War on Religion

What has religion got to do with being American?

It is often said by religionists that their beliefs should be respected. Indeed in most places it's almost taboo to say something bad about religion. Some atheists have said that while they don't believe in a God, they can leave believers to their vices and let them get on with it. Do they have a case?

When someone claims to believe in a supernatural being and it gives them comfort and personal fulfillment (albeit under a delusion) it's not that much of a problem. If they want to fool themselves, so be it. The problem is, though, that it doesn't end there. Many religions try to convert others, interfere in politics and the private lives of others.

The reason many atheists or anti-theists (as I would label myself) speak out against religion is because the comfort many find in religion isn't worth the cost. How many children are being mutilated in the name of religion? How many live their lives in fear after being told about the repulsive idea of eternal damnation in a firey hell? How many people have caught AIDS because of being told by their religious leaders not to use condoms? Religion gives people the excuse to do anything and justify it.

As Christopher Hitchens so eloquently says, there are crimes that can ONLY be commited by religious people. We aren't just talking extremes either. So no, we shouldn't respect people's religions when they are so clearly violent, evil and criminal at the very core. It's not surprising really when one reads the Bible and sees Yahweh as a petty vindictive genocidal maniac.

Lately it seems that more and more atheists are speaking out against religion and for good reason. All of those reading this should consider joining the fight against these crazed blood-thirsty groups. Its about high-time we did away with religion for good.