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Great question! The rate of technological progress increases when we have more freedom & capitalism. That's why we need to fight for freedom today. I agree that joy of life should be what motivates people, but is that really the message of John 3:16? It promises immortality in exchange for belief. That's why I say that religion uses the fear/uncertainty of death to promote itself.

I agree that joy of life should be what motivates people, but is that really the message of John 3:16?

I suggest reading John 3:16 not only in its immediate context, but in light of John 17, especially as it gets to the end of the chapter. -- Suggest that we read the whole Bible and life itself in light of this.

BTW, I really really will read this article!

Er, I was eavesdropping and have a comment for your discussion, namely that it seems to me religion primarily answers two questions:

What is the meaning of life?
Why am I here?

The Ilil Arbel article of the above excerpts, notes that Judaism did not dwell on an afterlife:

From its inception, Judaism did not dwell on the afterlife. The Jew followed the will of God for its own sake, not for reward in Heaven or for fear of punishment in Hell. It is inevitable, though, that a religion as old as Judaism would develop some thoughts regarding the afterlife, particularly since association with people of other religions exposed the Jews to many theories. However, the disinclination to stress the afterlife resulted in diverse opinions that were never combined into one dominant theory. Some of these thoughts even contradict one another, and they served as a base to fascinating myth and folklore.

In Acts 23, verses 6 through 8, we read Paul using that very disagreement to create a stir at trial:

But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.