Maher calls for the destruction of religion -- as if that would put an end to violence. What he doesn't understand is that violence is a part of human nature. Religion has been exploited to justify it. Jesus taught his followers to turn the other cheek -- he encouraged rooting violence out of our systems. In his Sermon on the Mount he said it's not enough not to kill -- you shouldn't harbor hatred in your heart because that's the root of the problem. So the real problem is the EXPLOITATION of religion.

Some of the most savage killing was committed by atheistic regimes. Think about Stalin, Castro, Pol Pot, the Reign of Terror, Shining Path, the Chinese so-called Cultural Revolution, etc, etc, etc. It's like human life is extra cheap.

Also, something peculiar happens in atheist countries ... seems like they replace religion w/personality cults ... creature worship. Look at North Korea ... Kim Jong Il is the "Dear Leader". So they encourage people to worship the head of state. How is that different from the Pharoahs of ancient Egypt who felt they were gods?

Maher's got it wrong. The problem is HUMAN NATURE. And the TRUTH is that -- you can get rid of religion -- but our violent nature will not change. Nothing is solved. We'll still have wars. The real problem is the EXPLOITATION of religion by despots.