Thursday, September 29, 2005
Societies worse off 'when they have God on their side'?
One of the most popular articles making its rounds in the blogosphere this week has been the article, "Societies worse off 'when they have God on their side'", by Ruth Gledhill, Religion Correspondent at the (London) Times.
Gledhill references research published in the Journal of Religion and Society that contrary to common assumption, religious belief actually contributes towards higher rates of murder, abortion, sexual promiscuity, and suicide. Religion, therefore, is not necessary for a healthy society.
I haven't read the actual study, so I am limited in my critique. But, some reflections can be made.
First, if these research observations are accurate, it certainly confirms the suspicion that a growing number of people have concerning the demise of organized religion in our society. It certainly also confirms the view of the irreligious teachings of Jesus. Even in Jesus' time and the first century religion was proving itself to be corrupt and in tandem with the oppressive structures of society.
Again not having read the study, I can't judge the perspective of the authors. But from the Times reporting it sounds like a targeted attack on conservative Christians in the U.S. Certainly this group is deserving of appropriate criticism, as their lust after political and social power has been anything but healthy. Having said that, however, the credibility of this research could be called in question if the authors approached this study with an "axe to grind".
Nevertheless, first century followers of Jesus would have been strongly critical of the role of religion in their society. Their strange, new spirituality was perceived as atheist and counter-cultural. Is it time we place modern religion under the same light?
It's time to stop wanting God on our side. Let's be on God's side!
