oppress in what way?

“Religion, a mediaeval form of unreason, when combined with modern weaponry becomes a real threat to our freedoms. This religious totalitarianism has caused a deadly mutation in the heart of Islam and we see the tragic consequences in Paris today. I stand with Charlie Hebdo, as we all must, to defend the art of satire, which has always been a force for liberty and against tyranny, dishonesty and stupidity. ‘Respect for religion’ has become a code phrase meaning ‘fear of religion.’ Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect.” –Salman Rushdie

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/...s-we-all-must/

I think it definitely does. When you are taught how to live your life and what morals you should have by a religion and then encounter people that are different, many religious people get angry because they believe that that person is living his life the wrong way.

The more devout you are, the likelier you are to hate others unlike you. Actually, this applies to atheists as well as religious people, but the effects are more noticeable and wide-reaching with religious people.

Indirectly, yes. But if it wasn't religion, it would be something else. People always need an excuse to "justify" their hateful tendencies.

Omg yes it has.

No. Some people do use religion as a excuse though.

Hasn't science in the hands of godless people committed horrendous experiments against humanity? Yes. But should people stop applying its principles to help millions with diseases. Religion in the hands of the wrong people can cause horrendous acts as well, but it has also been in the hands of good people that help others. It's that simple. Being one sided is so ironical.

Judaism is older than Christianity, though.

most people use the old testament when they try to criticize the bible but any person who actually reads the bible knows that the new testament is what Christians are supposed to follow. That is, The teachings of Jesus. never did he speak of hating or killing anyone. Personally I am humbled when I read about how he sat with the sinners and never actually judged people for their past actions. I don't care what anyone says I will always respect that part of the bible because it teaches us nothing but love.

In fact most religions have an overarching theme of Love and respecting one another as well as the earth. Unfortunately people tend to twist or misinterpret words and use them for their own intentions, usually to harm others or for greed. its sad really.

The same thing can be said about science, money and politics. They've all been used to oppress and control people but that doesn't mean it's the reason they exist. It only means that they've been misused and abused by few miscreants for their own gain. Religion like anything else is a tool that can be used for good or bad.

Kinda, religion is very much about conforming, so people don't conform are outsiders who are against the natural order, which can lead to hate

I mean, I don't get how some can't understand this. I will leave an expert from Antony Flew's, renowned philosopher and former atheist turned deist, book on his conversion:

Not Another religion thread
We get it
Religion is bad
Can we move on?

.

Not being saying the bible is the only religious text in Christianity, the ignorance