If religion is the root of all evil?

Question

I heard some atheists say that....hmmm,

Rape.

Rape is evil, but how do I pin all the rapes in the world to religion? Hmmm....

Stealing.

Stealing is evil, but the same problem as above....

So how do I pin both all the rape and stealing in this world to religion?

Answer 1

Religion isn't the root of all evil, but it does contribute more than it's fair share.

You could contribute some rape to the sexual repression pushed on people by the church. Religions have also been responsible for prolonging the idea, in society, that women are less than men. Most of the major religions perpetuate the obsolete patriarchal ideals they were created in.

And taking money from people with the empty promise of a reward when you're dead is very close to stealing.

Answer 2

I know!! Some atheists are really cynical. However, it is mostly an exaggeration to get the point across and *tends* to be used by people who are very anti-religion.

But you know, Richard Dawkins, the British evolutionary biologist who hosted the program, "The Root of All Evil" (which is where the phrase originally came from), actually says otherwise.

When they were naming the series, he was very much against "The Root of All Evil," as he believes that there are some evils that come out of religion (such as you see in terrorism), but it isn't the "the root of all evil." He says something like, "Religion is the root of *some* evils, but that wasn't any good for the title of a television program, so it was named 'The Root of All Evil' in spite of my protests."

So Richard Dawkins has been accused of calling religion "the root of all evil" ever since! And I couldn't stand him, lol. Until I learned what he really believes, that is. ;)

Answer 3

No, selfishness is the root of all evil. Many evils have been commited without any religious involvement. Politics, land ownership, racial prejudice and other conditions are often used as excuses for violence or other forms of evil. When religion or any other idea is used to make people believe they are better than someone else, it becomes an excuse for evil. If a organized crime gang kills members of other gangs who are competing for their drug trade, what does that have to do with religion?

Answer 4

Rape - As we all know the Celestial Kingdom is the highest, so an ordinary man comes to the realization that it is unattainable. Thus follows the dread and depression of not being good enough, then the self doubt and lothing that everyone around him is better than him. In a desperate attempt to gain control he dominates over a woman.
Stealing - Anyone that has paid tithing has passed this sin, wondering how to pay a full tithe and feed your family, or make the repair to the car, or .... if you do not pay an honest tithe you are "stealing from God" if you do not care for your family you are stealing from them.

Answer 5

IF YOU MUST ASK - I am not ashamed to say that I believe that religion is the root of all evil! just look at the Vatican - all the riches that have taken with force ,an entire church covered with gold taken during the mid-evil times, and the atrocities against women in the name of religion! but if you wish ,I can go on and make it even look worse then you have ever imagined it! religion is so evil, look how it is stealing the innocent lives of children around the globe and raping country after country , leaving nothing more then rubbles ,death , broken hearts and the feeling of being forsaken ! NO , I AM DEFINITIVELY NOT AFRAID TO SAY THIS! because rape is not just forced intercourse , and stealing is not just of material things!

Answer 6

It is religious belief that rape and stealing are wrong?
I thought Money was the root of all evil.
All in all Satan is the root of all evil. Religion causes a lot of wars.
Live unto God and the world would be at peace. Live unto yourselves and evil will prevail.

Answer 7

Richard Dawkins made a 2 hour documentary on religious belief for BBC called "The Root of all Evil?" That is probably where it comes from.

Rape and theft have nothing to do with religion, neither do they have to do with freedom from religion. Although NH Baritone below me makes some good points.

Your lame attempt at sarcasm has failed

Answer 8

Hmmm I love that answer about how it is the people misinterpreting the religion that creates the problem. In other words "those who deviate from religion are the root of all evil"

Answer 9

Atheism is not believing in god. It doesn't mean they hate god or think that religion is bad. It simply means that they don't believe in it.
People are different and everyone has their own opinion about things, so you can't say or think that all consider religion root of evil.
I am atheist myself, but I am very interested in mythology and religion, so I respect that people believe in god, and I have never tried to say anything against it.
People are the root of evil I might say, because they rape, or murder, or steal..., but not god, or any form of belief.

What you heard might have been some miserable and disappointed people that have no one to blame their failure to, so they choose god.

Answer 10

No, that's ludicris. Many times evil is manifested in the name of religion, but to say it's the root is just silly. I think the "love of money" is a lot more on target- that's the root. If it weren't for 'love of money' there probably wouldn't even be any religion...