A World without Religion?

German guy said:

I'd say that every religion was progress at some point in history (Christianity refined antique morals and ethics, and Islam did not just elevate the brute barbarians in Arabia to civilization, but even made their science skyrocket), until it had outlived its purpose, and its followers (especially the authorities abusing the respective religion such as the Catholic church) lost their true spirituality and made their religion petrify to empty rituals, authority structures and means to preserve power.

Click to expand...

I would say that under pretty much every religion, there was a period of time in which they did not greatly inhibit science and progress; but that when that science and progress ever conflicted with Church doctrine, they would intercede. I don't see religion as leading the cause to expand science or develop math or any of it. At best I view it as a non-factor, a non-inhibitor; at worst it's a brick wall.

Religion is a collection of beliefs/belief systems. To many people, these beliefs are simply the explanation for everything they don't know. Now literature is full of these examples. People experienced all kinds of natural effects they didn't understand. For the most, I don't believe such an attitude serves science. Religion, especially the organised form, promotes dogmatic thinking. I'm generalising of course, there are many religious scientists who regard their faith as an inspiration to gain more knowledge. Still, overall I don't think we should all become religious to help science a hand. Where beliefs are questioned, science prospers.