[Lostie!]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

Religion itself doesn't cause wars or hatred....People use their interpretation as reason to commit heinous acts. "God" or whatever deity people believe in become an excuse. Most people who believe in religion do so for the right reasons but there are exceptions in all religions who will use it to justify their own actions. Religion brings peace and comfort to many.

Originally Posted by Brillopad

A religious belief is simply an idea, a thought, an opinion. It isn't something that can be measured or proven..

And by the same token, disproven. Not believing in it is all fine and well, actively lambasting and mocking people for believing in it (and using that to make unfair aspersions on their character) is something else entirely and nothing more than small-minded bigotry, something that people ironically like to exclusively blame religion for.

Originally Posted by Brillopad

Yes it gives people comfort but when it is used as a way to control people or gives people reason to hate others who don't believe in the same - it becomes dangerous and more trouble than it's worth in my opinion.

I think the same can be said for some anti-religious sentiments.