re: #21 CuriousLurker

I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said, but I’d point out that I’ve made no claims about about religion improving morality.

I realize you didn’t say that. My reference to morality is because I think improved morality improves the world (though not everyone agrees on the definition of morality.) Having something to cling to in tough times is all well and good, but if religion was really going to be a force for good, it would make the world a better place. Solace is a wonderful thing, but not if it encourages everyone to just accept an unjust status quo.

The bumper sticker theology of “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” leaps to mind. I suspect these folks are not planning on being better than anyone else, they just have a ‘get out of jail free’ card to play while you and I don’t.

As I said, I have no particular interest in taking away anyone’s faith, but I don’t think there is much accomplished by looking at only the good religion (or any institution) does without also looking for the harm-and vice versa.