Examining Whether Religion Takes Credit for Human Empathy and Good Works
This article critically examines the common claim that religion produces good in the world. It argues that the charitable acts and moral behaviors attributed to religion are actually products of human empathy, with religion stepping in afterward to claim credit. The piece explores the distinction between genuine human compassion and religious institutions taking credit for inherently human moral instincts.
Key quotes
Is it religion that produces those good acts…or is it people acting empathetically, with religion stepping in afterward to claim the credit?
It's often said that religion does good things in the world.
People point to charity, service, moral guidance, community care.
From the article
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