> As I said above, there are bad Christians just as there are bad
> atheists.  Just because some religions at some times have been used to
> control people doesn't mean that it is inherently wrong.

It is the use of religion as a justification for certain actions that
is wrong. As I said earlier it is the biggest con the world has ever
seen and this con is used to justify so many things and really to
further the aims of a few people in power. To claim "I am doing this
in the name of God" is flagrant use of false pretences to further
one's own agenda and to seek justification for what has been done.

> Do you not agree that morality is an important topic?  It has been
> said that the most important things in life (morality & religion) are
> the least certain and the least important things in life (physics &
> mathematics) are the most certain.

Morality could be defined as goodness, and the opposite might be
"badness" therefore it is not such a difficult choice. I think all of
us know inherently what is good and what is bad.

> Can't you take a good act at face value?  Do you have to read sinister
> motives into every act of kindness and love?

Davin, nothing is at face value with the church, everything is
designed to get people to convert to their religion. By showing a good
face to the community, people think kindly towards the church and are
more inclined to eventually join up.

In the bible there is a specific command to go forth and spread the
word. This is what it is all about.

> So what?  When someone tells me that God is talking directly to them
> and telling them to do such and such, I take their statement as being
> metaphorical rather than literal.  When I meditate, for example, God's
> plan for me reveals itself to me.

Do you too claim God is talking to you?

> Just because some people believe that God is commanding them to do
> such and such doesn't mean that religion is wrong.  Look at science
> for example.  Most of it is good, but some of it is bad, such as
> chemical & germ weapons.

Many bad things have been done in the name of religion and many good
things too but the underlying factor is to force a point of view upon
others.