THE TIDE OF HISTORY IS TURNING Throughout history there have been times when sea changes have occurred in human thought. They dont happen often and they dont happen easily. There are always people who resist new thinking—sometimes to the point of laying down their lives to preserve the old way. Examples of such changes are the realisation that owning people is immoral and the idea that the Earth orbits the sun. These changes usually take many years, or generations, to play out. We could imagine as a new thought takes hold, some people will start to feel they are on the wrong side of history—they can see change is happening and is inevitable but they resent it, disagree with it and do not want to be part of it. At least two such changes are happening now. The first is the recognition that gay couples can, and should, be given the same rights as hetero couples. This trivially obvious idea has been poisoned for more than 2,000 years by the Abrahamic religions but reason is the antidote to that poison and many progressive countries have already moved to give gay couples equal rights. Many more will follow in the next decade. The second change may prove to be the most revolutionary of all. In several countries, babies born today will grow up in an environment almost free of religion. Those who resent and disagree with this will inevitably warn of dire consequences: immorality and falling standards. But they will be wrong. The data already shows the most godless countries are socially healthier with low crimes rates, low rates of STDs and of teen pregnancy. Moreover, the people are happier and live longer. People do not need religion to be decent—they need empathy and to be taught to value and respect others. So if youre beginning to feel youre on the wrong side of history, dont lash out, THINK. Look at the evidence of those countries that have already left you behind. Think with your brain and not just your heart.
Posted on: Sun, 21 Dec 2014 19:35:11 +0000