Grayling: The World Would Be Better Off Without Religion

2012-12-06 1

Grayling: The World Would Be Better Off Without Religion
Intelligence Squared U.S. Debates - NYU Skirball Center
Would the world be better off without religion? In the words of Blaise Pascal, mathematician and Catholic, "Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction." Does religion breed intolerance, violence, and the promotion of medieval ideas? Or should we concede that overall, it has been a source for good, giving followers purpose, while encouraging morality and ethical behavior?"