It doesn't matter what religion I follow...

-Removed-

Perhaps we should back up for a minute.

Perhaps I misinterpreted your previous post, but what makes you think I did it deliberately?

-Removed-

I used to think this way and gave religion my approval but now - the more I think
about it - I think good deeds are done by good people regardless of faith (or lack of).

The converse is also true - bad stuff is done by bad people.

BUT. In the name of religion good people can be persuaded to do bad things.

I don't think religion ever made a bad person
do something good against their character

Originally posted by wolfgang59
I don't think religion ever made a bad person do something good against their character

Why would you think that?
I think that it is clear that religion has significant influence on people and may even change their character from good to bad or bad to good. I also think that both genuine believers and those who pretend to believe to 'fit in' or other self interest may often do good deeds specifically because of the religion.

-Removed-

Yes I have ... after seeing the film.
I contend that he was not intrinsically a "bad man"
and that his good works were caused by his
personal enlightenment and not his religion..

Originally posted by twhitehead
Why would you think that?
I think that it is clear that religion has significant influence on people and may even change their character from good to bad or bad to good. I also think that both genuine believers and those who pretend to believe to 'fit in' or other self interest may often do good deeds specifically because of the religion.

I think you are correct that some may do good deeds to "fit in" the same as
they may do with any club. (Wearing a blazer to the Golf Club) but I don't think
religion is ever going to turn an evil person into a righteous one.

Originally posted by wolfgang59
(Wearing a blazer to the Golf Club) but I don't think
religion is ever going to turn an evil person into a righteous one.

Why do you believe that? I think you are wrong. I do know that many people have changed their character after joining or leaving a religion, or even non-religious groups, and I think it does go deeper than mere pretending to fit in.

I think Buddhism in particular recognises this and openly discusses it and puts a lot of effort into teaching people techniques to change their own character.

I am some what sceptical that we can classify people as good and evil.