Recently, we debated whether religion does more harm than good to society. I think it causes more harm for several reasons. First, religion has historically created deep divisions in society. For centuries, we’ve seen examples of this: Christians killing Muslims, Muslims killing Christians, and other religious conflicts, which caused so many unneccesary deaths.

Some argue that holy books don’t promote such actions, and I’m not saying that’s incorrect. However, the debate’s focus is on religion’s impact on society. Even if religious texts don’t celebrate violence, the way people interpret and use religion to justify harmful actions shows its societal influence. Many evil acts have been excused with religion, which is an important factor in rating its impact.

Second thing I would like to mention is the slowing of growth in our society. People that follow religious teachings make scientific evidence and social changes slow or not go on at all. We can see that clearly when religious people reject the scientific theory of evolution. There are so many proves and evidences that evolution did happen and is still happening, but so many people reject that, making our society more uneducated.

I personally think that religions are similar to ancient belief systems, like those of the Greek gods. They were created because people in the past couldn’t explain some things in nature like thunder or fire. In a similar way, religion today helps explain things like the creation of humans. Also religion can tell morals and control actions. In holy books there are some sins, that if you commit, you will end up in hell. That way it creates fear in people, so that they don’t do bad actions.

Also I would like to mention women’s rights. We can see that the most in Islam. In Islam, women cover their bodies, faces, not having the right to live freely. In some countries, for example Afganistan, the women suffer the most. They can’t speak, cant show any part of their body, can’t acsess healthcare and so much more.

This are just some examples of religion’s bad impact on society.