Abstract

AYALA CHOQUE, Judith M.  and  ESPERANTE, Raúl. Has Religion been Harmful for Humankind? A Response to the Arguments of the New Atheism. Enfoques [online]. 2020, vol.32, n.1, pp.87-134. ISSN 1669-2721.

The recent ideological current of the New Atheism has asserted that religion is bad for humanity because of five reasons: (a) it is detrimental to critical thinking, (b) it is an enemy of art, (c) it destroys people’s freedom, (d) it prevents people from en joying life, and (e) is the cause of much violence. The historical evidence shows un equivocally that these presuppositions are false. Specifically, the Christian religion has not hindered scientific production and critical thinking but has motivated them. Religion has inspired writers, painters, musicians, architects and other artists. Reli gion, especially Christianity, has promoted human rights, freedom of conscience and respect for minorities. Religion brings satisfaction, happiness, longevity and other benefits to practitioners. The cause of the vast majority of wars has not been religion, but political, territorial and economic motivations. In view of the historical data, the New Atheists claim that religion, especially Christianity, is detrimental to humanity, does not hold.

Keywords : Religion; New Atheism; Christianity and science; Critical thinking; Reli gion and science.

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