I don't believe in any kind of higher power. When you die, you die - which is why it's so important to make good the opportunity you have at life. You don't get a chance to review it, play it over, or watch what goes on afterwards. Your body and mind are your most important possessions.
Now I know that sounds annoying and new-agey, but I don't believe in any of the new-age 'energy' stuff either.
Basically my opposition to religion - and I'm talking
organised religion here - stems from the fact that any mass religion has a 'manifesto' of sorts. Eventually that becomes dogma, and different interpretations and views are frowned upon. This dogma can have dire consequences for people, communities, etc. Furthermore, it leads to the religious wars that are all too familiar to us.
Case in point: contraception. Although using it would lead to a reduction in AIDS deaths and other STD illnesses, the Catholic Church opposes it because it was decided, long ago that contraception was ungodly as it was deliberately designed to stop children being born. However, now it sentences far more people to death than would otherwise be the case.
Organised religion is inherently stagnant - or else what would one organise around? As a result, it doesn't reflect the prevailing needs or attitudes of the public.
To a lesser extent, religion has been corrupted over the years and no longer necessarily serves the interest of the people. It was once, for example forbidden by the Christian Church to lend money at interest. However, this is now commonplace and individuals and firms make money from others who may not necessarily be able to pay.
Anyway, those are just a couple of examples. I've already written far too much, so I will have to say goodbye. :wink:
