Iran has been involved in nuclear development for nearly 70 years. Its suspected efforts toward a weapon have been ongoing for about 30 to 40 years. Do you think religion thwarts scientific progress?
It would take the Czech Republic approximately 1 to 5 years to develop a nuclear weapon, depending on access to materials and technical resources.
Now what is the difference? Iran is a deeply religious country with religion playing a significant role in shaping policies and social attitudes. This often limits scientific inquiry and progress by enforcing religious doctrine over secular reasoning, especially in areas like genetics, reproductive health, and even nuclear science. Religious leaders hold significant sway over political decisions. And their influence can stifle innovation when scientific pursuits conflict with Islamic teachings or challenge traditional values. This has resulted in restrictions on certain research areas, censorship of academic work, and a broader cultural environment.
And the Czech Republic? Nobody cares about religion (basically). Despite all the flaws (from the common morality standpoint), the Czech Republic, just like Israel, is secular and, therefore scientifically able. Unlike the fanatical Iranian regime.
Religion also deeply undermines the economic process (by blocking education, societal norms, opposition to certain industries, and rigid hierarchical structures).
Economic progress goes hand in hand with scientific progress; therefore, suppressing science means suppressing economic progress.
Also, religion thwarts societal progress by enforcing rigid traditional values and resisting social, scientific, and technological innovations that challenge established beliefs.
History of how religion thwarts scientific progress
The struggle between religion and science has deep roots in history. This shaped the way humanity has interpreted the world for millennia. In the earliest civilizations, religious beliefs played a central role in explaining natural events. From the Sumerians and Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans, people turned to gods and divine forces to understand the sun, moon, stars, and the forces of nature. Thunderstorms were seen as the anger of gods. And diseases were believed to be curses or punishment from the divine. These religious interpretations dominated the way people viewed the world, limiting space for natural explanations or scientific investigation. Knowledge was intertwined with spiritual belief, and anyone who questioned these explanations risked being cast out or punished as a heretic.
In ancient Greece, philosophers like Aristotle and Plato laid the groundwork for scientific thinking. But even they were influenced by the dominant religious views of the time. They made significant contributions to fields like mathematics, astronomy, and biology. But their work still operated within a framework that often deferred to divine explanations. The scientific method as we understand it today had not yet taken shape, and religious thought held an unchallenged position.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages in Europe, the power of religious institutions, especially the Catholic Church, reached its peak. The Church controlled education, dictated the boundaries of knowledge, and had a stronghold on intellectual life.
Theological teachings formed the core of university curricula, and the Church was the ultimate authority on the nature of reality. Scientific inquiry that contradicted religious dogma was often met with hostility.
One of the most notable examples is the case of Galileo Galilei. Galileo’s support for the heliocentric model of the solar system. This placed the sun rather than the Earth at the center, directly contradicted the Church’s teachings. The Church insisted on the geocentric view, in which the Earth was at the center of creation, as it aligned with biblical interpretations. Galileo was tried by the Inquisition and forced to recant his findings. His work, though scientifically revolutionary, was suppressed, slowing the progress of astronomy and other sciences for generations.
This was not an isolated case. Throughout the medieval period, many scholars and scientists faced similar resistance. The Church not only dictated what could be studied but also how it was to be interpreted. The Bible was considered the ultimate source of knowledge. And any scientific discoveries that conflicted with scripture were rejected or censored. This created an environment where scientific progress was a battle against the religious orthodoxy. And questioning religious explanations could lead to accusations of heresy, persecution, and sometimes even death.
The Renaissance
The Renaissance, which began in the 14th century, marked a gradual shift in this dynamic. Europe moved away from the rigid structures of the Middle Ages. And renewed interest in classical learning and empirical observation took hold. Thinkers like Copernicus and Johannes Kepler challenged the established religious worldview by demonstrating that the Earth and planets orbited the sun. Their ideas laid the groundwork for modern astronomy. But they were careful to frame their discoveries in ways that would not provoke direct confrontation with the Church. Nevertheless, the seeds of change had been planted.
