Religion has touched nearly every aspect of our lives, from holidays and rituals to morality and identity.
So what if, suddenly, religion just didn’t exist anymore? Would the world fall into chaos, or would we find new ways of connecting, understanding, and thriving together? While thinking about this is not to say that we’d all be better off, but there’s no use denying that the way we live would dramatically change, and in many ways, that might even be for the better. It’s hard to know how a planet like this would really pan out, but here are some of the more fascinating (and sometimes attractive!) possibilities.
1. Morality might become more individualised.
Without religious guidelines telling people what’s right and wrong, moral decisions would likely become more personal and subjective. People would rely more heavily on their own values, empathy, or practical reasoning, rather than following established religious doctrines. That change might lead to more open discussions about ethics. People could create their own moral frameworks based on mutual understanding and community, possibly resulting in more diverse and flexible ideas about right and wrong.
2. Politics might become less discriminatory.
Religion often influences laws, elections, and political discussions, sometimes causing deep divisions. If religion vanished, political debates might become more focused on practical concerns—like healthcare, education, or the environment—rather than religious beliefs.
Without religious identity shaping political viewpoints, parties might collaborate more easily on real-world issues. That could potentially reduce political tension, leading to calmer, more productive discussions about the things directly affecting people’s lives.
3. People would find new ways to build community.
Religion often creates close-knit communities, but without it, people would naturally look for other ways to connect. Shared interests, hobbies, social causes, or local events might become new foundations for forming community bonds. That could encourage greater diversity and inclusivity, allowing people who never fit neatly into religious settings to feel more welcome. Communities might become places where differences are embraced, rather than downplayed or excluded.
4. Conflict based on religion would disappear.
Source: Unsplash History has witnessed countless conflicts rooted in religious differences. Without religion, many of these tensions could diminish significantly, removing a common reason people have historically fought and divided themselves.
That doesn’t guarantee global harmony, of course. Humans would still disagree about plenty, but without religious divisions, conflicts might become less about identity and more about tangible problems that can be addressed with clear solutions.
5. Rituals would become more personalised and inclusive.
Major life events—birthdays, weddings, funerals—often have strong religious ties. Without these traditional rituals, people would likely create new, deeply personalised ways to celebrate milestones, drawing from their own life experiences and cultural preferences.
These new rituals could reflect individual personalities and stories, allowing people to share celebrations based purely on human connections, rather than religious customs. They’d become universal, accessible to everyone regardless of background.
6. Science would play an even bigger role in society.
Religion often provides explanations for life’s mysteries. Without it, science would likely become the primary source of understanding, as more people turn to evidence-based explanations about existence, consciousness, and the universe. Science could receive greater attention, funding, and support, becoming central in education and everyday discussions. That change would promote curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation on an even larger scale.
7. Education would likely be more secular and practical.
Without religious teachings in the classroom, education would focus on practical knowledge, critical thinking, and skills directly useful in everyday life. Students would learn to explore complex ideas openly, relying on reasoning and evidence instead of religious beliefs. That could encourage greater intellectual freedom and curiosity, creating a generation that’s comfortable questioning norms and pursuing deeper understanding about the world around them.
8. People would discover new ways to find meaning.
Religion often gives people a clear sense of purpose. Without it, meaning would become more personal, arising from relationships, personal achievements, passions, or helping other people. That could encourage people to appreciate the simple, daily joys more deeply, finding significance in personal growth, emotional connections, and ordinary experiences rather than external beliefs or promises of an afterlife.
9. Art and culture would explore new themes.
Many great works of art have religious themes, but without religion, artists would have to look elsewhere for inspiration. We might see more art exploring universal human emotions, relationships, nature, or personal struggles. As a result, it could lead to richer diversity in storytelling, giving voice to unique human experiences previously overshadowed by religious narratives. Art would become deeply personal, relatable, and inclusive.
10. Gender roles and sexuality might evolve more quickly.
Religion has historically shaped gender expectations and ideas around sexuality. Without religious constraints, society might embrace greater openness and acceptance, creating more inclusive spaces for diverse identities and lifestyles. That could mean faster progress towards gender equality, fewer stigmas around sexuality, and a more welcoming environment where people feel free to express their true selves without fear or judgement.
11. Mental health could be discussed more openly.
Without religious stigma or fear around mental health issues, people might feel more comfortable getting therapy, counselling, or emotional support. Mental health would likely become an everyday topic, discussed as casually as physical health. That change would normalise asking for help, breaking down barriers and misconceptions about mental health struggles. People could receive the support they need more quickly, improving overall well-being.
12. Charity would focus more on human empathy.
Religious beliefs often motivate people to give to charity. Without this, charitable actions would likely be driven purely by empathy, compassion, and direct human connection, potentially creating deeper, more genuine acts of kindness. That could result in more hands-on, community-based charity, rooted in personal experiences and shared struggles. Giving would become a natural human response, rather than a moral obligation.
13. Personal accountability would increase.
Without religious teachings about divine judgement, people would feel more directly responsible for their actions. Knowing their decisions directly impact themselves and others, people might become more mindful about how they behave and the world they’re creating. More accountability could encourage stronger social responsibility, civic engagement, and a greater sense of ownership in building fairer, kinder communities.
14. Death and grief might become easier to discuss.
Without beliefs about an afterlife, conversations about death would likely become more straightforward and open. People might embrace practical and emotional support rather than leaning on religious comfort. It could help us navigate grief with more honesty and clarity, making death feel less mysterious or frightening, and creating stronger emotional support networks in difficult times.
15. Human rights would become truly universal.
Sometimes religious beliefs lead to selective application of human rights. Without religious exceptions, societies might fully commit to equal rights for all people, regardless of identity, lifestyle, or background. That could lead to greater global equality, fairness, and acceptance. People everywhere might experience greater freedom and respect, with rights based solely on human dignity, not religious doctrine.
