Religions are nothing but man-made, superstitious myths with no internal logic or evidence. The vast majority of the world’s major religions were created in an era when we knew little about the nature of the world: there were no peer-reviewed articles, no professional knowledge-makers, and the average IQ of the general population was low, with most people being illiterate and uneducated. Unfortunately, we live in a world full of religions, but fortunately, we also have human rights. So how do religions and human rights get along? Like dogs and cats!
The brutal and primitive age offers nothing but cruel and sadistic rules
Not only did the nice guys finish first, but the Theory of Selfish Gene was in practice back in the barbaric age.
No free healthcare (if there were any doctors at all), competing for food, water, shelter and, let’s face it, the utmost basic survival.
Scarcity ruled, and cooperation was often limited to tight-knit groups or tribes. The ruthless competition defined the primitive age.
Since Islam (the major religion of the 21st century), Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism are extremely aggressive with severe punishments for those who don’t adhere to the particular violent faith, some scientists consider them (with some controversy) as memes. Do you want a meme to survive? Then it needs to destroy its competitors.
Religions and human rights: Brutal Judaism
In the ancient Near East, a region characterized by constant warfare, harsh living conditions, and a rigid social hierarchy. The early Israelites were a small, often embattled group among powerful neighbors like the Egyptians, Assyrians, and Babylonians. Those who frequently waged war and enslaved conquered peoples.
The Hebrew Bible, particularly the Torah, reflects the brutal realities of its time. Laws such as “an eye for an eye” (lex talionis) were not only measures of justice. But also necessary deterrents in a world where personal and communal survival often depended on swift and severe punishment. Capital punishment for offenses like blasphemy, adultery, and Sabbath-breaking underscored a society where maintaining order and divine favor was paramount.
The historical books of the Bible, like Joshua and Judges, recount numerous battles and conquests where the Israelites fought for survival and dominance in the Promised Land. The concept of herem, or the total destruction of enemy cities, including women, children, and livestock, was a reflection of the brutal norms of ancient warfare. This meant complete annihilation which we can see as necessary to prevent future threats.
The Jewish people faced repeated conquests and exiles, most notably the Babylonian Captivity, where much of the population of Judah was forcibly relocated to Babylon. Slavery, forced labor, and living as exiles in foreign lands were harsh realities that deeply influenced Jewish religious and cultural identity.
Less brutal Christianity
Palestine, the birthplace of Christianity, was under Roman rule – a regime known for its ruthlessness in quelling dissent and enforcing order. The Jewish population in Judea was heavily taxed, and socially marginalized. And often subjected to brutal punishments, including crucifixion, a method of execution designed to maximize suffering and public humiliation.
Following the death of Jesus, early Christians were often persecuted by both Jewish authorities and the Roman state. Christians were tortured, thrown to wild animals in the arena, or crucified for their beliefs, particularly during the reigns of emperors like Nero. These persecutions were not only meant to punish but to serve as public spectacles of Roman power.
The Roman world was a society with stark divisions between the rich and poor, free citizens and slaves. Slavery was widespread, and they considered slaves as property, often treated with extreme cruelty. Poverty, disease, and the constant threat of violence were everyday realities for many. Particularly for those on the margins of society, where early Christians often found themselves.
Life was short, brutal and then you died
In our human rights-oriented society, the principles of empathy, justice, and equality are the foundations of our social systems. What a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the primitive age. Back then, the survival of the fittest wasn’t just a theory – it was daily life. The strong dominated the weak, and power was often the only law.
In the barbaric age, if you were injured or sick, survival was a roll of the dice – no doctors, no healthcare, and certainly no social safety nets.
Life expectancy at birth averaged 10 years for most of human history. 105 billion people have lived on earth with such a low expectancy. Where has God been?
Want to be even more sadistic? Religions stand in stark contrast to human rights
During the Medieval Inquisition, the Catholic Church sanctioned torture as a means of extracting confessions from suspected heretics. The methods employed, such as the rack, the strappado, and burning at the stake, were brutal and aimed at inducing maximum pain.
