by Sheila Westfall

Created on: July 17, 2008

In some ways it seems that advancements in science and technology have made God irrelevant or obsolete. Mankind has been "playing God" for so many years that isn't it time for us to leave our position as understudy and take on the real role. The answer is no, but not because His existence is undeniable. This author does not personally believe in any religion's version of God but still believes that He/She/It has a place in modern society.

Throughout history, every society has had its version of the Supreme Being or Beings. For most this was a way to explain natural phenomena such a death, famine, and floods. They were less Fathers looking out for His children and more Fathers to be feared and appeased. Some cultures, however, developed a mono-theistic religion in which God was the creator of the earth and therefore its protector. He was a loving guide to whom His children could turn in times of trouble. But He was also wrathful punishing those who defied his rules. God's laws became a standard by which to live morally and in some cases digestively.

In 2008 we do not require God to explain the world. We know why droughts occur and most accept that it is not the result of an angry deity. And for many people the strict rules set forth in the Bible seem a bit harsh and to be take as mere suggestions. We live in an increasingly morally lax world where once taboo actions are accepted as the norm. There are still those who absolutely adhere to every word of the Bible but there are also some people who still practice animal sacrifice. This former Biblically approved practice is now condemned and in fact illegal in America so shouldn't God also be dismissed to the fringes of society.

The reason why the answer to the above question is no is that millions of people around the world believe in Him and make him a part of their daily lives. Whether he truly exists is irrelevant. For them He is a fact and therefore very relevant to their existence. He shapes the moral code by which they live, telling them not to steal, not to kill, and not to commit adultery. These are admirable rules to uphold and even most atheists agree. Some of the actions taken by the religious are debatably sound by as a whole following God results in kindness and goodwill.

In addition to this, I would argue that the greatest reason that God retains His relevance in modern times is His ability to provide comfort. The Bible instructs the faithful to give their burdens to God and it is a relief to feel that someone else is taking care of things. He protects children, heals the sick, comforts the lost, and provides salvation for the depraved. He is indeed a parent that mankind can turn to when times are hard and there seems to be no hope. He is also a friend with which to celebrate in good times.

God does not fill the same role that He once did and as society changes so will his place in the world. But as long as people believe in Him he will remain very relevant.

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