I have so many flaws that if I were to be religious I would be required to erase myself and thereby justify the purpose of religion. God takes no action to balance how much good or evil exists at one time. Humans do take action in the name of God (or their icon) and suffer horrific consequences. I don't think it would benefit anyone for me to be religious.
132421
Many religions are about forming communities to do good. But you don't need a community because you can be good without all by yourself. Try it you'll see.
291213
I agree with you. Think of how many millions would live full lives without religious problems placed on them. Think of how many people will suddenly have a high quality of life since they are no longer sending their hard earned money to mega-church bank-accounts. The issue is so clear to me. Right my brother right on. The world could live in such perfect harmony. Right and wrong could be the new laws to follow, withouth the intervention of mythical persons watching over you waiting to punish you for not accepting them as the truth.
31786
NO, God is something that someone made up to give people a reason for things that happen. anything good god did. anything bad the devil did. whatever. Things happen, that's life. I stopped believeing in god and absolutely nothing is different in my life. except for more time on sundays, and no more deciding whether the things i do are "right" in god's eyes. This belief helps keep some people in line. it is all psycological, or in your mind.People think if you don't believe in god you will go to hell. what if you don't believe in hell or satan. will he hate you to? There are all types of religions that do nothing more than give us something to reason with how the world started.
576347
religion is important for people to feel that they belong and to have meaning in their lives.  most can't live their life to just enjoy it, but need a purpose to it and need something to follow.\n\nbut can you imagine a world without religion, no religion could be its own religion.  everyone would believe the same.  nobody would feel superior over another and treat others like inferiors.  nobody would be battling and killing one another because of beliefs.  \n\ni don't know, maybe it would be a better world with everyone having the same understanding of life.  people would treat one another better and see each other as equals.  interesting concept, but this will never happen - that's for sure.
567113
If God does not exist, how does that for one second make my life a lie?  If I found out that God did not exist, I would not feel stupid or tricked.  I would feel disappointed, but I think I'd be rather philosophical about it.  After all, I LIKE the life I lead.  It's not as though I suffer through it because I'm afraid of hell, and if I found out that God didn't exist, I don't think I would live all too much differently.  Unless you're suggesting that loving people and helping others has no merit?  You say that at least in hell you'd be surrounded by nice people, but try reading through your question again.  There's nothing nice in that.  Quite frankly, you're giving good atheists a bad name.
496247
God makes Herself known to each person individually.  If this hasn't happened for you (and you'll know when it happens) then you're an Atheist/Agnostic.  You're one of the chosen people to have little to no regard for religious dogma and to be like all the great Atheist thinkers of history.
634983
What a sorry way to live life.  If god is so forgiving, he would applaud my free thinking attitude.  My actions in life define myself more than believing is something as ridiculous as a god that kills his own people and then says "thou shall not kill".  There's no reason not to have good morals, regardless of religious faith.  In fact, it seems that religion is inspiring more and more hatred and greed every day!  Those aren't Atheists strapping bombs around their waists and running into a crowd of people.
33482
I think religion is a way for people to support each other in feeling spiritual and making correct moral decisions. Some people won't make good decisions on spirituality alone, and for those people, having other people around them helps.\n\nEDIT FOR ADDTNL INFO:\nWhy is anything neccessary? Why are homes neccessary? Why don't people just live at work? Eat grass? Because we as humans desire more, a more personal experience, a more organized approach. You don't get people at your community center sharing uplifting stories about standing up for what is right.
323731
Yes, it is.  My religion does not preach this, and it's one of the reasons that I chose to believe what I do.  Actions have consequences.  People should be made to deal with them, even if it's just a guilty conscience.
5532
I think everyone worships something whether they believe in God or not.  Some people even worship the idea of not having a God because they have to tell everyone about it.  I do agree with your idea about weakness.  I think that people who are insecure about their beliefs tend to try to recruit people to believe the same thing so they don't feel alone.  Those who are secure about their own beliefs tend to keep quiet and go on with their lives.  They don't need to feel justified that their beliefs are okay since they have their own truth.
298730
i choose to respect others beliefs but personally i think religion is the source of all evil,most wars are to do with religions.i believe in myself and treat people as i like to be treated so consider myself respectful of others(more than most religious people do)!!!
440909
More importantly, and I suspect this is what you're getting at, why would a god who wants worship set himself up to be totally illogical and irrational? I think that if there was a god controlling it all, we'd be somehow predispositioned to believing in him, rather than having to ignore all logic and reason just to get into heaven.
76211
Nah.  I tend to question any links between God and any religious organization that relies heavily on violent means to an end.  To me, if the basis for any religion is not the promotion of world peace, harmonious existence, and peace with nature, the religion is not a true reflection of God's will.
201453
I've often asked the same question. I suppose religion feeds our sense of spirituality and gives us "answers" to what happens to us after we die. But I think religion has caused, and will continue to cause, wars and other trouble. People should try setting aside their differences in religion and just work together. Besides, I think that religion is personal. It's what you personally believe. And atheists don't cause hatred, the term simply means they do not believe in any god whatsoever, that when you die, that's it. And I dislike those who always try to convert others. Just let people make up their own idea.
324250
I have.  And it looks good to me.  No religion is perfect I must confess, but there are certain beliefs that are needed.  I found my faith that is the best beliefs.  I had analyzed many others, but all weren't biblical.  I don't need a priest, I just need me and God.  And the beliefs that God gave us.  Like eating healthy, following His law for our own benefit out of obedience, the Sabbath, etc.  If we all looked at our beliefs and religion, we would be a perfect religion.  But again, there are different beliefs and people would still disagree.
153240
I think each religion is a way for people to make sense out of their lives. It's a way to find purpose or meaning for the things they do each day. I don't believe there is any one correct religion. And I doubt that God (howeer God is defined) looks upon earth and decides that he likes some of us better than others simply because of the way he is worshipped. (I'm using "he" only as a convenient word.) In fact, I believe that God does not particularly appreciate it when people use hatred against each other simply because of a difference in religious practice. As Buddha said, "There are many paths to the top of the mountain."
264678
I don't have a religion...I see no proof that a god does exist so until I see proof I choose to not believe...There are way too many bad things happening in the world to think that somewhere there is a god/higher being that could make it be better and just chooses to do nothing.