Is there evidence that Christianity is a major cause of personal and social problems?

Question 1

Line of Argument:

Answer 1

While critics like Freud and Dawkins argue that Christianity fosters irrationality, prejudice, and social division, defenders such as McGrath and Bonhoeffer contend that Christianity provides moral guidance and social cohesion.

The evidence suggests that while Christianity can contribute to certain problems (e.g., fundamentalism, resistance to scientific progress), it is not uniquely harmful compared to secular ideologies and may offer necessary ethical frameworks in an increasingly secular world.

Question 2

Introduction
- Contextualise the debate
- Key terms
- Thesis

Answer 2

• Contextualise the debate: Secularism challenges religion’s role in society, while religious thinkers defend its moral and social value.
• Key terms:
  
  • Secularisation: Decline of religion’s societal influence.
  • Militant atheism (Dawkins, Hitchens): View that religion is inherently harmful.
  • Fundamentalism: Rigid adherence to religious doctrine, often linked to social problems.
• Thesis: Christianity has been criticised for fostering irrationality and conflict, but its role in social cohesion and moral guidance complicates the claim that it is a major cause of personal and social problems.

Question 3

Paragraph 1

Answer 3

Paragraph 1: Christianity as a Source of Irrationality and Social Division

Argument: Critics argue Christianity promotes irrational thinking and exacerbates prejudice.

Question 4

Paragraph 1: Christianity as a Source of Irrationality and Social Division

A01

Answer 4

Freud & Dawkins:
* Religion as “infantile wish-fulfilment” (Freud) and “irrational faith” (Dawkins).
* Dawkins: Faith discourages critical thinking (e.g., doubting Thomas story).
* Freud: Religion imposes external morality, causing repression and resentment.

Religion and prejudice:
* Dawkins: Christianity fosters in-group/out-group hostility (e.g., homophobia, sectarianism).
* Hitchens: Religion is inherently expansionist, threatening secular freedoms.

Question 5

Paragraph 1: Christianity as a Source of Irrationality and Social Division

Evaluation

Answer 5

McGrath’s rebuttal:
* Not all religious belief is irrational (e.g., Aquinas’ logical arguments, modern converts like Flew).
* Jesus’ teachings promote love, not violence (e.g., “out-group affirmation”).

Counter-rebuttal:
* Even if some belief is rational, fundamentalism remains a risk (Harris: moderates enable extremists).
* Biblical literalism (e.g., Old Testament violence) can justify prejudice.

Question 6

Paragraph 1: Christianity as a Source of Irrationality and Social Division

Conclusion

Answer 6

Conclusion: While Christianity can encourage irrationality and division, McGrath shows it is not inherently irrational, and its ethical teachings may mitigate harm.

Question 7

Paragraph 2

Answer 7

Paragraph 2: Christianity vs. Secularism on Moral and Social Stability

Argument: Secular critics claim society can thrive without religion, but defenders argue Christianity prevents moral collapse.

Question 8

Paragraph 2: Christianity vs. Secularism on Moral and Social Stability

A01

Answer 8

Freud’s critique:
* Religious morality is externally imposed, causing neurosis; secular autonomy is preferable.

Secular violence:
* McGrath: 20th-century atrocities (Stalin, Hitler) show secular ideologies can be equally destructive.

• Ratzinger: Atheism creates a moral void, leading to authoritarianism.

Question 9

Paragraph 2: Christianity vs. Secularism on Moral and Social Stability

Evaluation

Answer 9

Harris’ response:
* Atheism has no doctrine; secular societies (e.g., Scandinavia) are highly functional.

• Religion is not necessary for morality (empirical evidence: secular nations have lower violence).

Bonhoeffer’s defence:
* “Religionless Christianity” adapts faith to modernity, providing ethical guidance without dogma.

• The Church acts as a check on state power (e.g., resisting Nazism).

Question 10

Paragraph 2: Christianity vs. Secularism on Moral and Social Stability

Conclusion

Answer 10

Conclusion: While secularism can function stably, Christianity’s moral framework may prevent societal decay, particularly if reformed (e.g., Bonhoeffer’s approach).

Question 11

Conclusion
- Summary
- Final judgement
- Broader implication

Answer 11

• Summary: Christianity has been linked to irrationality and conflict, but its role is nuanced—moderate forms provide moral structure, while extremism causes harm.
• Final judgement: Christianity is not a major cause of social problems when compared to secular alternatives, but fundamentalist strands remain problematic.
• Broader implication: The issue is not Christianity itself, but how it is practiced—liberal, adaptive theologies (e.g., Bonhoeffer) may reconcile faith with modernity.