Just to throw in my two-penneth-worth....
Padriag has got it right saying that some 'bad' people would use any justification to excuse their 'bad' actions.
However, the main problem lies in that religion (i.e. the bible, amongst other religious texts) appears to justify immoral actions, with the promise of post-mortam reward. Therefore otherwise 'good' people take actions which they would otherwise not be tempted to take, as they believe there is a greater reward awaiting them; and (as their dictated morality is fixed and beyond question),the consequences of their ethical choices were not fully thought through.
Also, lets not just limit this action "to do bad things" (that theists are motivated to take) to extreme examples such as suicide bombing, or terrorist activities. Lets not forget the anti-gay, and condom restricting dogma's of the catholic church; which are (in any sane-minded person's) anti-social and detremental to the wider society.
Padriag has got it right saying that some 'bad' people would use any justification to excuse their 'bad' actions.
However, the main problem lies in that religion (i.e. the bible, amongst other religious texts) appears to justify immoral actions, with the promise of post-mortam reward. Therefore otherwise 'good' people take actions which they would otherwise not be tempted to take, as they believe there is a greater reward awaiting them; and (as their dictated morality is fixed and beyond question),the consequences of their ethical choices were not fully thought through.
Also, lets not just limit this action "to do bad things" (that theists are motivated to take) to extreme examples such as suicide bombing, or terrorist activities. Lets not forget the anti-gay, and condom restricting dogma's of the catholic church; which are (in any sane-minded person's) anti-social and detremental to the wider society.
