What is the value of religion?
Introduction. Atheists and infidels of all types have argued that religion offers nothing worthwhile to society. Allow me to immediately concede, false religion and cults do not substantially benefit man (see Jas, 1: 26).
Pure religion is beneficial. Beloved, in contrast to vain religion, the scriptures speak of pure and undefiled religion. Hear the inspired James, "Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (Jas. 1: 27) Please consider the personal benefit ("keep himself unspotted...") and the benefit to others ("visit the fatherless and widows..."). Hence, pure religion is of value to the practitioner and to those who benefit from his actions.
Pure religion is of great value to a nation and society. The religion of the Creator of man teaches man to, "submit yourselves to every ordinance of man... honor all men, honor the king" (1 Pet. 2: 13, 17). True religion influences men to pay their taxes and to "owe no man anything, but to love one another" (Rom. 13: 1-8). Religion is opposed to lack of civil discipline, to hatred, adultery and fornication, stealing, lying and the mistreatment of others in general (Rom. 13: 1-7; Col. 3: 5-10).
Conclusion. The greatest announcement affecting society and mankind ever made was made by the author of Christianity: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them..."(Matt. 7: 12). true religion promotes strong families, good work ethics, mental health, and strong character in general (Eph. 5: 22ff; Col. 3: 22,23; Phili, 4: 6-8). Allow me to ask, what does atheism, in comparison, contribute besides confusion and chaos? Alas, we only directly benefit from true religion if we practice it.
Pure religion is beneficial. Beloved, in contrast to vain religion, the scriptures speak of pure and undefiled religion. Hear the inspired James, "Pure religion and undefiled before God the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (Jas. 1: 27) Please consider the personal benefit ("keep himself unspotted...") and the benefit to others ("visit the fatherless and widows..."). Hence, pure religion is of value to the practitioner and to those who benefit from his actions.
Pure religion is of great value to a nation and society. The religion of the Creator of man teaches man to, "submit yourselves to every ordinance of man... honor all men, honor the king" (1 Pet. 2: 13, 17). True religion influences men to pay their taxes and to "owe no man anything, but to love one another" (Rom. 13: 1-8). Religion is opposed to lack of civil discipline, to hatred, adultery and fornication, stealing, lying and the mistreatment of others in general (Rom. 13: 1-7; Col. 3: 5-10).
Conclusion. The greatest announcement affecting society and mankind ever made was made by the author of Christianity: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them..."(Matt. 7: 12). true religion promotes strong families, good work ethics, mental health, and strong character in general (Eph. 5: 22ff; Col. 3: 22,23; Phili, 4: 6-8). Allow me to ask, what does atheism, in comparison, contribute besides confusion and chaos? Alas, we only directly benefit from true religion if we practice it.