Is Religion Negative?

Following a certain religion is an individual calling and indeed some people are atheists while others believe in "a higher super-natural power". So, is there any disadvantage in believing in any religion? I believe that if the world had one religion, it would be safer and better to live in. For instance, the war on terror that is going on is as a result of religious beliefs. The people who took away their lives in the September 11th New York bombings firmly believed that they would go straight to heaven; to them they were doing the right thing, can they be blamed? The holly wars that are continuing are fought by Sunni Islams who believe in their cause.

Religion also brings misunderstandings and bad blood. The Pope offended Islams recently when he uttered some disturbing comments. The publication of the prophet Mohamed with bombs on his head scarf in a European country was insulting to say the least. I am not a believer in Islam but this was pushing freedom of the press too far. The change from traditional beliefs to Christianity that occurred before the 20th century is still haunting us. Some people are torn apart between the new and the old; if they practice the traditional beliefs they are shunned by their friends and community bringing in further misunderstanding.

The population is divided by religion. In Kenya, the Islams mostly confine themselves to a place called Eastleigh and find comfort in their numbers instead of joining other people with different religious beliefs. Islamic men and women do not even pray together; their religion separates them even though it applies to them equally. Some marriages do not work because of the difference in belief , people of different religions can find it hard to date each other, they have to keep the relationship a secret form their parents who are deeply rooted in their religion.

The sacrifices that are made to follow a certain religion are disadvantageous. Suicide bombers leave their immediate family members behind who need their love and care. This generation grows in hardship and will most likely engage in illegal activities due to the lack of guidance. Catholic priests and nuns must leave their loved ones and work for close to no financial benefits, when they are excommunicated, they will have no means of sustaining themselves.

Some religions cause public disturbance. For instance, the Salvation Army marches through the streets and hinders the smooth flow of traffic. Muslim prayers are broadcasted through loud speakers mounted on the mosque which generate noise pollution early in the morning when people are sleeping.

We have often heard of religious cults with their strange beliefs. A few years ago, more than 40 people lost their lives when their presumed end of the world did not materialize and their leader locked them up and burned them. Currently, in Kenya, there is one religious group which is locked in a bunker because the world is going to end very soon: well according to them! They say that North Korea will attack America leading to retaliation and nuclear war leading to the start of world war 3. Call it nonsense or misguided beliefs but what counts is that they believe in them.
All in all, I think that there is nothing wrong with religion but when they converge, an explosive situation may be inevitable. It is natural for you to believe in something, you must stand for something or fall for anything. Whichever religion you believe in, remember that you must love your neighbor as you love yourself, treat others just as you would like to be treated.