by Marilla Mulwane

Created on: December 22, 2011   Last Updated: December 26, 2011

Religion, of all types, is declining around the world as more and more people claim a disbelief in a higher power. People follow and join groups based on the benefits they receive, according to People's World. The larger the group the greater the benefits, and so, more people join. This concept works not only for commercial products, but also with religion. More people are dropping faith for a more scientific approach to life, because they feel there are more benefits. What does this change about society? Does the decline of religion hurt society or make it stronger?

The decline of religion has created a large cohesive group.

The one thing that religion has always done right is bring people together. Masses of people have the potential to do amazing things, but also the potential to do terrible things. With so many religions around the world, it is difficult to create one cohesive group large enough to affect the entire world. That is, until now. One group is growing large enough to almost erase the rest, and that group just happens to be atheism. Atheists have become a massive group, and have been working together to bring social changes and a greater acceptance of differences. Although they do not gather in giant stone churches, they do gather at social events and even work toward change when separate.

The decline of religion has created more fighting between groups.

While atheists spout about acceptance for all, some do fail in that aspect. In the battle for what is "right," religion or non-belief, the bashing has gotten out of hand. The growth of atheism has created a war stronger than any before, when it was usually religion versus religion. It is more acceptable to bash religion or to loudly proclaim a right to God in a society than ever before. People have become less accepting of a persons right to believe or not believe. It has a caused a decline in kindness. This goes for both atheists and the religious. Both do an equal amount of bashing, cursing and condemning.

The decline of religion might bring the world closer together.

As religion declines throughout the world, more people find themselves with a common belief in non-belief. Instead of seeing foreigners as religious fanatics, or religious terrorists, they see them as human beings with the same outlook. While we still must overcome the bigotry, racism and jingoism that plague the country, by having the same beliefs as other countries, it is a step in the right direction of bringing the world together.

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