VERSION|0.5.1|NAME|Jude|DATE|1378196051|CONTENT|Dr Banner was arguiing that religion in 21st Century does work to improve the lives of people, not just offer them the solace of an afterlife so that they put up with their lot. And, to be fair, many religious groups do work to relieve poverty and suffering. But it is also true that most of the  major religions promote and reinforce discrimination, whether that is against women or, as in Hinduism, certain castes. And while that remains their official teaching, they will have difficulty promoting themselves as standard bearers for justice and equality.|EMAIL|jmlivesley@yahoo.co.uk|IP-ADDRESS|146.90.85.132|MODERATIONFLAG|