I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. I want not to bring you certainty, but paradox.
Organized religion is a strange force in society.
It promotes both good and evil. Historically, it has helped to abolish slavery and to promote racial integration, equal rights for women, equal rights for gays and lesbians, and massive support services for the poor, the sick, the hurting, and the broken. But it has also been used to justify slavery, racial segregation, oppression of women, discrimination against homosexuals, and genocide. Religious faith has inspired countless individuals to dedicate their lives to help others. Just think of Ghandi, Albert Schweitzer, or Mother Theresa.