[Trunks]

Generally, i would be the one bashing religion, but I will play devils advocate this time around. Religion can be a good thing, if you are being reasonable/rational. It gives people something to believe in. Something to hope for. In some cases, it even negates a persons fear of death. It helps people get on with their lives after losing a cherished friend, or a loved one. Religion hasn't really done things to improve society as a whole, but it has done things to improve people, as indivisuals. Personally, i do not believe in god. I prefer taoism to any of the 3 major monotheistic religions because it makes more sense, and there is some evidence to support it. But that is my choice.

If people want to believe in god, let them. If it helps them in even the smallest way, let them. However, what I do have a problem with is when religious people start mixing politics with religion, and doing things like halting stem cell research. My take on it is simple. You don't like stem cells? Dont use them. That should not stop other people from having the right to choose though.

Basically, I think the "anti religion" people don't really have a problem with peopling believe what they want, they just don't like the fact that the people are taking their views with them into the political field. Religion should stay an indivisual thing, and one persons religious beliefs should not affect the country which he/she rules/helps rule.

TK-423 I have to disagree. Solidus is right on the money when it comes to improving society as a whole, because fact is, like it or not, religion is slowing down our progress. For hundreds of years the Church persecuted has brutally killed scientists/researchers for daring to challenge the church's views. Is that not sickening as well? Without religion, there would be a lot less wars, and substantially more people would be thinking thinking rationally.