Any Religion That Does Not Promote Human Welfare Is Anti-Life

The relationship between religion and human welfare is a complex one. On the one hand, religion can provide a sense of community, purpose, and meaning in life, all of which can contribute to human well-being. On the other hand, religion can also be used to justify violence, oppression, and other forms of harm.

In this article, I will argue that any religion that does not promote human welfare is anti-life. I will begin by defining what I mean by “human welfare” and then discuss the ways in which religion can both promote and undermine human welfare. Finally, I will argue that a truly life-affirming religion must be anthropocentric, meaning that it must place the well-being of humans at the center of its worldview.

What is Human Welfare?

Human welfare is a broad term that encompasses a variety of factors, including physical health, mental health, social well-being, and economic security. It is important to note that human welfare is not simply the absence of suffering. Rather, it is a state of positive well-being that includes a sense of purpose, meaning, and connection to others.

How Can Religion Promote Human Welfare?

Religion can promote human welfare in a number of ways. First, religion can provide a sense of community. Humans are social creatures who need to feel connected to others. Religion can provide this sense of connection by bringing people together in shared rituals, beliefs, and values.

Second, religion can provide a sense of purpose. Humans need to feel like their lives have meaning. Religion can provide this sense of meaning by offering a framework for understanding the world and our place in it.

Third, religion can provide a sense of hope. Humans need to believe that there is something good in the world and that life is worth living. Religion can provide this sense of hope by offering a vision of a better future.

How Can Religion Undermine Human Welfare?

Unfortunately, religion can also be used to undermine human welfare. This can happen in a number of ways. First, religion can be used to justify violence. For example, some religious groups have used their beliefs to justify wars, terrorism, and other forms of violence.

Second, religion can be used to oppress others. For example, some religious groups have used their beliefs to justify slavery, discrimination, and other forms of oppression.

Third, religion can be used to exploit others. For example, some religious groups have used their beliefs to justify financial scams, child abuse, and other forms of exploitation.

A Truly Life-Affirming Religion Must Be Anthropocentric

In light of the potential for religion to both promote and undermine human welfare, it is important to ask what kind of religion is truly life-affirming. I believe that a truly life-affirming religion must be anthropocentric, meaning that it must place the well-being of humans at the center of its worldview.

Anthropocentrism is not about putting humans above all other creatures. Rather, it is about recognizing that humans are unique creatures with a special capacity for moral agency and compassion. It is this capacity that gives humans a responsibility to care for the planet and all its inhabitants.

A truly life-affirming religion will teach its followers to love and respect all life. It will teach them to live in harmony with nature and to use their resources wisely. It will teach them to care for the poor and the marginalized. And it will teach them to work for peace and justice in the world.

A religion that does not promote human welfare is anti-life. A truly life-affirming religion must be anthropocentric.