The Enlightenment, which followed in the 17th and 18th centuries, brought a more radical shift. Figures like Isaac Newton, John Locke, and René Descartes championed reason, observation, and the scientific method as the primary means of understanding the world. Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation transformed the study of physics, showing that natural laws governed the universe, not divine intervention. The idea that the universe operated like a machine, understandable through science, began to replace the religious explanations that had dominated for so long. However, religious opposition did not disappear. The Church remained a powerful institution, and many religious leaders continued to resist scientific findings that contradicted biblical teachings.
Darwin’s theory
One of the most contentious scientific developments during this period was the theory of evolution. As proposed by Charles Darwin in the 19th century. Darwin’s theory, which suggested that all species, including humans, evolved over time through natural selection, posed a direct challenge to the biblical account of creation. Religious leaders in both Europe and the United States condemned Darwin’s work as heretical. They argued that it undermined the belief that humans were divinely created in God’s image. The debate over evolution versus creationism continues to this day, particularly in more religiously conservative societies, demonstrating how religious teachings can still influence the acceptance of scientific ideas.
Modern-day era
Modern religion, in many instances, still plays a role in preventing education from flourishing fully, which in turn hampers the economic advancement of countries.
When religious beliefs take precedence over evidence-based education, entire subjects or approaches to learning can be restricted. This is especially true in fields like science, health, and social studies, where religious doctrines may conflict with modern knowledge and methods. As education is directly linked to economic development, these restrictions can slow down a nation’s progress.
In some religiously conservative countries, subjects like evolution, reproductive health, and even climate science are censored or taught in ways that align with religious interpretations. For example, in parts of the Middle East and South Asia, biology textbooks omit or downplay the theory of evolution due to its perceived conflict with religious teachings. This creates a gap in students’ scientific understanding and prevents them from engaging with modern biological and medical sciences at a level necessary for global competitiveness.
Comprehensive sex education and gender equality
Religious opposition to comprehensive sex education is another area where modern religion interferes with education. Many religious groups advocate for abstinence-only education, which lacks practical information on contraception, family planning, and sexual health. This often results in higher rates of teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and poorer public health outcomes, which strain a country’s resources and limit the workforce’s ability to contribute effectively to the economy. Countries that fail to provide modern, evidence-based education in health-related fields tend to lag in improving health outcomes, which are key drivers of economic productivity and growth.
Furthermore, religious opposition to gender equality in education can severely limit a nation’s economic potential. In some highly religious societies, girls are discouraged or outright banned from pursuing education beyond a basic level. This deprives half the population of the opportunity to contribute to the workforce. Or pursue advanced fields like medicine, engineering, and technology. For example, in some countries where religious fundamentalism dominates, women are prevented from studying certain subjects or entering certain professions. This diminishes the overall talent pool and reduces innovation and productivity.
Backwardness
The long-term economic effects of religious interference in education are significant. Countries that impose religious limits on what can be taught or learned tend to produce a less skilled workforce. This, in turn, stifles innovation, reduces global competitiveness, and limits economic growth. A well-educated population is a cornerstone of economic advancement because it drives technological development, improves public health. And enhances the capacity for entrepreneurship. When education is hampered by religious dogma, nations struggle to build the knowledge-based economies that are necessary for success in today’s globalized world.
Additionally, religious influence over educational policy can foster resistance to technological adoption and innovation. When religious teachings dictate the limits of what they can pursue or explore in scientific research, entire industries may be stunted. For instance, fields like biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy require a deep understanding of science and openness to new ideas, which can be impeded when religious conservatism shapes educational curricula. Countries that fail to embrace cutting-edge research and technology are left behind in sectors that are crucial for modern economic growth.
