Debating Society Addresses Religion

On April 13th, the Debating Society deliberated upon the statement “Religion is a force for good in the world.”  Those arguing for the motion made many strong points, and primarily centered on two avenues.  First, that religion cannot be blamed for the evils that have been perpetrated in its name.  The true motivating force for these atrocities is more fundamental to human nature, such as the desire for political power or wealth, and not necessarily inherent in religious beliefs.  Secondly, religions promote various societal goods, such as education, cultural production, community, and individual well-being.  The boys drew on many examples both from personal experience and the accomplishments of major religious institutions.

The main arguments against accused religion of institutionalized racism and discrimination, from the Catholic Church’s official policy of anti-Semitism (historical, that is) to conservative American political parties’ condemnation of homosexuality.  Religion was also blamed for promoting a blind following of doctrine and infringing on what should be an individual’s personal relationship with a higher power.

The boys addressed a difficult topic with liveliness, rigor, and style.  We may have a few future Senators among us.  In the end, the motion was upheld by a vote of seventeen for, fourteen against, and two abstaining.

(photographs by Elise Rose)