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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.
Supporting arguments · 3
- Religion encourages passivityIn 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.
- Religion justifies crueltyFrom the Crusades to the Salem Witch Trials to conversion therapy camps, religion has made people feel justified in committing moral atrocities.
- Religion divides peopleBy creating "in-groups" of saints and "out-groups" of sinners, religion causes divisions within societies that have historically threatened to tear them apart.