I think it's inaccurate to label organized religion as dangerous.
Religion and politics together are what's dangerous.
I feel that the purpose of religion in today's world has been completely changed from what it started out to be. Religion is now used as a motivator, as a political tool, as justification for certain actions. And that's not what it should be (for me, at least).
None of the major religions actually preach war; the fact that religions seem to be behind many of the conflicts of the world therefore tells us something important about how the concept of religion has been misconstrued and how religion has taken on properties it was never meant to have.
Spirituality is something private and personal. Organized religion, on the other hand, builds that sense of community and common identity. Looking back at history, there have been advantages to the development of such institutions in society.
I think the problem is that religious groups have strayed beyond the building of community, and the teaching of morals and values, to the point where it has become all too politicized. Groups now make political claims and demands, and justify their actions- not in the realm of religion, but in the realm of politics.
If politics is a realm governed by logic, rational behaviour, etc. and religion is not characterized by any of those qualities, how can it work?
Separation of religion & the state is important, imo. I'm of the opinion that while I may subscribe to a certain religion and have certain beliefs, it is not in my right to say that others must also believe what I do, and therefore the government should not be implementing or backing religiously-based legislation or issues.
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Really when it comes down to it, the teaching of all major religions (minus the propaganda) are nearly identical.
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Agreed. And looking around me these days, it seems like some of these teachings have become clouded and overshadowed by other things.