Is religion still relevant in modern society?

[Runa216]

padib said:

Runa216 said:
And to make matters worse, heaven forbid (literally) you not only chose not to believe in a divine santa clause figure, but damn you if you dare speak out about it.  Say what you will, this knee-jerk reaction we get when atheists have the balls to speak out about religion just proves that you've gotta handle religion with kid gloves. Can't take criticism but can dish it out just fine.  that comic I posted is as good a representation about that as could be.  Religion can dish out the criticism but can't take it.  

Neither side should dish out criticism, and kids gloves should be worn by both sides because they are sensitive issues which, at least until a better rapport is built between religious and areligious, need to be coated with mutual respect and understanding.

Why in the world shouldn't you criticise?  Proper criticism is the key to advanced learning, that's why scientific papers are all subject to peer evaluation and rigorous testing.  While most people are programmed to 'win' rather than seek truth, I'm very interested in knowledge and therefore feel that criticism is an important key in our collective knowledgebase.  

I'm not sure why you think kid gloves need to be worn at all. this is SCIENCE, not about how susie is too fat, these are issues that need to be addressed and dealt with.  If we get too caught up in political correctness and worrying about whether we hurt people's feelings, then nothing will ever get done, issues will not be resolved, and we'll end up where we are:  too meek to stand up for what you believe in.  again, inaction is not the best course of action.