Societies worse off 'when they have God on their side'?
354330
It's about time you posted another question; don't you know I need my fix? \n\nMy opinion is that the article exposes the fact that the U.S. has problems. Yes, people, I know it is difficult to look into the big golden mirror, but we have serious issues here. \nI have always found it funny, that we have a nation full of people who spout Christian doctrines over breakfast then lobby for the God given right to carry assault weapons after lunch. I would not say that taking religion out of the country, or parts of it, would be a good idea. Religion keeps many people in line. Without the belief that the meek shall inherit the earth, there would be discontent amongst the nation's hard-working, extremely underpaid classes. But I do feel that the aforementioned reason is why religion has such a stronghold on this government. \n\nBeekay: This nation was founded by people who wanted religious freedom. The term "Creator" was quoted by you, from the forefathers of the country. Do you know why they did not use the term, "God"? It was so people of any religion could feel free to settle here. The "moral decline" of society began way before the 50's and 60's. How moral can a society be when 1/2 the population is treated worse than animals (Jim Crowe laws, rampant racism and lynchings), 1/2 the population had just been freed from slavery. 1/2 the population could not vote, and that's Women and Blacks. So, how moral was your idealic society?
1003190
people seem to think they don't need God in their lives anymore. So sad...
523796
religion gives the hopeless hope. its all about the money. the poor will do the rich mans work because the rich man taught him that one day he will have eternal salvation, all his dreams will come true a thousand times...it was a form of control...today, educated people make their own decisions. i think, the smarter you are, the less religious you become.
1013226
It's much easier to kill or die for your religion than it is to live for it.
710565
Very much so.\n\nWhen someone is down and out, you'll notice they will become more faithful in their religion.  They will pray more, hope more, etc.  \n\nDid you know that when the economy of the country starts dipping, church attendance goes up?\n\nAn ex-girlfriend once asked me-- "how can you not believe in god?  I do.  You have to.  I don't know what I'd do if he didn't exist."\n\nThat's a big crutch.
330078
But taking God out of society always leads to repression and destruction of society. do not have to look any further then Nazi's Chinese Russians Vietnam . for people not to learn from their mistakes....
884542
There will be corruption with or without religion. Religious people that are involved in corruption are more obvious because of the hypocritical nature of what they are doing.
446420
Society reflects the times prophesied in the Bible.  Everything is according to Gods plan.  The fact that there are still Christians on the earth does reflect in society.  How many Christian hospitals can you name?  How many charitable organizations?  I can name many. \n\nThe fact that God has kept us here is evident, in that COMPLETE moral decay has not taken over, although sometimes I wonder!!!
379790
Organized religion is seen for the farce that it is in many parts of the world.  Because of an uneducated southern belt, organized religion has managed to hang around a little longer in America,  but if God gets his way,  it will die out here by and by.
311690
some people believe so they have something to hang on to in time of crisis. other fear when they leave this world, they have no place to go or fear going to hell so they hang on to religion...and others use religion to control and dominate to gain power and wealth of others. in the name of god , many have abuse and many have perish in the name of god....nothing to do with god..just a weapon of mass destruction one use on others.....
521194
It's like 86% of our country call themselves christian but dont follow God's word on the poor , the answer should be non-compassionate conservatives. since their so called faith based initiatives have come about there are 40% more people in need since then it obviously isnt working. but just cause you add the word faith doesn't mean it is so.
548608
there are really selfish people in the world today. I do believe in taking care of the ones around you before anyone else. Reality check do people keep updated on disaters and over seas missions? if so are they true. It's just the waty the world is today. More people need to turn their eyes back on their creator Lord God Almighty. What if people had to live back in those days,they wouldn't make it.
525710
I think people's faith would be more real, more indepth if we lived in a country where Christianity was persecuted, but we probably wouldn't have as many members. I praise God that we do live in a country where we are free & not persecuted to worship & practice our religion. A lot of the times, being the 'norm' helps people come to Him, but a lot of other times, it usually makes for a shallow relationship, and it dies off in a couple of months or years...
1134625
The fall of popular religion, will bring a rise in a better one!
959513
When they feel they have God "on their side," some people will trample the rights of others with impunity.  \nTo me, a good example of this is the same-sex marriage debate - since the state gives all rights associated with marriage like taxation and adoption, religion should have no say in the matter.  Yet many people cite religious reasons for maintaining such hatreds and prejudices, and think it perfectly OK.  I wonder how they miss completely how hypocritical this is . . .
520179
Hardly ... it is not religion that is to blame ... but sick individuals that cause the problems. Anyone can use any excuse they want to do bad things, but that doesn't make them a legitamate representative of the religion, philosophy, social movement ... etc, etc, etc.
762907
Be honest to yourself here after you get past the religion has killed more than anything else line (btw we have always had religion and they didn't start the wars PEOPLE did).  The catholic church and now its counterpart christian and other religious charity organizations do more for the needy on a daily basis that many countries do in a year.  I know its easy to blame the "religion" but please don't forget those that give daily, weekly, monthly, annually and for those that give up their services to help the needy?  Habitat for humanity (its a Christian organization - people forget quickly that Jimmy Carter is a devout christian).\n\nSo, in your perfect world of aethistic common sense what is your common sense to immediately take care of those people who now will not be?  Science cannot replace compassion and humanity.  One may argue that those are "Human" not "religious" traits I say they come from the man above.