“You Don’t Need Religion to be a Good Person” — Really?
Introduction
In the realm of discussions surrounding religion, a common assertion put forth by non-theists is that “You don’t need religion to be a good person.” While this statement may seem plausible initially, a deeper examination reveals its flaws.
In this article, we will delve into the various issues associated with this claim, highlighting the significance of religion in providing reasons for ethical behavior. By the end, you may find yourself reevaluating your perspective.
NOTE
It should be noted that this article doesn’t discuss which religion is the true religion from God. It assumes that there is at least one true religion from God, leaving its discussion to other articles, to challenge the non-theistic claim.
So, the question we will be discussing is “Do we need a true religion from God, the Creator of all creation, to be a good person?”.
See our articles below that discuss other questions like the existence of God and the Problem of Evil.
Problem #1: The Need for Reasons to Choose Good
The claim that “you don’t need religion to be a good person” fails to address a fundamental question: Why should someone choose to be good?
Humans possess the capacity for both virtuous and malevolent actions, and they are influenced by internal desires, emotional motivations, and external factors.
While it is true that people can choose to be good, it is equally possible for them to opt for neutrality or even engage in harmful behavior. Therefore, to foster goodness, we require specific reasons beyond mere possibility.
This is where religion plays a vital role. It provides individuals with compelling reasons to embrace goodness and avoid moral ambiguity or malevolence. A true religion offers reasons that align with our inherent desires and are exceptionally effective in motivating ethical conduct.
Problem #2: The Definition of Good
Defining what is truly “good” poses significant challenges. Different individuals perceive goodness through various lenses, leading to conflicting perspectives.
Thieves may consider their actions as smart and admirable within their own circles, while opposing groups may label them as bad. History is replete with instances where conflicting notions of goodness have resulted in animosity and oppression.
The absence of an objective and universally accepted definition of good further compounds this issue. Whose criteria should prevail in determining what is good? The divergence of opinions often leads to clashes and societal divisions.
In contrast, a true religion, guided by the Creator of all creation, provides a definitive standard for distinguishing between good and bad, both in the short and long term.
As humans, our limited knowledge hampers our ability to accurately discern what is truly beneficial for individuals and society. The ever-changing nature of secular laws and ethics throughout history serves as evidence of this limitation.
Problem #3: Crimes that Cannot be Justly Punished
A central tenet offered by true religions is the belief in resurrection and the afterlife, where individuals can be justly judged and rewarded or punished for any action. Certain crimes defy the possibility of fair retribution in the earthly realm.
Consider the case of a serial killer who brutally takes the lives of numerous individuals. The maximum punishment that can be inflicted, as portrayed in some hero movies, is to subject the killer to torture and eventual death.
However, such retribution only accounts for the harm inflicted upon one victim. What about the others? How can the loved ones of the victims, like a father who loses three children to a serial killer, find solace and closure?
Secular means offer no satisfactory resolution for their desire for justice. Conversely, the belief in an afterlife and a Judgment Day, as postulated by a true religion, removes the limitations imposed by death.
The notion of eternal punishment allows those affected to find solace in knowing that ultimate justice will be served, easing their anguish and mitigating issues like anxiety and depression that often arise from such traumatic incidents.
Additional Problems and Unanswered Questions
In addition to the aforementioned problems, the claim that we don’t need religion to be good leaves several other issues unaddressed. We will briefly mention a few of them below.
Problem #4: What if people choose not to be good, but neutral or even bad?
When affluent individuals opt not to assist impoverished individuals who are enduring suffering, what reasons can motivate them to choose good over indifference or selfishness?
How can secular approaches influence individuals who opt not to act benevolently beyond what is legally required of them?
Problem #5: What if people choose to engage in harmful actions, wielding power that shields them from earthly consequences?
History is fraught with instances where individuals in positions of power, like Hitler, caused the deaths of millions of people. What prevents such individuals from perpetrating evil when they possess the means to evade worldly repercussions?
Problem #6: What if individuals engage in wrongdoing that remains beyond the reach of justice?
Instances of thieves or serial killers who successfully evade capture raise the question of how to address and prevent their actions when traditional means fail to stop them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the assertion that “You don’t need religion to be a good person” oversimplifies the complexities inherent in ethical behavior.
Religion offers a comprehensive framework that provides compelling reasons to choose goodness and avoid moral ambivalence. It addresses the need for reasons to be good, tackles the challenges of defining good, and offers solace and justice for crimes that cannot be adequately punished in this world.
By recognizing the limitations of secular approaches and embracing the insights provided by a true religion, individuals can navigate the moral landscape more effectively, striving towards a higher standard of goodness.
Discussions regarding the truth of religions is in our list of future articles.
You may also be interested in reading our other articles from the link below.
