Our World Would Be Better Off Without Religion

My opponent believes that I have claimed religion to be the cause of ALL wars. This is not what I said. My claim was that "religion has instigated many wars in the past". This is a true statement, as the account of the Conquest of Canaan by the Israelites in the Book of Joshua, the Muslim conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries, and the Christian Crusades (11th to 13th centuries), and the Wars of Religion (16th and 17th centuries) can be classified as examples. I agree with my opponent on the fact that human nature leads us to all have different ideas and viewpoints. However, many conflicts between humans have cited religion as the main reason. Take, for example, Adolf Hitler's role in World War Two. His intention was to spill the blood of every single Jewish person. Up to six million Jewish people were killed under Hitler's direction. Is my opponent claiming that Hitler didn't want to kill these people because they were Jews, but for some other reason? If so, what it that reason? In terms of LGBT rights, I agree with my opponent that it is acceptable for people to have differing beliefs on the topic. However, I firmly hold to my belief that humans must respect each others' differences, and they have no right to use violence against those that are of a different sexuality. Christianity clearly states that it is wrong to be homosexual, and as a result, homosexuals were stoned to death. My opponent failed to address this fact. Is it okay for people of differing sexualities to be killed for their differences? The Bible certainly thinks so; yet, if a homophobe decided to run out on to the street today and shoot a gay couple, I am certain that they would be arrested. On the topic of women's equality, I would like to make it clear that my opponent seems to have mistakened my words once again. I did not claim that ALL religions identify women as inferiors and allow rape. My opponent seems mainly focused on Christianity, but keep in mind that there are other religions. It is a verified statement that the practice of Islam is for the raping of women. There is not a single verse in the Quran which even remotely discourages forced sex. There are even several verses in the holy book that allow rape and other sexual crimes against women. My opponent claims that religion "provides a sense of community IN A WAY THAT NO OTHER ISSUE OR TOPIC can. " This is not true. There are many atheists in this world, myself included. I would just like to say that I feel a perfect, warm, fuzzy, delightful sense of community when I sing with my choir. I don't need religion, or a common belief with others in a spirit. My family provides me with a sense of community. I'm doing fine without religion. You don't need to believe in a god to feel like you belong. There are SO MANY other groups and activities you can join to achieve that sense of community. Community is formed using boundaries, emotional safety, influence, and a fulfilment of needs. Groups such as book clubs, choirs, dance teams, baking classes, and more can help you connect through a common interest. As a note, I would like to thank my opponent for welcoming me to your family of Christianity. I'm going to have to respectfully decline, for now. Maybe you'll change my mind. In terms of religion giving its followers a sense of purpose in this world, it is totally possible for one to have their own reasons for wanting to live. While my opponent may live to please God, there are so many people out there who are living to achieve their own goals and dreams. Humans are motivated to help one another because together, we are stronger as a society. For many of us, religion has nothing to do with why we're here. Why are we here? The Bible states that God created us because it pleased Him to do so. I'm not here to please anyone. I'm here because I want to achieve goals, to do something important, to help others, to fall in love, to make a change, but most of all, to enjoy living. You can realize that there doesn't need to be a reason for your existence. Why can't we just enjoy our existence? If my actions have a long-term affect, that's great. But, I'm not scared of oblivion. If I made someone's life better, I would be happy. No one else needs to recognize me for that. My opponent states that religion gives us morals to live by. Let's keep this short. I didn't realize all atheists were criminals. That's because we're not all criminals. We have morals too! Except, we don't follow them because God wants us to, we follow them because we, personally, believe that these are the right things to do. On the topic of mental support, many religions have a "heaven" afterlife and a "hell" afterlife. I hope my opponent realizes that there is also a hell in Christianity. Isn't it depressing to think that if one's father shoplifted, they would burn in a torturous habitat eternally for their sins after death? It is so much more easier to cope with a loved one's death when there is no question of "Did they go to heaven or are they burning in hell? " Christianity doesn't allow everyone into heaven. In fact, those who have loved ones who weren't exactly the "good Christian" may feel horrible about how they're loved one is currently being sent to hell. As an atheist, I am not faced with the burden of these thoughts. Finally, let's talk social change. I find it quite surprising that there are religious persons who are only willing to help others because their religion tells them to do so. I'm helping others because I want to create positive social change. What motivates me is the fact that I'm contributing to a better world, not the fact that I'll end up in heaven after I die. The topic of religion has always intrigued me, and I'm glad that I've received this opportunity to debate with an opponent who is religious themselves.