[Dion]

Good Religion, and the Good It Can Do

Have there been times when religion has followed a less-than-noble course of action? Yes. Have there been times when the tenets of religion have been used to justify evil and atrocities? Yes. Does that mean that religion can affect no good, and should be removed from society? No.

Good religion accomplishes more edifying and uplifting things in society than bad religion could ever hope to destroy or divide. Most essentially, if we deny a place for religion in our own hearts or in society, then we deny a portion of our own selves and an influence for goodness in our world.

It is the person who assents to good religion that seeks to dialogue, understand, and serve those around him. Religious believers find a communion of love with God, and labor to expand that love and compassion to others. They point to a higher ideal, seek to live by it, and call others to its fullness. They understand that the glory of God is man fully alive.

From this initiative, religion has been the source of abundant human services from hospitals, orphanages, nursing homes, and schools, to advocacy on behalf of those with no voice, to supporting cultural outreaches, and seeking always to find ways in which to protect and promote human life and its authentic flourishing.

This is the task and contribution of good religion. It is not always a perfect contribution because we are not perfect, but it is a contribution more good than not.

http://philosophynow.org/issues/78/G...Good_It_Can_Do