Extremists are not the principle problem

Chad Rhoades argues, ‘Religion does not cause violence, extremists do.’ While this is true, these extremists did not come into power by their own doing — religion allowed them to come into that position. Hence, the problem with religion: religion allows certain people to sculpt the minds of entire congregations, for better or for worse. This is a tremendous power; and where there is power, there is abuse of that power. That is the nature of humanity, religion or not. Many followers of religion do not recognize this danger, mostly because religious teaching begins at an early age, before their ability to think freely. This is the danger of religion that Bill Maher, Richard Dawkins and other notable atheists allude to, not the few extremists out there. So, by all means, be a follower of religion. There is much to be gained

through its practice. Remember, though, your thoughts should be your own,

not someone else’s.

Alex Woody

junior, chemistry

Religion teaches false truths

I have a few comments on your article ‘Religion is not the bad guy.’ Although some religious traditions support morality, your generalization that ‘religion promotes peace and understanding’ may not be true for all religious beliefs in our world. In fact, throughout history, Christianity has often slowed (and continues to slow) the progress of new ideas from the heliocentric universe and evolution to the latest theories on the beginning of the universe. It certainly fails to promote ‘understanding.’ However, the majority of your article implies that without religion (the belief in the supernatural), society would crumble by the lack of morality, respect, etc. In fact, religion serves as a unifying belief that gives people a sense of community for those who do not wish to understand the truth of science and instead believe on faith, an excuse for ignoring the necessity of proof. It happens that along with this belief, morality and respect — the ingredients for a stable society — are also taught. However, these aspects of maintaining a peaceful and understanding society also belong to the culture of science. Science transcends religions, government and all culture traditions, in that it simply seeks the answers that are contained in our universe ‘- it has the power to unite all people, as anyone is welcome to participate in its adventure. Many will fail to see this because of pride and the inability to critically question their ‘faith.’ So why is religion the ‘bad guy?’ It teaches people to believe in false truths just by the authority of a sacred book or by the authorities of the leaders of the religion.

Adam Keith

senior, physics

Poor management plagued Carolina parking

What is the excuse for the poor management of the parking situation at the RBC Center after the Carolina basketball game? Coming into the game, students were greeted with a maze or orange cones, flashing blue lights and RBC Center parking attendants waving orange cones. After being corralled into the worst designed parking lot in history, we get to hike to the RBC Center and wait in more lines.

But my real gripe comes from the post-game debacle I experienced. I sat motionless in traffic for 45 minutes. When I finally broached the gates onto Trinity road, guess what I saw? That’s right, no cones, no police cars and no attendants. In fact, no one in the main RBC parking lot at all. Only the 100 or more cars left behind me in the student lot and those students who had beaten me to the gate.

Is it really fair to block the students in, then remove all methods of traffic direction, resulting in a free-for-all car-sized game of chicken? I mean, you guys were efficient enough to clean up all the cones and squad cars before I got out of the gate. Surely one or two officers could have helped direct traffic in the student lot.

I would welcome a response from any of the groups I mentioned. Why must we be subjected to this at midnight on a school night?

Joseph Elliott

senior, mechanical engineering

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