Is religion still relevant in modern society?

[Runa216]

I think it's best we either get this thread back on track or lock it...because This discussion on homosexuality as a sin is...a waste of time. Basically, we have three schools of thought:

1 - Homosexual acts are sinful, says so in the bible
2 - God made homosexuals, we must accept them for who they are
3 - Science says we should be ourselves, not doing so is harmful to our mental and physical wellbeing

Being homosexual and acting on it is not harmful. end of discussion. the only thing hurt by homosexuality is the sensitive feelings of overbearing religious zealots. It does not 'harm' the institution of marriage. it does not do any physical or mental harm to people, in fact it can be a more intelligent choice due to the fact that overpopulation is a real problem and we could use more gay people not making babies. There is really only one anti-gay argument, and that's God's word, which frankly (as per the thread topic) really has no place in dictating this kind of social interaction in today's modern world when science and rationale understand a LOT more about the human condition. That's all that needs to be said on the matter.

Masturbation in moderation has also been proven to be good for your health (reduces stress, helps you to understand your body better which leads to better sexual health, etc). No idea why that's considered wrong anymore.

The whole "Contraceptives=evil" is another reason why the church's influence needs to be taken out of society. Condoms help to stop the spread of STI's and parasites (babies), which we really need less of. Intelligence and knowledge are always more effective forms of sexual education than forced abstinence. Science proved it.

This whole equality thing is disgusting. While it's nice that PAdib is able to present his view in a much more rational and logical way now, the fact that he seems to assume women 'have their place' is nothing short of reprehensible, and such views are not acceptable in this modern world. I don't know if this is religion guiding your ignorance or plain old chauvanism, but it needs to go.

These are all great examples of how religion's influence needs to be abolished. Inequality, sexual prejudice, contraceptive hatred, and biological ignorance are all values initiated and perpetuated by the church and the overzealous nannies that feel the need to butt their nose in other people's business. I'd like to pretend the church is all about acceptance and mutual support (in some cases it is), but there's a lot of this to go with it. We can have kindness and acceptance without God, but there's no scientific studies saying that masturbation is gonna kill you, or that being homosexual is a path to debauchery and suffering. Only god pushes those back-woods beliefs.