Well, I imagine there are lots of practical differences between non-believers and those who believe but in a "distant" God, by which I think they mean one who doesn't actively intervene.
For example, if you believe in the soul and an afterlife then you've got an incentive to behave that's more than just idealism.
People who don't believe in an afterlife might live very upright lives but they might not, either. The only incentive to behave well is fear of what might happen to you on earth, such as criminal prosecution, or shame, or self-loathing.
Believing in a God that doesn't intervene -- not sure where that comes from, nor what it's called theologically. I don't know if you're a Doors fan, but Jim Morrison said, in one of his songs, "you cannot petition the Lord with prayer." (From The Soft Parade.)
We can't all have our prayers answered all the time. For example, people who pray to get a job, or win the love of someone, or win the lottery -- well, only one person is going to have that prayer answered, if any.
I don't think that's what prayer is about, anyway. For me, prayer is more like dialogue, communication, heart to heart talks. I don't expect anything to be given to me, I just want to be a better person.
So, believing in God affects my behavior. You already pointed out the benefit this can be to society. |