Religion thwarts progress: Unwillingness to have education at all
In many deeply religious countries, there is not just interference with the content of education but, in some cases, an outright unwillingness to promote education at all, especially for certain segments of the population. This reluctance stems from a belief that secular education might conflict with religious teachings or lead to questioning the foundations of the faith. In these societies, education is often seen as a threat to traditional values and religious authority. As a result, access to education is limited, which severely hampers individual development and, by extension, the overall progress of the nation.
In conservative religious countries, particularly under authoritarian religious regimes, there is a strong preference for religious schooling over secular or comprehensive education. The focus in these institutions is often on religious texts and moral teachings, with little emphasis on subjects like science, critical thinking, or technology. This leaves large portions of the population unprepared to contribute to the modern workforce, where these skills are essential. In extreme cases, religious leaders may actively discourage the pursuit of education, arguing that religious instruction is sufficient and that secular knowledge is dangerous or irrelevant.
Taliban
A striking example of this can be found in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, both in the 1990s and since their return to power in 2021. The Taliban’s religious interpretation has led to severe restrictions on education, especially for women and girls. Girls are often denied access to schools beyond a very basic level of education, if they are allowed to attend at all. This unwillingness to provide education to half the population has devastating effects on the country’s economy and social structure. When girls and women are excluded from education, the nation loses out on the potential of a significant portion of its workforce, limiting innovation and productivity.
In many religious countries, particularly those where fundamentalism prevails, there is also a suspicion of modern or Western education systems. Leaders in these societies may fear that exposure to outside ideas will undermine religious control and lead to secularization or dissent. Consequently, governments or religious authorities may close schools, ban certain subjects, or prevent the establishment of educational institutions altogether. In some cases, militants or religious extremists have attacked schools. As seen with the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, whose very name means “Western education is forbidden.” These attacks on education reflect a deep-seated fear that educated populations are harder to control and less likely to adhere to strict religious ideologies.
Other consequences of educational deprivation
This unwillingness to provide or promote education in highly religious societies also affects economic development. Education is a key driver of economic progress, as it equips people with the skills needed for innovation, entrepreneurship, and participation in a modern economy. Without widespread access to education, these countries are unable to build the human capital necessary to develop industries, improve infrastructure, or engage in the global marketplace. Poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality become entrenched, as uneducated populations lack the tools to lift themselves out of these conditions.
Moreover, when religious leaders discourage education, they also restrict the development of critical thinking skills. Education fosters the ability to question, analyze, and solve problems – skills that are crucial for social and economic progress. In highly religious countries, where unquestioning faith is often prioritized over inquiry and reason, the suppression of education can create a cycle of ignorance and dependency on religious authorities. This limits social mobility and prevents individuals from pursuing careers that could contribute to national development.
In summary, the unwillingness to promote education in some deeply religious countries goes beyond simply restricting certain subjects. It reflects a broader resistance to the idea of education itself. By denying or limiting access to education, particularly for women and marginalized groups, these societies significantly hinder their economic advancement. The suppression of education not only stifles individual potential. But also keeps entire nations trapped in cycles of poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment.
Economic aspects of religious suppression
Lack of education due to religious restrictions significantly harms economic development. In many religiously conservative countries, the control of education by religious authorities limits what subjects they teach and who has access to learning. This creates a huge gap in workforce quality and economic output. When religion dictates the content of education, science, critical thinking, and modern skills are often sidelined in favor of religious instruction. This keeps large sections of the population unprepared to contribute to the modern economy.
Religious opposition to education is particularly damaging for women. In many conservative societies, religious beliefs restrict women’s access to education or prevent them from going beyond basic schooling. Without education, women cannot enter the labor market or contribute fully to the economy. Studies show that closing the gender gap in education could boost global GDP by trillions of dollars. For example, a report by the World Bank shows that educating girls could increase annual GDP growth rates by up to 1.5% in some countries. Yet, in countries like Afghanistan under the Taliban, girls and women are systematically denied education based on religious beliefs. This not only hurts the women themselves but also limits the economic potential of the entire nation.
