Religion - Pros & Cons Options

[darkphyre]

What Atheists think about religion

Atheist Criticisms of Religion

Not all atheists are hostile to religion, but many do think that religion is bad. Here are some of their reasons...

• Religion gets people to believe something untrue.
  
• Religion makes people base the way they run their lives on a falsehood.
  
• Religion stops people thinking in a rational and objective way.
  
• Religion forces people to rely on outside authority, rather than becoming self-reliant.
  
• Religion imposes irrational rules of good and bad behaviour.
  
• Religion divides people, and is a cause of conflict and war.
  
• The hierarchical structure of most religions is anti-democratic, and thus offends basic human rights.
  
• Religion doesn't give equal treatment to women and gay people, and thus offends basic human rights.
  
• Religion obstructs scientific research.
  
• Religion wastes time and money.

Religion has good bits to it.

Most atheists willingly concede there are some good things about religion, such as:

• Religious art and music
  
• Religious charities and good works
  
• Much religious wisdom and scripture
  
• Human fellowship and togetherness

I agree with just about everything on this list. What do you think?

[onenonly101]

The basic human rights are internationally recognized. They are not open to interpretation.

Yes they are, that is why we have different laws in different countries

I hardly believe that a person who participates in a religion is less likely to lie or drink than someone who doesn't.

"When a slave owner strikes a male or female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner's property. (Exod. 21:20-21)"

That's sure a rational rule.

Exodus, in the old testament, the old church. We are now to live in the new church i.e. new testament. In that time slaves were property so therefore the rule was rational according to those times.

Yay for women! As for gay people, if they're the same, why can't they get married?

Gay people are the same a straight people, but then they chosse to sin by being gay. And God didn't create marriage to be something unholy(sinful) so they can't be married.

But it's better to be dependent on someone that is real, no?

And God is real

Religion is more often a cause of conflict and war than race. As well, ethnicity is unavoidable, whereas religion is a choice.

The wars begin with opposition in religion but the war doesn't continue to be fought because of religion but because of different points of views and hate, so it can't be entirely blamed on religion.

Yes they would because of the fact you said participate in their religion they would do as their religion says such as don't drink or lie. It doesn't mean they wouldn't do those things but it means they would be less likely to do it.

Ok, I won't use evolution. Right now, George W. Bush is preventing/limiting stem cell research solely based on his religious views. These stem cells have the potential to cure or treat many diseases and disorders.

they have potential..that doesn't mean it will owrk. Also many poeple believe that using the stem cell research kills people and they aren't basing it on religion, so those problems would arise regardless of having religion.

I guess you're just naturally a morally corrupt person. I'm not religious, and I don't smoke or drink or have sex.

No, i would just be a "teenager" since i would have nothing to support why I shouldn't do it