Although I agree with the cultural aspect of these differences, I find it hard to see that religion plays less of a part when, every time I read a newspaper, I see yet more encroachment on modern civilization in the name of religion. People alone can be evil, no doubt. When religion is involved, these people see reason to their atrocities.
Taking Islam as an example, you may hear that it's embracing those who have different views as a newer, more hip Islam. Never forget though, that this religion (among others) will not tolerate ANY impurities and will be satisfied ONLY when Islam final. It sees any non-believers a sub-human.
Rivalry, war and conflict are innate in religion. As human beings we have the ability to form our own beliefs and opinions of everything we see and this has been the case since we evolved into the primate we are today. This is precisely why the continued existence of religion will not allow the human race coincide in peaceful existence.
Is there not one person who can give a suitable response to the below statement in favor of religion? (I've asked it of religious people enough times)
Name one good, morally just undertaking that a religious person can do but an Athiest CANNOT. Physically, cannot do.
Now, name one evil undertaking that a religious person can do that an Athiest would never dream of.
When you truthfully and logically think about these statements... there's not a single morally just and good undertaking that a religious person can do that I can't.
As for the evil that a religious person can undertake that I would never even think of doing? You guessed it. The mutilation of babies genitalia (circumcision) is one of the less obvious undertakings that I'd like to describe... it's OK though. It's done in the name of religion.
But the first statement? If anyone has any ideas on that, I'd like, genuinely, to know.
