Chapter 16 Religion and Science

I find it appalling that religious groups acted through force rather than peace in the early modern world. When I think of religion I don't think of war and persuasion, I think of peace within yourself and your faith in God. The religious groups like the Catholic church seemed to have more hierarchy than most rulers. The church had more influence in state matters than it ever should have had. A church is somewhere a person can go to connect with God and find guidance in their life. It should not be another form of government. The Catholic and Christian churches seemed to force their beliefs upon other people whom have unique cultures and beliefs of there own. It sends off the message that religion is an all or nothing deal. You either believe in our God or you are a sinner kind of thing. This is ridiculous. Every person is unique and therefore should be able to practice his or her's personal beliefs in God. I think that as long as a person is content within themselves and their spirituality it does not matter what religion they are for they are striving to be a better person just like everyone else who believes in God. The churches should simply keep their doors open to new comers instead of imposing themselves upon other cultures. Even though religion and science are opposites I believe religion should be more like the practices of enlightenment, people should be able to see the world through their own knowledge and beliefs.