In Europe and America, thousands of people (mostly women) were accused of witchcraft. And they often subjected them to trials that often led to torture and execution, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. The infamous Salem witch trials are a notable example.
In some Islamic traditions, particularly those adhering to a strict interpretation of Sharia law, adultery can be punished by stoning. This practice, still carried out in some countries, involves burying the individual up to the waist and throwing stones at them until they die.
In certain interpretations of Islamic law, thieves may be punished by having their hands amputated. This is based on a literal interpretation of the Quranic verse that prescribes this punishment for theft.
Although not directly sanctioned by Islamic scripture, honor killings have occurred in some Muslim communities. It was in such cases where a family member is killed for allegedly bringing shame to the family through actions like adultery or refusing an arranged marriage.
Some Christian sects have practiced self-flagellation, whipping oneself as penance for sins. This practice has been most prominent among certain monastic orders in medieval Europe and in some modern groups, like the Filipino penitents who re-enact the crucifixion every Easter.
Jewish cruelty
The Torah prescribes various capital punishments, such as stoning for adultery, blasphemy, and Sabbath-breaking. While these laws were more theoretical than practical by the time of Rabbinic Judaism, they reflect a harsh legal code.
In ancient times, herem could involve not just excommunication. But also the complete destruction of a person or community, sometimes including mass killings, as seen in some Biblical accounts (e.g., the Amalekites). Religions and human rights? Are you kidding me?
Hinduism
Sati (widow burning): historically, the practice of sati involved a widow self-immolating (or being forced to immolate) on her husband’s funeral pyre. This was seen as a demonstration of ultimate devotion but was often coerced or expected by society.
The caste system, especially the treatment of Dalits (formerly known as “Untouchables”), has been a source of severe discrimination and cruelty. Dalits were historically subjected to inhumane treatment, including being denied basic rights, forced into degrading jobs, and facing social ostracization.
Other religions
Khalsa initiation (Amrit Sanskar): while not necessarily cruel, the historical requirement for Sikhs to be ready to undergo extreme sacrifice and endure suffering (e.g., being willing to die for the faith) has led to practices like carrying a kirpan (a ceremonial sword). Historically, Sikhs have faced severe persecution, and the readiness to accept martyrdom has been a part of the faith.
Ancient Religions
Various ancient religions, such as those practiced by the Aztecs, Mayans, and certain ancient Middle Eastern cultures, involved human sacrifice. The victims, often prisoners of war or slaves, were ritually killed to appease deities.
In some ancient cultures, like Carthage, child sacrifice was practiced to win favor from the gods, such as the god Baal. This involved the killing of infants or children, which they considered the ultimate offering.
Shinto
Although rare, ancient Japanese Shinto rituals sometimes included human sacrifice (hitogashira) to appease kami (spirits) or ensure the success of a project, like a bridge or a temple.
Human rights: Christianity as a peaceful religion? Ask those who were tortured and murdered so we can be where we are
Christians, particularly during periods when the Church held significant political power, engaged in persecution, torture, and killing of those who opposed Christianity or were deemed heretics. This persecution often reflected the prevailing belief that dissent from Christian doctrine was not just a religious offense but a threat to social and political order.
The Inquisition, particularly during the Middle Ages and later in Spain, was a brutal system designed to root out heresy within the Christian world. The Church used torture to extract confessions from accused heretics. It could be anyone suspected of beliefs contrary to Catholic doctrine. The methods included the rack, burning at the stake, and other forms of extreme physical punishment. Thousands of people were executed during the Inquisition, including notable cases like Joan of Arc and Giordano Bruno. This is another fine example religions and human rights cannot be put together.
Christian rulers and missionaries often used force to convert non-Christian populations. In the Roman Empire, after Christianity became the state religion, pagan temples were destroyed, and those who resisted conversion could face execution or exile. Similar practices occurred during the Christianization of the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world, where they forced and coerced indigenous populations into converting to Christianity under threat of violence.
