13 Jul '15 10:57>
Originally posted by twhiteheadMy nan loved her God. Every Sunday she would wobble (*long story) off to Church, say grace before our meals and tell me stories about Jesus and the bible. Her body was riddled with athritis for as long as i knew her and from what i've heard (but never from her) she had a pretty dreadful life of hardship and suffering. As a child i would believe her religious stories, as a man i would humour her with them. Her faith gave her strength. Despite my atheistic leanings, i would never have begrudged her that. I was pleased that she genuinely believed in heaven, that she was going to a better place without suffering and pain.
I do, especially in certain cases:
1. If they wish to force their beliefs on others via the legal system or school system.
2. If they engage in hate speech or otherwise wish harm on others.
I generally do want to see the end of religion as I believe it is generally harmful, but I would like to see it end via education rather than by force.
My nan of course never engaged in hate speeches or attempted to force her beliefs on others, but then most of the people i encounter in these forums don't do that either. In the right hands religion can be a beautiful thing.