Well first Thank you Altfish for approaching the subject in such a manner. I am used to being attacked lol. Anyways here is my answer.
What is meant by confession? I didn't understand?
Repentance grants us forgiveness.
But what is the meaning to repent?
1-To be true about it.
2- Stop doing it again.
3- You have to regret it. Like you don't say I used to steal ,,,, wow they were good old days. You have to regret doing it.
4- Decide not to go back to the same sin in the future
5- If you can return the rights to people you have done damage do, you should
So it is not like okay let us do this and that and than we will repent. God know what is inside of us. For example, if you give money for the poor to be viewed a good person this won't be accepted. So things don't go in the way you describe.
I am a believer and I have the same reasons plus, but not all people have that mentality. Some do need to know that punishment exists so they would stay out of trouble.
Well okay first in our five pillars of Islam, there is "Zakat" which is money we must give to the poor in case our salary was more than a certain away. The rate is 2.5 %. There is Fasting Ramadan also which its main purpose is to remember the poor.
Now let us take a look at some verses in the Quraan.
60:8 Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
41:34-36
34 And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.
35 But none is granted it except those who are patient, and none is granted it except one having a great portion [of good].
36 And if there comes to you from Satan an evil suggestion, then seek refuge in Allah . Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.
6:108 And do not insult those they invoke other than Allah , lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge. Thus We have made pleasing to every community their deeds. Then to their Lord is their return, and He will inform them about what they used to do.
5:8 O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah , witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.
I meant by confession the process that Catholics (for one) go through, repent your sins to a Priest, say 100 Hail Marys and don't do it again - God will then accept you as cleansed. Your religion obviously doesn't have this facility.
I do not dispute that the vast majority of religious people are mainly good people (as I would argue so too are the vast majority of non-believers) but would the religious people all still be good if they were not going to get a reward in the after-life?
I give money to many charities (non-religious ones I hasten to add
), it is through choice, not because I am 'taxed' to do so.
I could quote you many passages from the Quraan and the associated writings that are far from peaceful; the quotes I'm afraid do not impress me.
Being at work, soon going home!!, I can't watch the video, but I will try to watch it, maybe tonight. I also cannot post your links because I haven't done enough posts, so I have deleted them from your original post which I have quoted