Within Christianity itself, various sects and individuals who deviated from the established doctrines of the Church were persecuted. The Cathars, a Christian dualist or Gnostic group, were exterminated during the Albigensian Crusade in the 13th century. The Protestant Reformation also saw brutal conflicts, with both Protestants and Catholics persecuting and killing each other over doctrinal differences.
Bertrand Russell about Christianity and its atrocities
“Christianity, as soon as it conquered the state, put an end to the gladiatorial shows, but it also put an end to nearly every form of joy. The ecclesiastical authorities have never conceded that there is a proper limit to the oppression of opinions, and the history of persecution in the Christian Church is among the darkest chapters in the history of mankind.”
Christians were mild compared to other religions so we could have the Industrial Revolution
It is true that Christians basically opposed anything scientific. Any free inquiries and research. However, some aspects even through the brutal past made it possible that the Industrial Revolution had happened in Europe. Imagine if this had happened in China and now it would dominate the world! We would live in a brutal world order. And Europe would be lagging economically and societally.
So before the Enlightenment, societies across Europe and much of the world were characterized by rigid hierarchies, religious dogmatism, and limited intellectual freedom. The period preceding the Enlightenment, often referred to as the Middle Ages and the early modern period was marked by significant struggles that shaped the social, political, and religious landscape.
The social structure of Europe before the Enlightenment was largely feudal, with a rigid hierarchy based on land ownership. The king or monarch ruled at the top, followed by powerful nobles, and knights, and at the bottom, peasants or serfs who worked the land. The vast majority of the population lived in poverty and had little or no social mobility.
Beginning in the early 16th century, the Protestant Reformation was a major religious upheaval that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Figures like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII criticized the Church’s practices, such as the sale of indulgences, and called for a return to what they saw as more authentic Christian beliefs. This led to widespread religious conflicts, including the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648), which devastated much of Europe, causing immense suffering and loss of life. By the way, Christians believed that Protestants were going to hell and vice versa.
Christian persecution, once again
Throughout the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church maintained strict control over religious doctrine. Those who were seen as heretics – individuals who held beliefs contrary to the Church’s teachings – faced severe persecution, including torture and execution. The Inquisition was a key institution in this effort, using brutal methods to enforce religious conformity.
The Catholic Church and monarchs tightly controlled intellectual life, censoring books and ideas that were seen as dangerous or heretical. The Index Librorum Prohibitorum, a list of prohibited books maintained by the Church, sought to prevent the spread of ideas that could challenge religious or political authority.
The pre-Enlightenment period saw the persecution of those whose ideas contradicted established doctrines. The most famous example is Galileo Galilei, who was tried by the Inquisition in 1633 for his support of heliocentrism (the idea that the Earth orbits the Sun), which contradicted Church teachings. Philosophers and scientists often had to work in secret or face severe consequences for their ideas.
Politics as a necessity as we haven’t invented something better so far
Homo sapiens are perfectly designed for the politics of 100 members. All those things that are nothing but animalistic and evolved in an African savanna: ideologies, xenophobia, and opinions (yes, because they are self-serving in the vast majority of cases).
But there are 8 billion people on this planet. While it may sound stupid as it is, we (if we don’t want to be improved genetically) didn’t invent anything better than politics. With all those fake smiles, dirty campaign money, international lobbyists more powerful than US presidents, movers and shakers, crooks, brainwashing, and political marketing.
I am confident I can present what a potential change may look like. Yet I want to emphasize that politics made the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution which brought us abundance, as well as many pathological phenomena (unregulated savage capitalism), happen. This is a pre-step to human rights.
The big moves before the Big Bang
The Industrial Revolution and the Enlightenment were not just the result of intellectual progress and technological innovation. They were also deeply intertwined with political maneuvering, strategic decisions, and social changes driven by key historical figures. Thus, proving that religion and human rights are completely incompatible. Here’s a narrative-style overview of some of the key characters and political intrigues that helped set the stage for these transformative periods:
Often considered the first Prime Minister of Britain, Robert Walpole’s political skill helped stabilize Britain after the turmoil of the Glorious Revolution and the War of Spanish Succession.
