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dishguy, aren't most religions primitive at the extreme? Not in intelligence or capability, but in the idealized lifestyle? The stereotypical path to purity rejects modern convenience, addictions, etc. Primitive wouldn't be the word I'd use but that's how I interpret it in this context.
I'm not worried about individuals seeking personal faith and spirituality, but I am worried about those seeking power through religion, and followers who believe they must compel others to follow their path. As far as I'm aware, every major religion has writings that, taken literally, would put us at each others' throats. The danger's in the dogma and its interpretation.
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There are a vast number of people who are uninformed and heavily propagandized, but fundamentally decent. The propaganda that inundates them is effective when unchallenged, but much of it goes only skin deep. If they can be brought to raise questions and apply their decent instincts and basic intelligence, many people quickly escape the confines of the doctrinal system and are willing to do something to help others who are really suffering and oppressed." -Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media, p. 195
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