Religion enabled society to organise itself to debate goodness, just as Greek drama had once done.

In this quote, Edward Bond, a British playwright, draws a comparison between religion and Greek drama, suggesting that both have historically played pivotal roles in organizing society around fundamental moral questions. Bond argues that religion, much like Greek drama, has provided a structured space where societies could come together to debate goodness and explore the nature of morality. Just as ancient playwrights used drama to provoke audiences into questioning right and wrong, religion has served as a framework for exploring these same concepts through sacred texts, rituals, and communal discourse.

By saying that religion helped organize society for the purpose of discussing goodness, Bond points to its role in shaping the ethical and moral underpinnings of cultures throughout history. This implies that religion is not just a belief system, but a social tool that fosters discussions about what constitutes a virtuous life and the principles that govern human interaction. In this way, religion becomes a mechanism through which values are debated, refined, and passed down from generation to generation.

Bond’s reference to Greek drama highlights how this form of art, with its deep moral and philosophical questions, once served as a public forum for grappling with complex issues. In ancient Greece, playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides used theater as a way to provoke thought and inspire conversations about justice, fate, and the human condition. In a similar way, religion has acted as a stage for society to engage in debates about moral dilemmas, purpose, and the nature of goodness.

Ultimately, the quote suggests that both religion and Greek drama offer frameworks for discussing morality and ethics. Bond highlights the importance of these systems in shaping societies, offering a structured method for people to explore their beliefs, challenge assumptions, and strive towards a common understanding of what is good and just.