Walpole’s ability to navigate the complex landscape of British politics during the early 18th century was crucial. He managed to secure the support of the monarch, maintain peace with foreign powers, and promote economic policies that favored trade and manufacturing. His emphasis on peace and stability allowed Britain to focus on economic growth, setting the stage for industrialization.
A Scottish economist and philosopher, Adam Smith is best known for his work The Wealth of Nations (1776). This effort laid the foundations for modern capitalism. Smith’s ideas were revolutionary in that they advocated for free markets and competition. Thus, challenging the mercantilist policies that had dominated Europe. His work influenced British policymakers to adopt more laissez-faire economic policies, reducing government interference in the economy and allowing for the kind of entrepreneurial innovation that fueled the Industrial Revolution.
Watt and Locke
James Watt, a Scottish inventor, made crucial improvements to the steam engine, which became one of the key technologies driving the Industrial Revolution. Watt’s success was not just about invention but also about his ability to secure patents and navigate the commercial world. He partnered with Matthew Boulton, a savvy businessman, to produce and market his steam engines. Their collaboration exemplified the union of scientific innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that was essential for industrialization.
John Locke, an English philosopher, was one of the most influential thinkers of the Enlightenment. His ideas about government and human rights profoundly influenced political thought in Britain and beyond. Of course, this foretaste came with religions and human rights still being impossible to merge.
Locke’s writings, particularly his Two Treatises of Government, argued that government’s authority comes from the consent of the governed and that individuals have natural rights to life, liberty, and property. These ideas helped undermine the traditional power of monarchs and aristocrats. Subsequently, it paved the way for more democratic governance and encouraging a culture of individualism and progress that fueled both the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution.
A French writer and philosopher, Voltaire was a fierce critic of the French monarchy, the Catholic Church, and the social inequalities of his time.
Voltaire’s wit and criticism of the established order made him a controversial figure. His works were often banned, and he spent time in exile. However, his relentless advocacy for freedom of speech, religious tolerance, and reform helped spread Enlightenment ideas across Europe, challenging the old regimes and promoting the intellectual environment necessary for societal change.
Russia as a base for Enlightenment? Yes, even insinuation of human rights
Empress of Russia, Catherine the Great was one of the most powerful and enlightened rulers of her time.
Catherine corresponded with leading Enlightenment figures like Voltaire and Diderot, implementing many of their ideas in her reforms. She modernized Russia’s legal code and promoted education. Also, she sought to reduce the power of the nobility and the church, aligning Russia more with Western European ideas. Her reign demonstrated how Enlightenment ideas could influence even the most autocratic regimes, slowly shifting the balance of power.
Benjamin Franklin, an American polymath, was a key figure in the American Enlightenment and the fight for independence.
Franklin’s diplomacy in France was crucial in securing French support for the American Revolution. His embrace of Enlightenment ideas about liberty and self-governance influenced not only the American Revolution but also European intellectuals and political leaders. This promoted promoting the spread of Enlightenment values that would inspire revolutions and reforms across the Western world.
Holy Roman Emperor, Joseph II was a leader who attempted to implement sweeping reforms based on Enlightenment principles.
Joseph II sought to modernize his empire by promoting religious tolerance, reducing the power of the Catholic Church, and abolishing serfdom. However, his reforms were met with resistance from the nobility and other entrenched interests, illustrating the difficulties of implementing Enlightenment ideas in deeply traditional societies. His efforts, though partially unsuccessful, were part of the broader movement that eventually led to the transformation of European society.
George III
King George III, was a king of Great Britain during the American Revolution and the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.
George III’s reign saw the consolidation of the British Empire and the rise of industrialization. While he is often remembered for losing the American colonies, his reign also saw the British government stabilize after the turmoil of the 17th century. He created the conditions for economic growth and industrialization. His support for agricultural and industrial developments, even if sometimes indirect, helped Britain become the world’s leading industrial power.
Human rights as one of the best homo sapiens inventions ever, unsurprisingly after WW2
Killing of civilians, deliberately killing POWs, bombing without little care for civilians, use of nuclear weapons, torture, experiments on humans, forced labor, ethnic cleansing, widespread famine, and PSTD. Just a few of them.
