Ask an Atheist

Bro, before you go around trying to get in debates with people about their beliefs you need to at least drop a little bit of that arrogant air you're putting off. Respect those even if you don't agree with what they believe.

http://www.atheists.org/religion

In the history of the world, nothing has been the catalyst of more grief, hatred, war, and crime than religion. Religion allows a person to hate, kill, torture, or steal, while allowing him to recuse himself of all blame. Religion causes people to break the laws of ethics and morality in the name of a god.

Religion dulls the mind and weakens the senses. It makes "God did it" seem like a reasonable answer to anything at all, squelching questions of why, how, and when, and replacing these questions with repeated mantras and prayers to nobody.

Religion is exquisitely profitable, with most adherents tithing a portion of their income. The churches, synagogues, and mosques, which do little to serve their community outside of "outreach programs" (marketing and recruiting), pay almost no taxes.

Religion spreads like disease through societies, rarely coexisting with pre-existing mythologies, rather preferring to conquer or be conquered. Religion is anything but tolerant.

...

I respect them, but I believe that if innocent have to suffer because of some groups and their teachings, it is impossible to go toward world peace. And I belive that it's enough of a reason to question the teachings and authority of religionic groups.

I respect the traditions in many religions, but I believe we should treat religion as mythology and culture of a nation. Do not remove stuff live funerals and weddings (+ engagement rings), just make it neutral.

@Hadriel

You ninja'd in between, but I think this post gives enough of a reason for those questions.