No modern economy
Religious beliefs also shape national education policies, influencing what is allowed in school curricula. In many Islamic countries, religious authorities restrict subjects like evolutionary biology, sexual health, and critical thinking. They claim they conflict with religious teachings. This limits students’ exposure to modern science and ideas, which are crucial for innovation and economic competitiveness. For example, in countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran, religiously influenced education systems prioritize religious studies over subjects that could drive technological and industrial advancement. This results in a less skilled workforce, lowering the overall productivity and growth potential of the economy.
The economic cost of religiously restricted education is enormous. According to UNESCO, countries with limited educational access due to religious and cultural restrictions miss out on billions of dollars in economic growth each year. In Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, religious conservatism often limits the spread of education, particularly in rural areas. Without widespread access to education, these regions struggle to build a skilled workforce capable of driving industrial growth. This leads to higher unemployment rates, lower wages, and limited innovation, trapping countries in cycles of poverty and underdevelopment.
Brain drain
Another significant impact of religious opposition to education is the brain drain phenomenon. In many conservative religious societies, those who seek higher education or careers in science and technology often find opportunities restricted. As a result, educated individuals frequently leave their home countries in search of better opportunities abroad. This drains these nations of their best talent, further weakening their economies. For instance, many highly educated people from countries like Iran and Pakistan emigrate to pursue careers in fields that are underdeveloped in their home countries due to religious restrictions. This deprives these nations of the skilled professionals needed to drive economic growth and innovation.
Religiously motivated resistance to education not only hampers individual progress but also holds back entire economies. Education is essential for creating a workforce that can adapt to new technologies, solve complex problems, and contribute to the global economy. When religious beliefs prevent access to quality education, countries lose out on the opportunity to compete in fast-growing industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering. This lack of participation in the global knowledge economy leaves them dependent on less dynamic sectors, limiting their economic potential.
Who is more developed?
Countries that prioritize religious teachings over modern education systems often fall behind in terms of technological advancement. For example, religious restrictions in countries like Sudan and Yemen have kept them from developing the infrastructure necessary for industrial and technological growth. Without investment in education, these countries are left dependent on agricultural and resource-based economies, which offer limited opportunities for long-term development. Their economies remain vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices, and without a skilled workforce, they struggle to diversify into more stable, high-growth sectors.
In summary, the lack of education caused by religious restrictions creates significant economic losses. It limits workforce development, reduces productivity, and prevents innovation. This leaves religiously conservative countries less competitive in the global economy. By preventing large portions of the population, especially women, from accessing education, these nations forfeit economic growth and remain trapped in cycles of poverty. Religion thwarts it all.
The whole segments of economy prohibited and rigid structures
Religious opposition to certain industries also hampers economic development. For example, some religions prohibit or discourage activities related to alcohol, gambling, or entertainment, seeing them as morally questionable. These industries, however, are major contributors to economic growth in many parts of the world, generating revenue and providing jobs. By opposing or restricting these sectors, religious authorities can limit economic diversification and block opportunities for innovation in growing industries. This prevents economies from fully adapting to new market demands or benefiting from sectors that could enhance their overall prosperity.
Rigid hierarchical structures within religiously influenced societies further restrict economic mobility and innovation. Religion often upholds social hierarchies that concentrate wealth and power within certain groups, such as religious leaders or elites aligned with religious institutions. This concentration of power and resources can prevent the emergence of more equitable economic systems where merit and innovation drive growth. These hierarchies reinforce inequality and discourage the kind of dynamic competition needed for economic expansion. In societies where religious doctrines play a dominant role, breaking free from these rigid structures becomes difficult, hindering both social and economic evolution.
How would science look like if there hadn’t been religion?