The post-World War II era marked a significant turning point in the global understanding and implementation of human rights. The horrors of the war, particularly the Holocaust, led to a collective recognition of the need for a universal standard to protect human dignity. This era saw the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948, This laid the foundation for modern human rights principles. However, the evolution and application of human rights since then have been fraught with complexities.
The UDHR was intended to be universal, applying to all people regardless of nationality, culture, or religion. It was based on the idea that certain rights are inherent to all humans, drawing from the lessons of the war where disregard for these rights led to catastrophic consequences.
Today, the universality of human rights is often challenged by the concept of cultural relativism, where different societies argue that their cultural, religious, or social norms should take precedence over universal standards. This has led to tensions between global human rights advocacy and local practices, such as in issues of gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of expression, where cultural and religious values can conflict with the rights outlined in the UDHR.
Religions and human rights: the rights universally applied all around the world – at least they should
After the war, the principle of national sovereignty was respected to prevent the recurrence of global conflicts. However, the atrocities committed during the war also highlighted the need for international mechanisms to intervene when states violate human rights.
The implementation of economic and social rights remains uneven, often dependent on a country’s resources and political will. In many developing countries, the struggle for basic needs such as food, water, and healthcare is still a major issue. In contrast, wealthier nations are often more focused on civil and political rights. The global inequality in the fulfillment of these rights has led to criticisms that human rights are applied selectively, depending on geopolitical interests.
The lukewarm human rights supporter? The USA
Despite the US politicians boasting as saviors of the world’s state of human rights, the opposite is true.
The only human right they press for is democracy (however, this is important).
But no economic human rights, no social human rights. There is one exception – and that is corruption. They want to make sure they can invest there without bribing everyone in the countries ridden with corruption.
They claim they have influence over the world despite the vast majority of people living in bad conditions, with prevalent torture, and arbitrary and extra-judicial killings. And Uncle Sam? He seems not to care.
Religions and human rights in the USA are complicated. On the one hand, there is at least some type of democracy and, the absence of widespread prison torture (except Guantanamo’s Bay). On the other hand, no social net, healthcare absence, and stunning developing-like inequality.
Also, adequate housing is another critical issue, with homelessness and housing insecurity affecting large numbers of people, particularly in urban areas where affordable housing is scarce.
How the US fails to enforce human rights globally
The US allegedly enforcing human rights worldwide is nothing but a laughing stock.
Access to healthcare is highly uneven, with many countries lacking the necessary medical infrastructure and funding to provide basic health services, leading to high mortality rates from preventable diseases. Housing conditions are dire in many parts of the world, especially in developing nations where millions live in slums without access to clean water and sanitation.
Education remains inaccessible for many children, particularly girls and marginalized groups, due to economic, cultural, and security barriers. Food insecurity is a pressing issue, with millions suffering from hunger and malnutrition exacerbated by conflicts, climate change, and economic instability. Labor exploitation is rampant, with many workers enduring forced labor, child labor, and unsafe working conditions due to weak labor laws and enforcement. Access to clean water and sanitation is still a significant problem, contributing to severe health issues and hindering economic development in affected regions.
The majority of the world’s population lives in countries where massive prison torture is prevalent.
What human rights do we have now?
Civil and political rights
Right to life: protection from arbitrary deprivation of life.
Right to liberty and security of person: Freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention, and exile.
Freedom from torture and inhumane treatment: Protection against torture, cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment or punishment.
Right to a fair trial: Guarantees of due process, including the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion: the right to practice any religion, change religion, or hold no religious beliefs.
Freedom of expression: the right to hold opinions and express ideas without fear of censorship or retaliation.
Freedom of assembly and association: the right to peaceful assembly and to form or join groups, including trade unions.
Right to participate in government: the right to vote and to be elected in free and fair elections.
Economic, social, and cultural rights
These rights concern the conditions necessary for individuals to meet their basic needs, live with dignity, and participate fully in society.
Right to work: the right to employment, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work, and to protection against unemployment.
Right to education: the right to access free, compulsory primary education and to higher education that is accessible to all on the basis of merit.
