I'm an atheist and I'm not particularly fond of religion. I think it segregates people and causes tension. I see religions as a powerful opponents of knowledge. Science teachers in the US are heckled, harassed and have to deal with angry letters from religious parents. Now Islamic pressure and unwillingness to learn evolution is influencing schools in Europe too.
I can't help feel that if organized religions were gone, that could improve scientific education in general and help tear down some of the barriers between peoples. As for the quiet, inward sort of religion that people nurture in their hearts, that's fine by me. Just as long as they don't try to jam sticks in the spokes of the wheels of educated society.
|