Religion

Religion has its place- to give society its moral perspectives, and to explain the unknown. The problem with religion is that it does more than just suggest morals and provide interesting nursery rhymes, it manifests itself with the carrot and the stick. In the case of Judeo-Christian religions, Heaven and Hell. It gives these motivation piece in order to 'encourage' those people who do not see the self-evidence in moral living. This of course leads to indoctrination and fanaticism, filling the world with people bent on avoiding the carrot and the stick by using their own carrots and sticks to motivate their fellow man. This of course, is the cause of all that is wrong with the world.

To break it down: religion steals rights, as it restricts individualism and curiosity by describing a checklist for the carrot and the stick. Religion twists politics, as it creates loyalties between members of a particular faith rather than loyalties to reason, humanity, and in an ironic twist, principles. Religion creates inequality, as its use of the carrot and the stick allows mankind's use of the carrot and the stick, which forces the reality upon the world that where some are rewarded, others are punished, and not everyone can win. Religion creates pride, which creates violence. Religion restricts curiosity, as it describes the way things are and allows no room for questioning, and as it moralizes on every part of life. Religion restricts life, as it starts wars, induces terrorist activity, encourages prejudice, and demolishes understanding.

Religion however, cannot be the root of all evil. It is human interpretation of the writings of other humans as the writings of God that creates religion's negative effects. It is in following the letter of the law that man finds his downfall, and in understanding the spirit of the law that he finds his salvation.