Right to health: the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
Right to an adequate standard of living: Includes the right to food, clothing, housing, and continuous improvement of living conditions.
Right to social security: The right to social insurance and other forms of social protection.
Right to participate in cultural life: The right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts, and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
Collective and environmental rights
Collective rights
These rights are held by groups rather than individuals and are often related to the self-determination and identity of groups, particularly indigenous peoples.
Right to self-determination: the right of peoples to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development.
Rights of indigenous peoples: rights to maintain and strengthen their distinct political, legal, economic, social, and cultural institutions, while retaining their right to participate fully in the life of the state.
Right to development: the right of individuals and peoples to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural, and political development.
Environmental rights
These are emerging rights that recognize the importance of a healthy environment for the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Right to a healthy environment: the right to live in a safe, clean, and sustainable environment. This includes the protection against environmental degradation and pollution.
Rights of specific groups
Rights of women: includes protection from gender-based violence, the right to reproductive health, and equality in marriage and family life.
Rights of children: protection against exploitation, abuse, and neglect; the right to education, play, and family life.
Rights of persons with disabilities: Includes the right to accessibility, reasonable accommodation, and full inclusion in society.
Rights of migrants and refugees: the right to seek asylum, protection from refoulement, and access to basic services.
Modern human rights
Controversial rights
Right to same-sex marriage: while recognized in many countries as part of the right to marry and found a family, it remains highly contested in others due to religious or traditional beliefs.
Reproductive rights: this includes the right to access contraception and abortion services. While widely recognized in some countries as essential to women’s rights, these rights face significant opposition in others.
Right to die: euthanasia and assisted suicide are recognized as rights in a few jurisdictions but are controversial and illegal in many others due to ethical, religious, or moral objections.
Digital rights: the right to privacy in the digital age, including protection against mass surveillance, data breaches, and online harassment. The regulation of digital platforms and the balance between freedom of expression and the prevention of harmful content are also contentious.
Right to freedom from religious discrimination in public apaces: debates over the wearing of religious symbols (e.g., hijabs, crosses) in public spaces, especially in secular states, where this is often framed as a conflict between freedom of religion and secularism.
Emerging rights
As society evolves, new rights are being proposed or recognized, though they may not yet be universally accepted or understood.
Rights of non-human entities: the idea that animals, ecosystems, or artificial intelligences may have rights is gaining traction but remains controversial.
Right to disconnect: in response to the blurring of work-life boundaries in the digital age, some argue for the right to disconnect from work communications outside of working hours.
Additional human rights
Right to fair wages: the right to receive fair and adequate compensation for work, including the right to equal pay for equal work.
Right to safe working conditions: the right to a safe and healthy working environment, free from hazards that could cause injury or illness.
Right to form and join trade unions: the right to organize, form, and join trade unions, and to engage in collective bargaining.
Right to rest and leisure: includes reasonable working hours and paid holidays, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.
Protection against child labor: the right of children to be free from exploitation and harmful work, ensuring that child labor is prohibited and that education is prioritized. Right to habeas corpus: the Right to challenge unlawful detention before a court.
Right to be free from double jeopardy: protection against being tried or punished more than once for the same offense.
Privacy rights
Right to privacy: protection against unwarranted intrusion by the state into one’s personal and private affairs.
Right to rehabilitation and reintegration: the right of offenders to access rehabilitation services with the aim of reintegrating them into society after serving their sentence.
Right to privacy: the right to protect personal information and to be free from unwarranted surveillance and intrusion by the state or private entities.
Right to data protection: the right to control how personal data is collected, stored, and used, including the right to access, correct, or delete personal information held by others.
Right to internet access: sometimes discussed as a fundamental right, given the essential nature of the internet for accessing information, education, and services.
Right to non-refoulement: the principle that refugees or asylum seekers should not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.
Migration rights
Right of undocumented migrants: although controversial, there is a growing recognition of the need to protect the basic human rights of undocumented migrants, including access to healthcare, education, and legal protections.
