Our society comprises nations all of whom have their own laws. In addition to which we have various belief systems or religions which also pronounce certain laws or codes. The laws of society change as society changes, yet the laws of religion do not. It is perhaps a reasonable assumption, that when religions were founded (between 1,000 and 3,000 years ago) the rules of society and religion either were or became aligned – and we can see from today that that is increasingly not the case – certainly with regards to the treatment of homosexuals and women. So which is correct? …and for those who are religious which takes precedence – the laws of society or the word of god?
If we are to follow the laws of god, which do not change – perhaps justifiably so, since an omniscient god is infallible – then these surely, should take precedence? If however we follow the laws of society, then it follows that god is not infallible because those strict unchanging laws are no longer appropriate – in which case what should be the role of religion? (and why do we still permit that religions can remain apart from the rest of society’s jurisprudence?)
God, if he exists, is a kid with an ant farm. Nothing more. He’s no all powerful creator who knows us as individuals.
The whole concept of a God was created by man as a system of control; educated men told uneducated men ‘do this or God will fucking spank you! Look it says it right here in this book so it must be true. Oh what, you can’t read? Guess you’ll have to take my word for it then, eh?’……
I call shenanigans! Therefore, if there is no God (as evidenced by, you know, EVOLUTION) then what is your post really asking? It’s a moot point referencing a book written 2500 years ago. Of course our ideals and laws should change as society does. One of the commandments is not to covet thy neighbour’s ass!! Hardly relevant in today’s society. Unless you’re into livestock in a big way, I suppose. But most religions preach that homosexuality is wrong, yet we are encouraged nowadays to embrace people as they are, and indeed will be breaking the law by discriminating against someone, for something the bible tells us is a sin!!
So in regard to the question what should religion’s role be in society? None. Screw religion. There’s a difference between faith and religion, I have no problem with somebody (wrongly in my opinion) having faith in a mystical higher power, but religion is a business like any other and it’s goal is to get bigger and make money.
So screw you, religion, you do you and I’ll do me. You can carry on not coveting asses, and I’ll be over here enjoying anti-discrimination laws and the freedom to say stuff exactly like this. BOOM!
In response to your question, my post is challenging those who do follow a religion to judge whether or not our moral code should be governed by religion or society (since logically it cannot be both). If Religion, then there is no need to follow society’s laws; if society, then perhaps there is no need for religion…