Looking at cultures across the world and throughout history, you'd be hard-pressed to find a single one that isn't characterized by religion. Even today, in our progressive, post-Enlightenment society, religion plays a major role in our social institutions and moral codes. Of course, its continued influence begs the question-at a societal level, is religion a force for harm or good?
Yes, religion is detrimental to society
The social institution critiqued by Karl Marx as "the opiate of the masses" is just as harmful as any literal drug, promoting tribalism and permitting atrocities in God's name.
Religion divides people
By creating "in-groups" of saints and "out-groups" of sinners, religion causes divisions within societies that have historically threatened to tear them apart.
In the face of global warming, civil unrest, and a devastating pandemic, religion allows people to step back and do nothing, convinced that it's all in God's hands.
Without the positive force of religion to bring people together and provide them with moral guidelines, society would not be as cohesive or productive as it is today.
Religion unites people
By uniting people with the same beliefs, customs, and moral codes, religion can create tight-knit, caring communities that benefit society as a whole.
On a personal level, religion provides people with moral codes to guide their actions. On a broader scale, it can promote compassion, kindness, and peace within entire cultures.
