A Harvard University professor sparked an online debate Thursday after suggesting belief in heaven has harmed the coronavirus response by devaluing human life.
Steven Pinker, a professor of psychology at the school, made the comments on Twitter while referencing a Washington Post article that blamed evangelicals for the movement to a quick reopening of America.
“Belief in an afterlife is a malignant delusion, since it devalues actual lives and discourages action that would make them longer, safer, and happier,” Pinker wrote on Twitter. “Exhibit A: What’s really behind Republicans wanting a swift reopening? Evangelicals.”
Belief in an afterlife is a malignant delusion, since it devalues actual lives and discourages action that would make them longer, safer, and happier. Exhibit A: What’s really behind Republicans wanting a swift reopening? Evangelicals. https://t.co/ppo2bwiVGn
— Steven Pinker (@sapinker) May 21, 2020
The comment drew more than 4,500 responses.
“It’s just the opposite,” one person wrote. “People who believe there is no higher power or no consequences in the afterlife are much more willing to commit crimes if they think they can get away with it.”
“My faith in God only increases my appreciation for the value, worth & purpose of each human life (mine included),” another person wrote. “This isn’t some sort of waiting…
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