Many, if not most world conflicts revolve around or are exasperated by religious beliefs. If we could believe in a god, whether the god exists or not, and refrain from creating a religion around that god, the belief would be harmless, much like the tooth fairy.

I strongly believe we are born with an innate sense of right and wrong that must be nurtured. Our families, friends, neighbors, and society as a whole corrupt what is already there or fail to expand upon with helpful instruction.

The question becomes once one drifts from basic goodness, can he/she return without some sort of belief in a punishing and redeeming god? Is it not fear of damnation or hope of redemption that often leads to changes of heart and behavior?