If Religion Is Not Just a Metaphor for Superstition,

[SoFlaDem]

61. I have never said the problem never exists

Are not many of the problems prevalent in religious institutions not also prevalent in the secular world? Nazis weren't particularly religious from what I understand, not was Stalinist Russia or the Cultural revolution unde Mao.

But I also think it is more a matter of human institutions than in a person seeking a Higher Power. I do believe from personal experience there are emotional advantages to faith that do not need to be, and are not, tied to the issues you raise. Religion is not going anywhere soon. I think faith can also be useful - how about Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement?

I believe the key is to educate and to help faith evolve into what it is supposed to be -- a personal experience and a way to mind our own personal actions and not to force it upon others. I don't believe all religion is bad because I have experienced the good. There is no way, nor should there be any way. for people to force religion go away. The solution, it would seem, is the same as any other solution in dealing with human nature and human foibles -- help people look past their prejudices and biases and help them learn to follow their conscience. Patriotism, politics, culture, greed, pursuit of power, etc. (much of which heavily influences the way Religion is approached by a population) are also among the many things that can negatively affect the way people behave and I am not convinced a whole lot would even change in this world without religion. In fact, who knows, things even get worse since many ethics promoted by religion are positive (do unto others, for example).