Right to cultural heritage: the right of individuals and communities to access, enjoy, and preserve their cultural heritage, including monuments, artifacts, and traditions.
Right to use and promote one’s language: the right to use one’s native language in public and private life, including in education, media, and government interactions.
Right to access healthcare: the right to affordable, timely, and appropriate healthcare services, including preventative care and treatment.
Right to informed consent: the right to be fully informed about medical treatments and procedures and to give or withhold consent freely.
Right to genetic privacy: the right to control genetic information, including protection against discrimination based on genetic characteristics.
Right to access reproductive technology: the right to access technologies related to reproduction, including fertility treatments and contraceptives, though this remains controversial in many regions.
Right to a healthy environment: the right to live in an environment that is not harmful to health and well-being, which includes the right to clean air, water, and soil.
Climate justice: the concept that those most affected by climate change should have their rights protected, including the right to participate in climate decision-making and to receive support in adapting to climate impacts.
Rights of future generations: the notion that future generations have rights to inherit a healthy planet, and current generations have a responsibility to protect the environment for those to come.
Information technology rights
Right to internet freedom: the right to access, create, and share information freely on the internet without censorship.
Right to cybersecurity: the right to be protected from cyber-attacks, data breaches, and online fraud.
Right to algorithmic transparency: the right to understand and challenge decisions made by automated systems, especially in areas like employment, credit, and law enforcement.
Animal rights: the recognition of certain rights for animals, such as the right to be free from cruelty, exploitation, and suffering.
Rights of ecosystems and natural entities: in some jurisdictions, ecosystems, rivers, and other natural entities have been granted legal personhood and rights, such as the right to exist, flourish, and regenerate.
Right to AI accountability: the right to hold creators and operators of ai systems accountable for harm caused by these technologies.
Ethical use of AI: ensuring that ai systems are developed and used in ways that respect human dignity, rights, and privacy.
Right to humane treatment: the right of prisoners and detainees to be treated with dignity and respect, including access to adequate food, healthcare, and living conditions.
Right to rehabilitation: the right to access educational, vocational, and rehabilitation programs aimed at reintegration into society.
How do religions create obstacles to basic human rights today?
In Europe and the U.S., our moral circle has expanded. We now extend compassion and empathy not only to our family and tribe but to everyone on the planet. This broader empathy has often been hindered by religions.
Suddenly, collaboration and compassion have replaced the ruthless competition that once defined primitive times. Where ancient survival demanded a cutthroat approach, with each individual fending for themselves or their tribe, today’s world encourages cooperation across borders, cultures, and communities.
Primitive justice was often a matter of revenge or brute force, where disputes were settled by whoever had the most strength or the sharpest weapon. Now, justice is ideally impartial, administered through courts that seek fairness and due process, ensuring that even the accused have rights and the chance for a fair hearing.
In those early days, life was short and brutal, with little regard for the weak or elderly. The elderly, once past their usefulness, were often left behind. Today, society honors and cares for its aging population through social security, healthcare, and cultural respect for their wisdom and contributions.
Some of the die-hard, sadistic religious rules are still not over
If you managed to read this so far, you – if impartial – must be convinced that religions and human rights cannot have any overlap (or if so, then only by a small fraction).
You may be assured these barbaric practices I describe above are nothing but over. Dead wrong! Religions and human rights are in stark conflict even now.
Discrimination against women: in some religious traditions, women are not granted equal rights, which can manifest in various forms of discrimination, such as restrictions on their right to education, employment, or freedom of movement. for instance, in some conservative interpretations of islam, women are required to have male guardianship for many aspects of their lives, limiting their autonomy.
Female genital mutilation: practiced in some communities as a religious or cultural tradition, fgm violates the rights of girls and women to bodily integrity and health.
Unequal rights in marriage and divorce: some religious laws or customs give men more rights than women in marriage, divorce, and custody of children, leading to unequal treatment and the denial of women’s rights.
Criminalization of same-sex relationships: in some countries, influenced by religious beliefs, same-sex relationships are criminalized, sometimes even punishable by death. this denies LGBTQ+ individuals their right to privacy, freedom from discrimination, and in extreme cases, their right to life.
