Religion has, since ages, remained an important part of man's life and more amusing is the fact that, even in this age of Science and Technology, where man has invented and discovered so much and is in a situation, where he can answer pretty much everything based on Science, the religious strong hold still exists. This is a great example of how beautifully our brains have been conditioned to accept certain established norms without questioning. The brain conditioning starts, right from the time a child is born and as he grows up with it, he tends to accept all of it and doesn't bother questioning unless he is prompted to do so. This type of conditioning of the brain, is very bad as it narrows down the brain to a huge extent. Man is never able to think beyond this conditioning and never tends to question the things he does. This narrow minded attitude, which is the result of religious conditioning, is pretty much responsible for all the suffering, wars, fights, hatred and other bad things happening in this world at present. So it becomes very important that we make an active effort to come out of this conditioning. It is indeed worth giving a thought. Just think for a little while and you will realize how religion has changed this world. Religion holds the world in shackles.

I believe...

A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

Quotes

Is God willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is not omnipotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Then whence cometh evil? Is he neither able nor willing? Then why call him God?
--Epicurus

We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty Humans, and then blames them for his own mistakes
-- Gene Roddenberry

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.
-- Seneca the Younger 4 b.c

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realised that the Lord doesn't work that way so I stole one and asked Him to forgive me.
-- Emo Philips