If religion had never played a role in preventing scientific progress since prehistory, human civilization would have likely developed at an accelerated pace, with remarkable advancements in technology, medicine, and knowledge shaping the world much earlier than they have.
In prehistory, early humans explained the world around them through myths and religious beliefs, attributing natural events to gods, spirits, or divine forces. Without these religious frameworks holding back inquiry, early humans might have sought rational explanations for natural phenomena sooner. Rather than relying on rituals or superstition to explain weather patterns, illness, or the stars, they would have focused on experimentation, observation, and the development of early scientific methods. Agriculture, one of the key pillars of civilization, might have advanced more quickly, leading to the rise of organized societies and cities much earlier.
Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Indus Valley
By the time of ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, technological progress could have surged without religious influence limiting it.
With no religious elites controlling knowledge or preventing certain practices, engineering, mathematics, and medicine might have advanced far beyond what was achieved during those eras. The construction of infrastructure, from aqueducts to road systems, could have been more widespread and sophisticated. Astronomy, which was often tied to religious rituals, would have progressed faster as ancient cultures sought to understand the universe with empirical methods rather than religious interpretations. Societies might have developed early technologies like the wheel, metallurgy, and navigation tools centuries earlier than they did.
In the classical period, scientific figures like Archimedes, Pythagoras, and Hippocrates would not have had to balance their discoveries with religious expectations. The absence of religious dogma might have opened the door to more rapid advancements in mathematics, physics, and medicine. Imagine a world where the foundations of geometry, mechanics, and anatomy were built and expanded upon without resistance. The ancient Greeks and Romans might have developed early versions of machines, medical treatments. Or even the beginnings of industrial processes centuries before the Industrial Revolution.
Religion thwarted science: The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, a period where religious authorities in many parts of the world held significant power over education and knowledge, would have been dramatically different. Rather than focusing on religious studies, universities might have become centers for scientific research much earlier. Figures like Galileo, Copernicus, and others who challenged religious teachings would have been free to explore the universe without fear of persecution. Scientific inquiry in fields like astronomy, biology, and physics might have taken off. It may have resulted in innovations like telescopes, microscopes, and the scientific method far earlier. This could have propelled the world into an “enlightened” period of discovery long before the actual Renaissance occurred.
Renaissance and Enlightenment
By the time of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, humanity would already be well advanced in its understanding of the world. With no delays due to religious conflicts over the nature of the Earth, the solar system, or the human body, the world could have experienced a scientific revolution much earlier. This early Enlightenment would likely have led to revolutions in chemistry, biology, and technology centuries ahead of schedule. Medicine, in particular, would have evolved without the long-standing religious prohibitions against practices like dissection or vaccination. The result could have been the eradication of diseases like smallpox or plague long before they caused massive devastation.
The Industrial Revolution would have been greatly accelerated in this alternate history. Without religious debates slowing down scientific and technological advancements, industrialization could have begun centuries earlier. Early developments in steam power, electricity, and engineering would have propelled humanity into an age of machines, with factories and mass production transforming economies across the globe. By the 18th or even 17th century, societies could have begun developing the infrastructure. It would eventually lead to computers, advanced medicine, and even space exploration.
The 20th century
By the 20th century, the world might already have been exploring space, unlocking the secrets of the atom, and curing major diseases. The absence of religious interference in science would have meant that the focus on progress, exploration. And discovery would have continued unabated for millennia. Technological leaps such as the invention of the internet, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering would likely have come much sooner. Advances in transportation, medicine, and communication could have been achieved centuries earlier. And we might have already colonized parts of the solar system.
Economically, the world would be more advanced, with greater equality and productivity. Access to education would have been universal much earlier, with fewer cultural or religious barriers preventing individuals from studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The global economy would be far more integrated, driven by a highly educated and technologically advanced workforce. Industrial revolutions in different parts of the world might have aligned, leading to a more interconnected and prosperous global society. Resource management, environmental sustainability, and health care would be far more advanced, with global cooperation likely reaching unprecedented levels.
