Religion has been responsible for...
...more death, pain, suffering, discrimination, war, invasion, rape, pillage, disease, theft, butchery and other atrocities than any other structure in the history of humankind.

Well, technically, it was the people in the religion; but you get the idea. The doctrine was merely a means to an end.

And why did they do this, and continue to do, all this?

For of peace, love and truth.
*spang*
(SpangleDangle >->)))'>, Fri 20 Mar 2009, 12:14, 3 replies)

Comparing like with like.
Until the mid to late 19th century, there were precious few philosophical alternatives to religion. As such it makes sense to compare periods when such alternatives existed; you have to admit that the 20th century presents a ringing endorsement of either alternative; I'm not sure which proportionately caused more death & suffering - formally religious states or formally athiest ones.
Blaming the philosophy - any philosophy - for the actions of people who claim to espouse it is lazy arguing.
(davywavy, Fri 20 Mar 2009, 12:19, closed)

Actually
you're wrong.

*Politics* is the reason for most wars, religion is just the excuse.

Fuck me, that's deep. At times I impress myself

Cheers
( Legless Mister Stabby - shanks for the memory, Fri 20 Mar 2009, 12:20, closed)

It's a catalyst
Religion doesn't generally start wars, it just prolongs them and makes them much nastier.
( Ennui loves you, Mon 23 Mar 2009, 18:22, closed)