So, this is probably going to get touchy, but I think the more fundamental issue is that religion, both from epistemological and functional perspectives as a movement, is incompatible with democracy.<p>In the sense that one cannot simultaneously hold the following two sets of beliefs:<p>Religion: knowledge by authority, submission to authority, authority by appeal to ex-human grantor, otherwise ignorance until submission before authority<p>Democracy: knowledge by inalienable and intrinsic human nature, authority as composed of the will of individuals, pluralism as a path to better decisions for the whole society<p>I personally believe religion is a powerful force for good in the world. But, if we&#x27;re being really honest, a lot of times that&#x27;s because of the stuff we&#x27;re leaving out or bending rather than the strict interpretation.