[Livia]

Originally Posted by Zee

I think people who believe their religion transcends all laws and wrong doing are beyond help. That said, I don't agree with the anti-religion views in this thread. The extreme views of a minority do not represent the religion as a whole. It'd be like if one of your siblings did something outrageously evil and you were treated as if you had personally done it, when in fact your sibling's actions had nothing to do with you, it's not your fault you are linked to one another purely by upbringing.

I was not brought up with any religion. My parents aren't religious and I am grateful that my life has developed without any religious influence. I think I've turned out alright. I don't tend to bring up my lack of religion unless I'm specifically asked about it because I think religious debates are, as people have said, very narrow minded and if someone believes strongly in their religion, their views won't take other religions (or lack of) into account. Capitalism can be absolutely awful, it leaves people in abject poverty, it takes advantage of the less fortunate and people can be left bankrupt by the system; but it also benefits a lot of people and allows them to maintain a decent standard of living. I think religion is comparable in that respect. The negative aspects of religion can be awful, but it also helps a lot of people get through the day, week, month, year...

Great post Zee, but I have to take issue with the highlighted bit. I uphold everyone's right to believe in God, whichever religion they belong to. I won't try to convert them to mine and hope they will extend me the same courtesy. Likewise, if someone doesn't believe in God, that's their call and I uphold their right to believe that. What I object to is the relentless, vitriolic criticism of agnostics and atheists who say the most outrageously insulting things about religous people and feel they should get away with it because their opinion and belief is right, and no one else's should be taken into account. Putting aside the fanatics, I find it is mostly people with no religion who will not put aside their beliefs and see the other side.