There is at least some evidence that spirituality is genetic, and that there is a certain survival value associated with it. 

Religion is a different animal. 

I am guessing now, but I would guess that religion is a way to harness spirituality and give humans in a community a common spiritual language.  I would also guess that like so many things we do, the means to finding spirituality can become religious ends. 

I agree that religion is neither necessary nor sufficient to make someone a good person.  Religion clearly can be, and has been, associated with much evil.  However, there is also research that shows that religion can be good for individuals as well.

Actually, I see some strong analogies to guns.  Guns themselves do not harm people, people use them to harm people.  Yet they can also be merely tools, or the source of amusement such are target shooting.  Or provide legitimate protection.

There are people, some of whom post here, who wield religion like a baseball bat.  It is no wonder it gets a bad name.  I think that is sad, but it is probably the nature of people.

May 11, 2010 -- 11:35PM, jonny42 wrote:

May 11, 2010 -- 7:18PM, REteach wrote:

 

There are people, some of whom post here, who wield religion like a baseball bat.  It is no wonder it gets a bad name.  I think that is sad, but it is probably the nature of people.

That's a healthy swing you've got there.  Welcome to the club(house)!

RT, are you jealous that God likes to see me swing for the seats?  He enjoys seeing me defend the plate against the pitches of the Black Sox.

May 11, 2010 -- 7:18PM, REteach wrote:

Actually, I see some strong analogies to guns.  Guns themselves do not harm people, people use them to harm people.  Yet they can also be merely tools, or the source of amusement such are target shooting.  Or provide legitimate protection.

There are people, some of whom post here, who wield religion like a baseball bat.  It is no wonder it gets a bad name.  I think that is sad, but it is probably the nature of people.

...maybe a sword?

May 10, 2010 -- 7:33AM, Cryano wrote:

May 10, 2010 -- 12:43AM, SeraphimR wrote:

May 9, 2010 -- 11:50PM, Cryano wrote:

For those who don't know George Carlin first popularized this although it has been around in one form or another for hundreds of years.

"Thou shall keep thy religion to thyself."

The fundgelicals amongst us get very upset and defensive whenever this simple common sense proposal is advanced. But I have NEVER heard a logical explanation of why. I've heard all the theories that start with the assumption that their version of this myth is the Truth ONLY Truth Complete Truth etc. etc, etc. But of course that only makes sense IF you first accept their version. If you don't, if you are a Muslim or a Catholic or a Hindu or (Grasp!) NONE of the above then that rationale simply does not apply so . . .

What EXACTLY is wrong with the 11th and why is not fully compatible with the other 10?

Why don't you follow it yourself, if it such a good idea?

And when was the last time some Hindu or catholic or even god hating atheists knocked on your door to told you were lost and going to burn forever? Or wanted to pass a LAW telling you who you could invite into bedroom or when to open your business?

To answer your question: not one person has knocked on my door and said those things.  Are you taking the behaviour of a few people in a religion and assuming that everybody in that religion behaves exactly as those few do?