Redemptive Suffering: A Harm From Religion

In my interaction with Christian apologists, many say, "Why are you atheists so active in attacking religion?"  My general retort is to point out the harm from belief without evidence.  However, my specific response is to point out some examples of the direct harm from religion.  A good example of this is the Christian concept of redemptive suffering.

The battle with Christians regarding end-of-life decisions as a good example of this harm.  Christian dogma does not recognize the concept of bodily autonomy and promotes redemptive suffering (see the history and philosophy of Mother Teresa as a good example).  The abortion debate is a good example of this tension, as well as the euthanasia debate.  The Christian stance of the "slippery slope" consequences from euthanasia is unsupported by the evidence, see here and here.  Ironically, most Christians who oppose euthanasia and abortion are champions of limited government interference with personal rights.  It's time for them to be consistent regarding their politics.

The harm of accepting Redemptive Suffering