I agree, Pied, that empathy is the basis of morality, and you don't necessarily need religion (or a belief in God) to develop empathy.

I grew up in a totally nonreligious household, and had no trouble learning basic morality and empathy, despite my lack of belief in God or anything religious.

I later came to believe in God and all kinds of spiritual stuff. I didn't get a sense of empathy from religion...I think it simply came naturally to me, as you have suggested. I found that various religious ideas helped strengthen my empathy for others at times, though.

I note that some people are made more kindly by their religion and some are made less so by it. Interesting! Evidently, religion is like a 2-edged blade. It can cut either way, depending on the intentions of the people using it.

I don't believe in a God that punishes. People who do believe in such a God are inclined to be punitive themselves.

I think the problem in the world is not religion...the problem is destructive behaviour by people who lack empathy (or wisdom)! Those people may be religious, they may be atheists, it really makes little difference in the final analysis. Religion is not inherently either good or bad...it's how you make use of it...like anything else.

The important thing about a man is not whether or not he is religious...but whether or not he is aware of the full ramifications of what he is doing, and has empathy for others. If so, he's probably a good neighbour. If not, watch out.