Brian Thone3/31/15Professor FranklinMagazine and Feature Writing

Column on Religion

BY BRIAN THONE

Everything in society is subject to ridicule, except for religion. This raises the

issue that if nothing is subject to question, then thinking stops. This results in the

promotion of close-mindedness, and the idea that discussing religion is “off of the table.”

In practicing religion, people assume the answer, which is their truth, before ever asking

the question. This is forced upon many individuals who are born into religious families.

However, it is crucial to encourage people to think for themselves in order to dissect fact

from belief.

People shouldn’t be ruled by fear, that is the “or else” mentality that religion

provides. We should live in a freethinking world where people don’t conform to religion.

The only way to learn is to confront our misconceptions, and accept the fact that science

seeks truth without prejudice. The bottom line is that when empirical evidence uncovers

something, it should be celebrated and expanded upon, not disregarded due to ignorance.

In refusing to acknowledge the credible information that science provides, religion is

1

Brian Thone3/31/15Professor FranklinMagazine and Feature Writing

preventing the advancement of society. Regardless of what you believe, our time on

Earth is limited, and it is crucial that we leave the planet in better shape then we found it.

People resort to religion in emotional desperation to believe that there is

something beyond death. This means that God was fabricated in order to create

something eternal. It is this desperation that makes religion such a sensitive subject,

particularly when discussing scientific explanation. People shouldn’t feel threatened by

science, however, they should break down the “barriers” of their mind, and confront their

fears. In doing so, the fascinating truths that science provides may be embraced, and the

world may continue to progress.

At a time where the threat to the existence of the human race is at an all time high,

due to overpopulation, climate changes, nuclear weapons, etc. it is essential that we

change the way we think. It’s time to stop depending on old books for guidance, and to

look to reason. People are scared to admit that they may not put their full trust in religion.

A large part of that can be attributed to the negative connotation that atheism, or not

believing in a higher power, is accompanied by. The reality is many individuals choose

what they believe about certain religions. Why believe any part of it if you can’t put your

trust in its entirety? The population must be accepting of the truth, and those who are

knowledgeable must continue to discover/spread the facts.

2