Thank you, Mrzzy. I now understand exactly why you have such a personal hostility toward religion.

The only observation I'd make about it is this: The problem in the world that has afflicted you, your family, your cultural community, and your nation is not religion, per se....it's extremism. When people take either religion or any form of politics to extremes, they become dangerous. I've known so many good, kind, and harmless religious people in my life that I cannot judge people on the basis of religion, any more than I would judge them on the basis of national identity or gender.

It is extremists of all types who commit the violent acts and engage in the harmful activities you allude to...usually for a political cause, sometimes for a political AND religious cause. Some extremists are religious, some are atheists, some are agnostics, some are communists, some are fascists, some are nihilists. The problem is not what they have faith in, the problem is that they go to a ridiculous extreme and then use their faith to justify extreme and violent behaviour.

However, your own personal history has shaped your reactions to religious things, so I don't expect you to alter your viewpoint.

I have never been personally hurt by any religious people in my entire life...nor had religion forced down my throat by anyone, was never made to go to church by anyone, and that's why I don't join you in your holy crusade against religion, but I will join you in opposing ANY form of extremism...religious or otherwise.

And, YES, I do understand how you feel and why you feel that way now that you have explained that stuff in your last 2 posts.