In a progressive world, there is a constant resistance holding many people back from continuing the pursuit of a better world. The dedication that they show to spread their word and advance their unjust cause is unsettling, and sometimes even frightening. These people consider the evasion of common sense as a virtue, and promote morals which are not only based on texts which are long outdated to be used in these times, but the morals often contain prejudice. Oddly, following in the path of these wicked individuals is people who have a similarity to them, yet see that the true nature of these men. Behind the crowd of fundamentalists and moderates, there are a group of people with no religion, who may despise the fundamentalists and respect the moderates, but are largely indifferent towards the subject of religion all together. Behind these people, their stands a group who may openly rebel against religion, but are often criticized for having no spiritual path and therefore being unethical. However, the largest group by far is the moderates, who have the largest influence, as they are the most abundant out of any religious groups. Moderates, or liberal theists do not believe the written word of their holy script, nor do they live by it. These people are not overly engrossed in the religion they choose to follow, and are sometimes not well educated in the core principles of the religion they have. However, these people are the driving force behind a certain religion, and these people rarely realize that they are endorsing fundamentalists, who we can all agree are not only “wrong”, but also dangerous. Take away the liberals and moderates, and these fundamentalists would have little to no power. So as these moderates go to church, they may not necessarily go because it is the best religion for them, but they may go simply because going to church is a social norm, or they feel a duty to go. If a religion which promoted no god at all took place of Christianity, their would surely be liberals and moderates in that religion. So we arrive upon the question: Are these religions benefiting or hurting the world? The United States may be the best point to look at the influence of religion over the average person. The moderate in the United States is far more religious then the moderate in lets say, France. First off, most people accept their religion without putting considerable insight into their decision, as their parents have taught them religion since a young age. Here are a couple of surveys about the United States and common issues. "Which comes closest to your view? Gay couples should be allowed to legally marry. OR, Gay couples should be allowed to form civil unions but not legally marry. OR, There should be no legal recognition of a gay couple's relationship." 32% of Americans wanted gays to receive no legal recognition. In another survey, the surveyors asked, "Do you strongly favor, favor, oppose, or strongly oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally?" The oppose/strongly oppose percentage was roughly 50%. So many Americans are against gay marriage, why? Because the bible condemns it. These “moderates” in America seem more geared towards fundamentalism, although their definitely are Christians who approve of gay marriage. The common person is starting to radiate against gay marriage, meaning that the moderate is becoming more fundamentalist. The liberals out their who disagree with the tenets of their faith are funding these people each time they go to church! The conservative party has a odd habit of basing their morals of 5000 year old texts. Liberals meanwhile, may adopt religion but will not base their ethics on it. However, having accepted that religious power comes from common people who will naturally choose the biggest religion, you must realize that these people pose a dual threat. First, they may adopt fundamentalist values themselves, and secondly, they are always endorsing the fundamentalist when they go to church. So if a new religion could be formed that would not only persuade liberals to go over to it, but also the moderates who may be adopting fundamentalist values, then the world would be a much better place. I will further on this idea in later posts.