I read a letter in the paper recently that addressed the frequently discussed problems in our public schools. The letter correctly pointed out that the problems aren't just in the schools, but everywhere. Further, it went on to state that religion certainly isn't the answer; a return to personal responsibility is.
And the writer was correct. Religion, after all, often tells us that things are not our responsibility. Expressions such as "God's will be done," or "the devil made me do it" demonstrate that many people feel certain things are simply beyond their personal influence.
How often have we heard of atrocities where the perpetrator(s) claimed to be doing God's work? White supremacists and other bigots generally fall into this category. I've written before about anti-Semitism and its religious roots. Hitler felt he was doing Christ's will by killing millions of Jews, homosexuals, atheists, and others.
But when was the last time you heard of an atrocity where the perpetrator(s) admitted to not being religious? I can't think of any, off the top of my head.
We who discard religion, who reject the concept of deities, know that morality comes from within. We know that maintaining personal responsibility for our actions is the only way to live a life of integrity.
We do not habitually give credit or blame to God or the devil, nor feel that these beings are controlling our actions in any way.
Is it any wonder that, on the whole, we act far more ethically than our religious counterparts?