In summary, if religion had never hindered scientific progress from prehistory onward, the world would be far more advanced technologically, socially, and economically. Innovations that took centuries to develop would have come much sooner, leading to a world defined by exploration, understanding, and human achievement. Diseases might have been cured, space could already be colonized, and global prosperity would be more widespread. The pace of human progress would have been driven solely by curiosity, creativity, and knowledge, free from the restraints of religious dogma.
How religion thwarts societal progress
Religion has often hindered personal ownership by maintaining structures that favor religious institutions over individual rights. In feudal Europe, the Catholic Church owned massive amounts of land. This limited opportunities for common people to own property. Peasants remained bound to the land as serfs, their labor benefiting the Church and the nobility. The Church’s vast wealth and influence created economic stagnation, as it monopolized land and resources. Individuals who wanted to break free from these constraints faced significant challenges. The accumulation of wealth and independence through property ownership became difficult, keeping people locked in a rigid social hierarchy.
Religious control over legal and political systems has obstructed the development of modern, secular laws. In many societies, rulers justified their authority through divine right, which made questioning the established order a form of blasphemy. The close ties between religion and governance created systems where personal freedoms were limited. Dissent or differing beliefs were not tolerated. During the Protestant Reformation, when individuals began to challenge the Catholic Church’s dominance, religious wars erupted across Europe. The long struggle to separate religious authority from political power was crucial for modern democratic states to emerge. Only when societies rejected the fusion of church and state did they begin to develop laws that allowed for greater individual rights and political freedom.
Religious authorities
The ability to express new ideas and challenge old ones is central to societal progress. However, religious authorities have often imposed strict limits on freedom of thought and speech. During the medieval period, the Church controlled intellectual life in Europe. It determined what could be studied, taught, or published. Those who challenged religious doctrines, like scientists and philosophers, faced persecution. The Inquisition targeted anyone who strayed from the official teachings, labeling them heretics. This suppression of intellectual freedom delayed scientific discoveries and cultural growth. Even in modern times, in countries where religious law prevails, people can face imprisonment or worse for expressing ideas that contradict religious beliefs. This limits the free exchange of ideas, which is essential for progress in science, technology, and social development.
Religious doctrines have also contributed to the subjugation of women, restricting their roles in society. Many religions define gender roles based on ancient texts, assigning women to the domestic sphere and limiting their public or political participation. Women have struggled for centuries to gain equal rights in societies where religious teachings govern gender relations. In some Islamic countries, interpretations of Sharia law impose severe restrictions on women’s freedom, including their right to work, travel, or dress as they choose. Christian teachings have historically opposed women’s rights to reproductive autonomy, with the Catholic Church and other denominations lobbying against contraception and abortion. These restrictions hinder women’s ability to control their own lives, delaying societal progress toward gender equality.
Opposition to LGBTQ+ reights
Religious opposition to LGBTQ+ rights remains a significant barrier to modern social progress. Many religions view same-sex relationships and non-traditional gender identities as sinful or unnatural. Religious groups often lobby against legal reforms that would grant LGBTQ+ individuals the same rights as heterosexual and cisgender people. In countries where religious values dominate the legal system, LGBTQ+ people face criminalization, violence, and discrimination. These legal and social barriers prevent them from participating fully in society, making it difficult for modern concepts of equality and human rights to take root. The struggle for LGBTQ+ rights has been one of the most visible clashes between religious conservatism and modern social progress in recent years.
Religion has also obstructed the development of modern education systems. Religious institutions have historically controlled education, dictating what could be taught and how. In many religious schools, teachings that conflict with religious doctrine, such as evolutionary biology, are either downplayed or outright banned. In some cases, religious authorities have influenced public education policies, resulting in curricula that reflect religious beliefs rather than scientific consensus. This limits students’ exposure to critical thinking and modern scientific knowledge. Societies that prioritize religious teachings over secular education often struggle to foster innovation and technological development, which are crucial for modern progress.
