Sian asked:

What would be the consequences for a society without religion?

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The consequences for a society which is not completely religious are available to see in all ages. It is
rare for religion to be all-pervasive, and today, in Britain, Australia, America, at least, there are
multiple religions as well as a vast amount of atheism. I think that religion is useful for laying moral
foundations within a society. As the world is, most people who have no commitment to religion are
still exposed to religious teaching, but if a society had no history of religion at all, morality would still
have an impact.

Morality might be grounded in "rational bargaining" which is a recognition of the rights and freedoms
of others, aiming at a peacefully run society, or it may be grounded in utilitarianism. Utilitarianism
aims, simplistically, for the greatest happiness of the greatest number, and would rule against bad
deeds as not conducive to happiness. However, such societies would be simply rule or pleasure
governed but there is another element of morality which may be based upon religious teachings, such
as forgiveness. Deep moral feeling such as remorse and forgiveness come from the subject rather
than some form of organised social rules. If the wrong doer, in committing an immoral act does not
suffer himself in terms of remorse then morality really has no inner, subjective, hold and a society
without religion might well differ very much from a religious society.

However, without religion there remains the natural feeling people have for one another. This may
seem an inadequate thing to rely upon, but I don't believe that people perform charitable acts, or are
just good, simply for religious reasons. We all behave well to people we love, just because we love
them and where there is love, there is forgiveness and remorse. These moral feelings are easily
extended beyond relationships based on the close tie of love. So morality with a deep subjective
aspect would exist without religion because religion doesn't necessarily provide us with these feelings
if there is also a source in love and the recognition of common humanity.

There will always be natural human fellowship, as well as individual and organised charity. Every
human being has a cause which touches him. Each organised charity brings in people with particular
interests and sympathies.

I believe that people are capable of living in peace with each other and performing good deeds
without religion.

In fact, religious differences often cause social division.

Rachel Browne