Religion is one of the most important tools to a successful life. This might be surprising coming from a doubter like me but I believe it is true. Religion builds a strong foundation of what is what and wrong. The teachings display what is acceptable and make clear what is not.
I truely believe that without religion we would be a sunk community built on vague rules and norms.
Well look at the government. Look at some of the things that pass for laws. The one law that comes to mind is the SeatBelt Law in Michigan.
It is illegal to drive without a seat belt. That is understandable and simple but with the community it is understood that if you do not get caught you can go without your seat belt.
If you were to take this and transform it into a religious law...
The religion would drill the law into your head. They would spin this as a moral issue.
"You are a bad man for driving without a seat belt. You are irresponsible. Don't you care?"
Religion would make it clear that you have no choice but to wear a seat belt or be damned.
Is this a bad thing?
This is a very hard question for me. I think religion is oppressive and unwavering. Trying to change a religious thought is like squeezing the water out of a brick. But how many lives would we change, I should say save, by allowing them the power to make laws? How many lives would be lost to an oppressive religious regime? Havn't we seen the numbers many times over?
Most of the Muslim states, the Catholic's of old all of these regimes are awful. The things they do or have done. How can this be allowed to happen by people religiously commanded to do good?
It's mistifying.
To close...
I think we have a good government based on non-religious goals. Religion must stay out of the government as a whole. It corrupts and can be brutal. The only way to survive as a nation is to keep religion at bay..