



"You're useless without god."





Obviously most religious people do not have this in mind when they utter these words. Yet, I can't help but think about this every time I hear it. I can't help but think that over all, this kind of thinking is damaging.





Nothing you achieve has anything to do with you, your talents, or your hard work. You get a promotion? It's god's favour, and has nothing to do with your aptitude or diligence - so why even bother trying?





"But god only rewards you if you deserve it!"





Then you can attribute your success to yourself, and there is essentially no need to thank him for anything. God didn't give you that promotion - you worked for it. God didn't save your loved one - the doctor that performed surgery did. There is no need for the ever-so-common response to a compliment:





"Oh, I did nothing, it's ALLLLL god. He is the one we should be praising! He empowered me through his grace and mercy and without him I am nothing."





Have a little more respect for yourself - and mankind in general.

Praise the Lord Almighty. A similar phrase is often uttered by many of the devoutly religious as an expression of gratitude to their deity.Why is this so unreasonable? Well, I've included a professionally drawn illustration to highlight the issue.The truth is, religion has the power to steal the accomplishments of mankind. Suddenly, everything good that happens is because of god, and you had no part in it. This is a remarkably common theme.