No one needs religion to lead a moral life. That's not the argument.
But without the transcendent, without a higher power, we have no grounding for our morality. Everything becomes subjective and "post-modern".
Actions then become "justifiable" - if there is such a thing - by whatever criteria suits us: the greater good, the good of the nation, whatever.
But essentially self-interest takes over completely.
The more we move away from God the worse our societies will become.
But without the transcendent, without a higher power, we have no grounding for our morality. Everything becomes subjective and "post-modern". Actions then become "justifiable" - if there is such a thing - by whatever criteria suits us: the greater good, the good of the nation, whatever. But essentially self-interest takes over completely.
The more we move away from God the worse our societies will become.