I think that the religious people too eagerly find a need to justify how and why they're better such that they forget their humanity. Zealotry as opposed to "appreciating the message of religion".
Unfortunately, I only know a handful at best who I think are intelligent enough to remember their humanity and I strongly suspect that it's because they're intelligent first and religious second. (Even if they may not admit it themselves.)
It seems like everyone holds some form of belief, whether it’s religious or not, because we all seek purpose and understanding in life. The key is to remember that being human is about empathy, compassion, and growth; qualities that religion, at its core, aims to nurture. But I hear you.
The point isn't the belief. The point is the need to take action, the pretense that one is better. The (sick) need to prove it. And, worse, that in proving they forget everything, including basics such as human rights, because they're "justified" (i.e. given themselves an excuse) by religion.
Religion claims to be the source of morality, but then they fail to demonstrate that as they try to prove religion better. And in some disturbed way, they tried to convince me that religion is the way to go, essentially through abusive practices.
It just doesn't add up. And they can't see it.
