‘Religion does more good for the world than humanism.’ Do you agree?
Show that you have considered both sides of the argument and write an essay up to 1000 words.
Religion and humanism are two contrasting ideologies that focus on different aspects of life. While religion emphasizes the importance of a divine being and spirituality, humanism advocates for human welfare, progress, and reason, without the need for supernatural beliefs. Both can impact society positively, but the affirmation that ‘Religion does more good for the world than humanism’ is subjective and can be argued from different perspectives. In this essay, we will consider both sides of the argument and examine the ways in which religion and humanism have impacted the world.
Firstly, religion has been significant in society's development in various ways. One of the prominent ways religion has been beneficial to the world is through the promotion of morals and ethics. The Ten Commandments in Christianity, for example, emphasize respect for parents, life, and property and have been essential in shaping social norms and relationships. Through religious doctrines and teachings, people develop moral principles and values that guide them in their daily lives. This instills discipline, respect, and accountability in society. Religion also places emphasis on charity and social consciousness, as seen in programs that provide health care, education, and food to the poor, feeding millions of children across the world.
In addition, religion has played a significant role in bringing about peace in the world. Several religions advocate for love, compassion, and forgiveness, which can help to promote good interpersonal relationships and reduce conflicts. Religious leaders often serve as mediators in conflicts, bringing warring parties to the negotiating table, or promoting peaceful dialogue, for instance, in Northern Ireland, where the religious conflict was resolved through dialogues between Catholic and Protestants.
On the other hand, humanism is an ideology that emphasizes human welfare, progress, and reason. Some proponents of humanism argue that religion has often hindered progress and, in contrast, promoted irrational dogma, leading to disastrous outcomes such as holy wars and the suppression of scientific exploration. For example, the Catholic Church's opposition to Copernicus and Galileo Galilei's astronomy theories resulted in the banning of their works and the suppression of scientific advancement.
Furthermore, humanism has been crucial in promoting human rights and equality around the world. Humanism in its modern form is based on the concept of universal human rights. It has been used to secure people's rights and freedoms against oppressive governments or religious groups, particularly in cases where gender, sexual orientation and religious discrimination are prevalent. Secular humanism, for example, promotes democratic values, scientific inquiry, and critical thinking, which are critical to building an open and liberal society.
Humanism also supports the idea of free inquiry and the advancement of knowledge, which has led to significant scientific and technological advancements in society. Scientific discoveries such as the vaccination against several deadly diseases have saved millions of lives, and technological innovations such as the internet have brought a lot of people closer, regardless of religion, race, or gender.
In conclusion, whether religion does more good for the world than humanism is a complex question without a straightforward answer. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Religion has contributed positively to society, promoting morals, ethics, and peace, while Humanism has promoted human welfare, progress, and scientific-based inquiry. They have also been instrumental in building communities and promoting social consciousness and are necessary components in different societies. Ultimately, both religion and humanism are essential, and therefore should be used to complement each other, rather than competing with one another. The combination of religious values and morality, with humanist ideas, can be a powerful tool for creating a world that benefits from the best aspects of both.