[chtulu]

What people are not understanding is that religion itself is a handicap on people's perspective of the world as well as their ability to "think outside the bun(had to since fourthmeal isn't ringing in this thread).".

Look at the U.S. We can't used government funding for stem cell research. We also give churches tax exemptions, even though their hands are so far up all politicians back, i could swear I was watching a horrible Jeff Dunham special.

My personal opinion is that I don't care if people believe in God(s). I care that this country allows religion, in general, to influence our laws and the way we progress in the scientific community as well as how we dictate civil rights. How many people could we have saved if we started stem cell research in full force 10 years ago from Alzheimer and Parkinson's as well as many other diseases?

The belief in a god is fine when it's confined to one's personal domain, but when it starts affecting others directly; I feel that it's a important line, crossed.