Banning religion

Submitted by Claire (United States), Feb 23, 2008 at 11:44

Meghan,

I don't think we should ban any religion. I do think religion itself is a problem, however. People believe whatever they are taught through their culture. There is no scientific evidence for the truth of any religion, and religious leaders personally gain from spreading religious doctrine.

On the other hand, non-religious countries just choose some other ideology, such as Maoism, on which to focus. So banning religion wouldn't ban ideology.

But religion and government should be separate, in my mind. And the only way to achieve that is to avoid declaring a national or even community religion, so people have freedom to choose any or no religion, and to change laws so religious groups cannot mingle religion and government.

If your religion works for you, and gives you the comfort and other things you need, then I think that is what you need to believe. But religion shouldn't be forced on anyone, and I think it's dangerous for countries to declare specific religions, because it only breeds hate and war.

I would like to see us get to the point where people don't feel the need for ancient religions, but people seem to need their beliefs.

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