Agreed, but I think it depends on the particular view. If someone wants to worship a particular God or gods and have different beliefs than mine, I'm fine with that. That's their choice. But when they say that other people must do this or can't do that because their religion says so, I draw the line and say no. Their freedom of religion does not grant them the right to infringe upon the rights of others, either by force or legislation. Tolerance implies acceptance, and acceptance grants validity. History is full persecution, discrimination and killing that's been based on religious views. And I refuse to remain silent when I see something happening I that I think is wrong simply because it offends someones particular religion or ideology. “For evil men to accomplish their purpose, it is only necessary that good men do nothing.”
I'm in 100% agreement with you. This is also true, but its important to be careful in what we criticise, making sure we don't "throw the baby out with the bath water". If I could snap my fingers and remove all religion or concept of god from the world, wars, murder and sll other atrocities would continue on unabated. Man is a violent creature, and will kill for any reason. Look at the Iraq war. Bush killed for oil. (A left wing claim that holds weight) So, again, I don't throw rio is at the religions I don't believe in, but, I will throw rocks at people who harm each other in the name of Christ, Allah, or oil. The problem, again, is the people. Not the relegion. Just like the problem isn't guns, its the idiot wielding them innaproproately.