The Sanctity of Life

For centuries humans have been killing each other for various reasons, whether for greed, lust, power or fear. One wonders why the carnage has been so great that millions of our specie have perished by our own hands. It raises the question: Why?

The evolution of man has always been rooted in the need for survival. The strong slay the weak, sometimes just because they have the power. The weak respond with cunning strategies to survive. One method has been to invent  a power that is presumed to be greater than mortal man, and stay the hand of the executioner. It is a mysticism in which a God punishes those who transgress on humanity.  This God is more powerful than any human and he lives in Heaven where he can keep an eye on the wicked. It is an effective deterrent when believed and protects the weak from predation. This strategy has seemed to be so successful that millions have endorsed the idea by building a foundation of churches and clergy to promulgate the message.It became a religion that promises eternal life in Heaven if you follow the rules laid down by the church.

Unfortunately, the strategy has backfired.  The promise of eternal life has diminished the value of earthly existence, and under duress humans willingly give it up. Through the ages religion has grown more powerful, but has been sullied by opposing belief systems to such extent that humans have become more warlike than peaceful. The contest of religions has spread throughout the world. Muslims hate the Jews and Christians, a condition that has grown over centuries of bloodshed and violence. Christians and Jews have responded in kind. Other religions remain passionate in their own beliefs. We have a world torn apart by religious zeal.

The Crusades in medieval tims illustrates the failure of man to adopt an effective religion that protects and defends humanity. In fact we have a history of war just because of religious differences.  Political leaders in all nations often declare war for economic reasons while using religious beliefs to recruit support from fellow citizens. It the most effective way to enlist those willing to die because they find eternal life in the exchange. The value of life is dimished when one had God waiting at the other end with open arms.