Early in Kurt Vonnegut's "Cats Cradle" he includes the warning
"Anyone unable to understand how a useful religion can be founded on lies will not understand this book either."
Hence my question. There is much debate about the existance of god and if it exists than, which religion got it right, but my question is, does it matter?
If a religion is useful, and enables people to lead better, happier lies, then does it matter if its true or false?
In the book, an example is given of a religion that allows people to be happy despite living in terrible conditions, but is this practical in real life?
Taking this further, If the adherents of one religion are happier and more productive than those of another. Wouldn't the prior religion still be be preferable if the latter was proved to be correct?
The way I see it, religion serves a valuable purpose in many people lives. If one is able to find comfort from misfortune by believing in some non-existant higher power, why should anyone want to convince them of the truth about that higher-power?
"Anyone unable to understand how a useful religion can be founded on lies will not understand this book either."
Hence my question. There is much debate about the existance of god and if it exists than, which religion got it right, but my question is, does it matter?
If a religion is useful, and enables people to lead better, happier lies, then does it matter if its true or false?
In the book, an example is given of a religion that allows people to be happy despite living in terrible conditions, but is this practical in real life?
Taking this further, If the adherents of one religion are happier and more productive than those of another. Wouldn't the prior religion still be be preferable if the latter was proved to be correct?
The way I see it, religion serves a valuable purpose in many people lives. If one is able to find comfort from misfortune by believing in some non-existant higher power, why should anyone want to convince them of the truth about that higher-power?