Violence and division
Religious conflicts have further delayed societal progress by fueling violence and division. Throughout history, religious wars and sectarian strife have caused immense human suffering and economic devastation. The Thirty Years’ War in Europe, driven by conflicts between Protestant and Catholic states, ravaged entire regions and set back economic development for decades. In more recent times, religious extremism has led to violent conflicts in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. These conflicts, rooted in religious differences, often prevent societies from developing stable governance structures, creating environments of perpetual instability and poverty. Resources that could have been used for education, healthcare, or infrastructure are instead diverted to warfare and defense, delaying progress for entire generations.
Religious doctrines
Religious doctrines often resist the idea of personal freedom, particularly when it comes to questioning authority. Many religions teach that obedience to divine law is more important than personal autonomy. This idea has been used to justify the suppression of individual rights and dissent. In societies where religious laws dominate, personal freedoms are often limited by the need to conform to religious expectations. For example, in countries governed by Islamic law, individuals may face punishment for actions that are considered sinful, even if they harm no one else. This curtails personal freedom and discourages the development of individualistic, modern societies where personal rights are paramount.
In modern secular societies, breaking free from the dominance of religion has been key to achieving progress in areas such as science, human rights, and governance. Societies that have separated church from state, allowed freedom of thought, and embraced scientific inquiry have seen faster progress in technological innovation, social reforms, and economic development. The Enlightenment, which promoted reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority, was a turning point in rejecting religious control over society. By embracing secularism, these societies created the conditions necessary for modernity to flourish, allowing individuals to explore, innovate, and build without the constraints of religious dogma.
Societal progress if religion never existed
If religion had never impeded social progress since prehistory, human societies would likely be more egalitarian, peaceful, and inclusive, with social norms and structures advancing much earlier. Without religious doctrines enforcing rigid hierarchies, gender roles, or social constraints, civilizations could have evolved into more equitable and just societies.
In prehistory, early human groups formed social structures based on survival, cooperation, and shared tasks. Religious beliefs often emerged alongside these structures, providing explanations for natural phenomena and social order. However, without religion enforcing strict roles or divine justifications for power, early humans might have developed more fluid social systems. Instead of using religious explanations to justify male dominance or social stratification, societies could have pursued cooperation and equality as their foundation. This would have fostered stronger communities where all members contributed equally, regardless of gender or status.
Gods or science?
As civilizations grew in complexity, religious institutions often became a tool for reinforcing social hierarchies. In ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India, rulers were often seen as divine or chosen by gods. This created a system where power was concentrated in the hands of a few. Without religion validating these structures, political power would likely have been more distributed, with leaders chosen based on merit, cooperation, or consensus rather than religious or hereditary claims. The early emergence of democratic principles could have led to more inclusive governance, where individuals had greater freedom to participate in shaping their societies.
The role of gender would also have evolved differently. In many ancient societies, religious beliefs enforced rigid gender roles. This often placed men in positions of power while restricting women to domestic or subordinate roles. Without religion prescribing these roles, women might have been able to participate more equally in all aspects of society from the beginning. This could have led to earlier achievements in gender equality, with women contributing to governance, commerce, and intellectual life alongside men. The long history of patriarchy, often justified by religious texts, would have been significantly weakened, allowing for more balanced societies to emerge.
No strict social hierarchies
The Middle Ages were a period where religious institutions, particularly in Europe, reinforced strict social hierarchies. The Church had significant control over social norms, dictating everything from marriage practices to moral behavior. Without this religious influence, societies during this time might have experienced earlier breakthroughs in individual rights, personal freedoms, and the reduction of feudal systems. Instead of seeing social mobility blocked by religious and feudal systems, more people could have had the opportunity to rise through society based on their abilities. This would have fostered greater innovation and economic productivity.
