"Are you suggesting that if it were to be conclusively proven tomorrow that God does not exist, that the West would collapse? Rubbish.
Western ethical practices have some roots in religion; however, they are also derived from the function of rational thought. Suggesting that it is impossible to have an ethical existence without a belief in God is ridiculous."
Not necessarily, but I do think it would be detrimental. Religion (Christianity, Judaism or even Buddhism and Islam) is a strong promoter of decency and puts a check on materialism.
The decline of Christianity in the West has led to excessive materialism, homosexuality, pornography, abortion, and other evils.
Capitalism without Christianity either leads to a tyrannical, inhumane order similar to how animals live. Or it leads to Marxism when the materialistic population rises up after figuring it can live better by having everything handed to it.
There's a reason Marx called religion the opiate of the masses - because it adds stability to the capitalist system he hated.
"Capitalism without Christianity either leads to a tyrannical, inhumane order similar to how animals live. Or it leads to Marxism when the materialistic population rises up after figuring it can live better by having everything handed to it."
Really now.
I'd love to see some evidence directly tying lack of Christianity to tyrannical, inhumane orders and/or Marxism. I think you've bit off a bit more than you can chew on that one.
"The decline of Christianity in the West has led to excessive materialism, homosexuality, pornography, abortion, and other evils"
What's wrong with porn?
So you admit that religion is stupefying. What makes capitalism unstable, pray tell? Or are you directly quoting from Marx?
"Not necessarily, but I do think it would be detrimental. Religion (Christianity, Judaism or even Buddhism and Islam) is a strong promoter of decency and puts a check on materialism."
What then puts a check on mysticism?