RELIGION

I have to start with the subject of religion since it introduces controversy into so many topics. I do not believe in God or an afterlife.

I question whether or not religion, on balance, has been a force for good or evil in the world. First of all, I reject the proposition that evil can only be defined based upon belief in religious morals. The fundamental principle has to be the Golden Rule which is based as much on common sense as any religious teaching.

I believe that religion arose out of superstition for many reasons. It provided an explanation for many natural phenomena from the sun, moon and stars to the existence and procreation of plants and animals including people. It helped allay fears of death. It provided a social framework and a foundation for organization and authority. Fifty years ago I accepted the conventional Christian beliefs but when I was told that the earth was about 6000 years old it gradually became obvious that the facts did not add up. Science, physics and biology, provide much more satisfying explanations for the universe and our place in it.

Along with whatever benefits religion has provided it has also been a source of much pain. It gives one more reason to divide and separate people. On top of color, language, place of origin and occupation people discriminate based on belief in the supernatural. They say if you don't believe as we do, you are a witch or an infidel or a blasphemer or an agent of Satan and don't deserve to live. Untold numbers have been sacrificed, burned alive, tortured to death, blown up or beheaded because they did not adhere to some set of beliefs. It did not end with the inquisition and Salem witch trials. It is going on now in the middle east, Africa, sometimes Ireland, India and many other parts of the world. This is not to say that secularists are innocent of religious persecution, Communists and nominally religious Nazis (Gott Mit Uns) exterminated millions but religion does provide an additional basis for discrimination.

So what are the issues that the religionists intrude upon? Abortion, birth control, and stem cell research are several related issues. It seems to me that centuries ago the Earth was underpopulated. It was prudent to encourage large families to make up for those killed by disease, wars and famine. Moreover, the political leaders who also happened to be religious leaders or in accord with religious leaders knew that it was as useful to breed new followers as convert them. So it is to today that Catholics, Mormons, Muslims and others encourage large families despite over population of the planet.

Thormon Ellison