10 Things I Don't like About Religion!

1. When it makes us feel bad about ourselves versus lifting us up

Some religions hold us to rules which we can never achieve. Sometimes these rules even counter the very nature of the human spirit. Religion is a beautiful thing which should lift us up and help us become better people, not destroy our spirit in the process. This point is especially about those of us who feel bad about ourselves because of what religion tells us.

I'm not saying that religion should not hold us to what is moral, ethical or right. I am however saying that if religion destroys us in the process we will never attain the growth which religion can often time offer.

2. When we use it to keep us from having to take responsibility for our actions

I know a lot of people who use religion to place blame for their actions on others. The one notable example in my mind deals with reincarnation. If a person had a bad past life then it is their fault in this life that they have suffered human right violations versus the person who committed them.

This idea happens a lot in terms of domestic abuse. It's always the person who got hit that is at fault. This is a ridiculous idea. It is even more scary when someone uses religion to make this point..

3. When it is used to gain votes by those running for political office

I'm not saying this about countries who have theocracy. I'm saying it for countries who don't. This is true in the United States. There is supposed to be separation of religion and state. While some arguments are a matter of the cultural and historical importance of religion in this country, when it is used as a focal point of political process we are making a huge mistake.

Religion is the make up of a great many people. We do vote based on the values of individuals. Taking into account a persons religion while making a choice may be as important as any other issue. However in terms of campaign process, religion should not be a focal point. Religion may govern certain ideas and issues but ultimately it should be the issues standing alone for which someone retains a vote.

4. When it is used to convince people they should blow up or kill others