I take the position of Einstein. I just recently read this and until now I have had a hard time phrasing my views on religion without writing paragraphs.
People always seems to say that you
need to have some type of religious involvement to have proper morals. Really? Because from what I've seen, people rape children regardless of their faith or lack thereof. People fight other people regardless of their faith or lack thereof. People murder, steal, lie, etc. regardless of their faith or lack thereof. I don't see why it is necessary for people to belong to a religious organization to know what the difference between right and wrong is. My parents did not raise me with any religious preference. I was free to believe what I wanted with no external influence aside from those mega-church preachers on the infomercials who seem to knock people down and instantly cure their cancer. Needles to say, I found that ridiculous since I realized someone could give me $20 dollars and I would sign a paper that said you could cut my balls off if I told anyone it was fake and you better believe I wouldn't say anything. Hell, the guy could push me over with his fist for a cheeseburger and I wouldn't say it was fake to anyone.
Also, I think a lot of people find some kind of comfort or hope in their religion since most people don't take their lives into their own hands; expecting that God will give you this, God will give you that, really? Why is everything not perfect then? God helps those who help themselves, right? Do you need God's help if you have already helped yourself? When you go to a job interview you don't prepare half-way and then expect God to fill in the rest. It's hard to give an example of this, really, but I think most of you should understand what I mean by that. If you want something you go out and get it, you don't wait for it to be handed to you if you put in little to no effort.
Also, I think the fear of the unknown is quite prevalent in the minds of religious followers. I for one am terrified of death. However, I don't let it rule my life. Assuming there is a God and a heaven...wouldn't God be satisfied and let me in as long as I've led a good life, was kind to people, and didn't do anything outrageous like kill someone? I certainly think so. I think God is smart enough, assuming he is this perfect, benevolent being to realize the difference between a good and bad person. What kind of benevolent, all-knowing being will send you to hell just because you didn't worship him weekly/daily? If he is like that then I don't want to believe in him. Who would sentence you to an eternity in a fiery hell if you led a good life but did not pray? Not a God you should believe in, that's who.
I choose to life my life how I want and hope my decisions in life reflect who I am if there comes a time when I am standing in front of the gates of heaven, not the amount of praying I do.
I have more, but I will spare you
Please don't take any offense to what I have said. I fully believe everyone has a right to believe in whatever/whoever they would like. This is my opinion and I would never attempt to force it on anyone else.