The Pitch: Banning All Religion

[Inchante]

The same book that gives you feel-good stories about prodigal sons also gives out bloody commands to put people to death. It has the potential to inspire good works but also acts of hatred and denigration. And its followers have the potential to take it all as the literal truth -- not just bits and pieces, but to act as if every word -- commands about loving your neighbor AND those that say "their blood is upon them." -- came from the mouth of god.

If it were only like Chicken Soup for the Soul then I think you'd have a point... but it really isn't. Most of the Bible actually isn't like that at all, and it isn't often treated as just an inspirational storybook.

Emotional and inspiring things should not be done away with. I don't think anyone has said that. But you don't need religion for it. mile:

Oh, I don't disagree with you that there are some fairly bad ideas in the Bible, as there are in many religions, but I don't see a whole bunch of people cutting off each others hands, selling their daughters into slavery, or stoning the farmer next door to death because he planted corn and barley close together either. But there is a big difference between being a religious person and being a religious extremist too. You should read the portion of my response to you about extremism.

Most of the Bible actually isn't like that at all, and it isn't often treated as just an inspirational storybook: Most of the Bible is historical/pseudo historical.

It isn't often treated as just an inspirational storybook:

No, I suppose not, people do actually believe it. But, it gives them hope and inspiration, and so long as they don't try and force it upon me, I am glad that they have it.