Denial of marriage equality: many religious institutions oppose the legal recognition of same-sex marriages, which can prevent LGBTQ+ individuals from enjoying the same legal rights and social recognition as heterosexual couples
Religious violations
Blasphemy and apostasy laws: in some countries, leaving a religion (apostasy) or criticizing a religion (blasphemy) can be punishable by death, imprisonment, or other severe penalties. these laws infringe on individuals’ rights to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.
Bersecution of religious minorities: in some regions, religious minorities face persecution, discrimination, or violence. this can include restrictions on their right to worship, forced conversions, or even genocide, as seen in the case of the rohingya muslims in myanmar.
Religious indoctrination in schools: in some educational systems, religious indoctrination takes precedence over secular education, limiting children’s right to receive a comprehensive and balanced education. In extreme cases, religious beliefs may lead to the exclusion of scientific facts from the curriculum, such as the teaching of evolution.
Barriers to girls’ education: in some religious contexts, girls are discouraged or outright prohibited from pursuing education, significantly limiting their future opportunities and reinforcing gender inequality.
Restrictions on contraception and abortion: some religious doctrines oppose contraception and abortion, leading to laws that restrict or deny women access to reproductive healthcare. this can result in women being forced to carry unwanted pregnancies or seek unsafe abortions, violating their rights to health and autonomy.
Opposition to vaccination: in certain cases, religious groups oppose vaccination, which can lead to public health risks and infringe on the rights of children to health and protection from preventable diseases.
Dissent and means of self-expression
Censorship and punishment for dissent: in some countries, religious authorities or governments enforce strict censorship of any criticism or dissent against religious beliefs, leading to the suppression of free speech and the persecution of journalists, writers, and activists.
Artistic and cultural expression: religious taboos or beliefs can limit artistic and cultural expression, leading to the censorship of literature, films, music, and other forms of art that are seen as offensive or contrary to religious norms.
Compulsory participation in religious activities: in some places, individuals are compelled to participate in religious practices or rituals, regardless of their personal beliefs, infringing on their right to freedom of religion or belief.
Dress codes: religious dress codes imposed by law or social pressure can infringe on individuals’ rights to personal autonomy and freedom of expression. For example, mandatory veiling for women in some islamic countries can be seen as a violation of their rights.
Child marriage: in some religious traditions, child marriage is accepted or even encouraged, leading to violations of children’s rights to education, health, and protection from abuse. this practice often stems from religious or cultural norms that prioritize family honor or traditional roles over individual rights.
Discriminatory laws and practices: some countries enforce laws that give preferential treatment to certain religions, leading to discrimination against those who do not adhere to the state religion. this can affect access to jobs, public services, and the right to participate fully in society.
Religious objections to medical procedures: in some cases, individuals or groups refuse medical treatment on religious grounds, even when it is necessary to save a life. for example, some religious sects oppose blood transfusions, which can lead to preventable deaths and a violation of the right to life and health.
Conclusion: Religions and human rights truly antagonistic as dogs and cats
History has revealed the ugly side of religion, where it not only oppressed people but also served as a major anti-progressive force—economically, politically, and socially.
A significant part of that sadistic past is over. Yet, the vast majority of people still live in countries deprived of even the most basic human rights, despite the promises made by many nations to uphold them.
Perhaps dogs and cats aren’t as antagonistic as religions and human rights, because they can at least coexist to some extent.
The past influence of religions—how profoundly they impacted societies—is absolutely indefensible. They were often wicked, sadistic, anti-social, and, well, very much in line with the basest instincts of Homo sapiens.
We are truly fortunate to live in an age where human rights are recognized (if you are lucky enough to be in such a country), compared to a time when human rights meant nothing.
My personal insight
I think that the future will bring even something better than human rights. If we get rid of religions, and backwardness, and try to improve people (even genetically), a whole new moral system can emerge.
I am closest to total utilitarianism which – at its core – is incompatible with human rights.
But this is a possible future. We must cherish what our ancestors fought over and these are, ladies and gentlemen, the very human rights.
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