature become God? Not necessarily. However, you can't deny the existence of nature, no matter what you believe. So, in lieu of the laws of God, as set down by religious men, it stands to reason the laws of nature would be what we were left to. So possibly, just possibly, mankind would realize a deeper connection to the universe and all it's inhabitants. What might follow? Well, maybe we would learn to show respect for the very earth that gives us life.
We would have to admit that we are animals.
Oh, wow! Another revelation. Most religious people view mankind as superior to the other animals. This is (at least partially) due to the fact that in the bible, we are portrayed that way. Adam named the animals. If he hadn't, would we even have pets? Could we ever have claimed ownership of other creatures? Without religion, there would be no bible to give us that authority, would there? So, our fellow creatures might no longer be exploited for our use. There certainly would be no inhumane treatment, factory farms and other such abuses. Why? Because, if there is no God, there is no superior animal. Humans would be equal to every living thing on the planet.
An attitude of general equality might be more prevalent.
Let's face facts, religious doctrines are the root of much of our biased thinking. Certain groups of people are most definitely shunned in the bible. Or at least, that's what many religious zealots would have us think. It's pretty hard to pin down the exact meaning of such a widely interpreted document. Still, once we start rejecting people for their religious beliefs, sexual orientation, etc., that little ball of hate just keeps rolling, doesn't it? On the other hand, if we all shared the same belief, we would all start from an equal playing field, wouldn't we?
Could it happen?
Of course, all human beings could never agree on one faith. Whether atheist or religious, our own free will is something none of us wants to relinquish. So, what is the solution? It's simple. We need to wake up and realize that mankind is a beautiful conglomerate of all kinds of beliefs. It's the right of every human being to worship (or not) and live as their conscience dictates. We will never convince another human being to think exactly as we do, nor should we. So, let's just accept each others differences. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, it's the right thing to do.
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