My problem with religions has to do with an authoritarian mind-set. They are not democratic in that they invest the power with priests, ministers, rabbis, imams and other reputedly
"holy" men. (Not too many if any women).

In order for this authoritarian view to be relinquished, the notion of being a child with
parental authority has to be given up in favor of the responsibility of thinking for yourself.
You can't let a Pope or Dalai Lama or anyone in authority do your thinking for you.

Sexuality is a private matter and can't be legislated by religion or government. Sex crimes however must be controlled by law enforcement.

Homosexuality is not a crime. Race hatred however is.

Religion generally is consensual power, that is power allowed to be place in the hands
of an authority figure. The mind-control is allowed when the power is relinquished.

Religion is not necessary to societal good. It is harmful when the mind gets shut off
and decisions about life are placed in the hands of generally incompetent religious leaders.

If the Pope has any value as a spokesperson for the good of society, his religious tenets must be criticized if his words have any meaning. Any inconsistency here becomes a glaring error in the case of one so powerful.

Religion is a form of politics. Any hierarchical institution involves political struggle whether it's a religion or form of government.

I question whether democracy or true socialism can thrive in this kind of institution.