By the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, religion continued to shape social structures, but secular ideas began to gain ground. If religion had never been a dominant force in shaping social rules, these periods of intellectual and social transformation might have occurred much sooner. Without religious opposition to ideas of liberty, equality, and personal rights, movements for human rights and social justice could have started earlier. Enlightenment values like freedom of thought, personal autonomy, and equality before the law might have become societal norms centuries before they did.
Religious opposition to the abolition of slavery is another significant area where social progress was delayed. Many religious institutions historically defended slavery, using scripture to justify the subjugation of certain groups. Without this religious defense, slavery might have been abolished much earlier, sparing millions from centuries of oppression and violence. The long fight for civil rights in the 19th and 20th centuries would likely have been unnecessary. Racial and social equality could have been established as a norm from the beginning of civilization.
Religion thwarts everything: What if: LGBTQ+
The absence of religious barriers would also have advanced the cause of LGBTQ+ rights much earlier. Religion has historically played a major role in stigmatizing and marginalizing individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Without religious doctrines condemning same-sex relationships or enforcing binary gender norms, societies could have embraced diversity in human relationships and identities far sooner. LGBTQ+ individuals would have enjoyed equal rights and social acceptance, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.
In the modern world, religion still influences laws, policies, and social attitudes, particularly in areas like reproductive rights, gender equality, and marriage laws. Without these religious restrictions, societies today would likely have more progressive policies in place. Reproductive rights, including access to contraception and abortion, would be universally recognized, with individuals having full control over their own bodies and life choices. Gender equality would be a given, with equal pay, representation, and opportunities for men and women in all areas of life. Marriage laws would reflect diverse family structures and relationships, without religious interference limiting who can marry whom.
Greater societal progress at a faster pace
Globally, social progress would have been faster and more widespread. Human rights would be more advanced, and the world would likely be more peaceful. Without religiously motivated conflicts and divisions, nations might have focused more on cooperation and collective problem-solving. International relations would be shaped by shared goals for improving well-being and advancing human rights, rather than religious tensions or cultural divides. The wars and conflicts that have plagued history, often with religious undertones, might have been minimized, allowing for a more unified global society focused on common progress.
Social movements for equality and justice would have flourished earlier and more easily. The labor rights movement, the civil rights movement, and the feminist movement would not have had to struggle against centuries of religiously reinforced social norms. Equality and justice would have been more foundational to societies, with laws and policies reflecting the inherent rights of all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or class. The world might have seen greater advances in worker rights, social welfare, and the reduction of poverty, as societies prioritized fairness and equality from the start.
In conclusion, without religion preventing social progress, the world would likely be a more inclusive, equitable, and just place. Social hierarchies would have been less rigid, gender equality would have been achieved much sooner. And individual rights would have been recognized and respected across all societies. Conflicts rooted in religious differences would have been avoided, leading to greater global cooperation and peace. Ultimately, humanity would have progressed faster toward a world defined by equality, freedom, and mutual respect.
Religion thwarts progress: we need reason
It is not only about scientific progress, economy and society but also about reason. Religions do not want to know, challenge, or think critically.
Religion is detrimental to science, the economy, and society because it often imposes rigid, unchanging belief systems that stifle free inquiry and scientific innovation, hinder economic diversification by opposing certain industries or practices deemed immoral, and reinforce traditional social hierarchies that limit opportunities for marginalized groups. This resistance to change creates an environment where intellectual, economic, and social progress is slowed, preventing societies from evolving in ways that promote equality, innovation, and broader prosperity. By prioritizing doctrine over exploration, and tradition over reform, religion can obstruct the dynamic forces necessary for scientific advancements, economic growth, and the development of a more inclusive and progressive society.
There would have been completely different economic, scientific, and societal outcomes if religions hadn’t thwarted free inquiry, and there wouldn’t have been such oppression.
Instead of this century being one of science, it is, unfortunately, a century dominated by religion.
Leave a Reply