Do I think religion has been used to do good? Yes.
Do I think that someone can do good without religion? Yes.
Do I think religion has been used as a cause to advance many horrifying acts? Yes.
Do I think religion has clouded our judgement and caused us to focus overtly on what's after this instead of focusing on the here-and-now? Yes.
Do I think focus on what is after this life is meaningful? No, given that we have no evidence that can be scientifically tested or does not have a natural explanation.
However, even after all this I am still agnostic to the question. As we have evolved we have learned how easily our brains play tricks on us. Some people are not as strong as others and need a crutch...this is why, at this time, I do not entirely disregard all religion. But as long as there is a crutch to lean on, we will never know if we can learn to walk uprightly without it.
The rest is purely conjecture and speculation.
Do I think that someone can do good without religion? Yes.
Do I think religion has been used as a cause to advance many horrifying acts? Yes.
Do I think religion has clouded our judgement and caused us to focus overtly on what's after this instead of focusing on the here-and-now? Yes.
Do I think focus on what is after this life is meaningful? No, given that we have no evidence that can be scientifically tested or does not have a natural explanation.
However, even after all this I am still agnostic to the question. As we have evolved we have learned how easily our brains play tricks on us. Some people are not as strong as others and need a crutch...this is why, at this time, I do not entirely disregard all religion. But as long as there is a crutch to lean on, we will never know if we can learn to walk uprightly without it.
The rest is purely conjecture and speculation.
