Imagine a scale with which to judge Religion.

[el_bryanto]

Now assume that everything negative connected with religion should be placed on the negative side of the scale without reflection.

Everything positive connected with religion is to be discarded unless you can meet one of these two conditions

1. You can prove it's benefit to an Atheist (this excludes any spiritual benefits of religion).

2. It is a benefit that could only come through Religion (this excludes any societal benefits of religion).

What do you think happens? Well it turns out that Religion is terrible; so many negatives and not one positive thing.

It might occur to you that this game is somewhat rigged; that the same standard applied to both the positives and negatives connected to religion might be more equitable. But of course being equitable isn't the point to this exercise is it?

Bryant

[Htom Sirveaux]

1. It's an indefensible double standard which should be abandoned

for the sake of reason, if nothing else.

[okasha]

2. Reason isn't the strong suit

of those who make that argument. Neither is history.