During the past 8 years the influence of religion has overstepped its role and inserted itself into our countries legislation. All the way from social issues such as stem cell research, abortion, education, and immigration (to a lesser degree).

I do not have to be a radical to be a practicing Muslim.

Exactly! And on the other side of the coin, I suspect the majority of atheist don't care much what your beliefs are.

To address directly this clip, it is specifically about the similarity between the Pope's edict against questioning his religion and the much more severe admonitions Muslims have regarding criticizing their religion in the Islamic countries. There are major d...

During the past 8 years the influence of religion has overstepped its role and inserted itself into our countries legislation. All the way from social issues such as stem cell research, abortion, education, and immigration (to a lesser degree).

I do not have to be a radical to be a practicing Muslim.

Exactly! And on the other side of the coin, I suspect the majority of atheist don't care much what your beliefs are.

To address directly this clip, it is specifically about the similarity between the Pope's edict against questioning his religion and the much more severe admonitions Muslims have regarding criticizing their religion in the Islamic countries. There are major differences but there are also major similarities between the two views.

I'm not sure exactly what Antara meant by his/her remark. It does sound accusatory. As though all Muslims (and other sects) must march in step or they're not being true to their belief.

Let me make it perfectly clear. This is not a black and white issue. I am of the opinion that religion is an outmoded way of viewing the world and is becoming increasingly irrelevant. I have lived a long time and my opinion is based on what I have observed in my life and from other people I've talked to and readings I have done. I think moderates also have begun to change their minds about the role of religion in civic life due to the experience of the past administration. Whether this affect will have staying power remains to be seen.

One last point. This clip points to the question of religious privilege. It points to this privilege being directly responsible for bigotry against atheists. So even if these views may not result in legislation they still further prejudice against a significant portion of the population.