Atheist criticisms of religion
The bad
Not all atheists are hostile to religion, but many do think that religion is bad. Here are some of their reasons:
- Religion gets people to believe something untrue.
- Religion makes people base the way they run their lives on a falsehood.
- Religion stops people thinking in a rational and objective way.
- Religion forces people to rely on outside authority, rather than becoming self-reliant.
- Religion imposes irrational rules of good and bad behaviour.
- Religion divides people, and is a cause of conflict and war.
- The hierarchical structure of most religions is anti-democratic, and thus offends basic human rights.
- Religion doesn't give equal treatment to women and gay people, and thus offends basic human rights.
- Religion obstructs scientific research.
- Religion wastes time and money.
The good
Most atheists willingly concede there are some good things about religion, such as:
- Religious art and music
- Religious charities and good works
- Much religious wisdom and scripture
- Human fellowship and togetherness