I worked for a company a while back, where the Muslim women were wearing hijabs. The first question in my mind was "Why?" Who was forcing them to wear such a thing? Then it dawned on me, "Why not?"
The Qu'ran explains why . The problem is that this is punishing women for the baser instincts of men. How convenient. Can you imagine walking around in 120 degree day completely covered in black from head to toe?
And being beaten if your ankle is showing? While the men are alllowed to dress completely in white to shield them from the sun ?
Imagine yourself being a woman in a strict Muslim country. Can't drive, cannot take a taxi without a chaperone, cannot go to school, Being held responsible if you are raped? Can you imagine being forbidden to look at the undersides of birds flying overhead, lest you see their reproductive organs?
Every year we have gaggles of migrating geese traveling north or south on their 2000 mile trips. An awesome sight to behold.
In Catholic schools receiving demerits for asking questions about obvious contradictions in the Bible? Have you read the story of "loafs and fishes"? There are three accounts of this physically impossible feat, but you have to accept without question any version is being told to you as fact?
Have you read the Book of Mormons, which is a true sci-fi story?
It's all about control, compliance and unquestioned obeyance to the religion and it stifles curiosity, knowledge, and invention.
I am not against any philosophy which teaches self-discipline and self-reliance, but, IMO. most all religions are shams. As Carlin said how is it that an Omnipotent being needs tithing and religions collect millions of tax free money? The Vatican is one of the richest institutions in the world. Why does a religion which teaches against excesses, is led by people dressed in gold and silver, whereas nuns need to marry Christ while lying on the floor in abolute submission? I know this is all methaporical, but the fact remains.
There is a movie "The greatest story ever Told", Carlin observed that it actually is the "The greatest bullshit story ever told."
The list of human debasement is endless, sprinkled here and there with a word of true wisdom.
I like to be able to read all books of all kinds, without being branded as an apostate or as being possessed by demons. That's why I am an atheist. It allows me to inquire about the world, societies and scientific knowledge. My mind is not burdened by guilt instilled by others. My mind is mine and only mine.
My behavior comes from secular self-imposed discipline based on the words of great philosephers and yes, from some of the moral truths contained in scripture, which are actually not specific to that religion but also can be found in almost all peaceful and thriving advancedsocieties.
Get the Skeptics Annotated Bible, it will open your eyes so you can truly"see" and free your mind from stifling dogma. It's free to all.