Religious respect ought to be a 2 way street
 

For example if we we allow Muslims to practice their religion in the US, it would be nice if they would allow us to practice our own religion in their countries, without threat or restriction.

I know we do have branches in some Muslim-dominant countries, but we don't have true freedom of religion or missionaries.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/22/o...nion&smtyp=cur

This is the essence of what makes Trumpism what it is, and why I have a hard time understanding how practicing LDS don't seem to have a bigger problem with Trump. We can debate what sensible immigration policy should look like. But what separates Trump from traditional conservatism is Trump's attempt to mainstream the demonization of immigrants and foreigners. Sure, of course he's just taking advantage of some feelings that were already there in society but weren't socially acceptable to express until now.

I agree with the main point of the article though. LDS in general are more friendly to the idea of religious freedom for everyone and for non-Christians than are hardcore Evangelicals. It's actually nice to be recognized for that from an outside observer.

Neither of you will agree but I believe a valid argument can be made that the modern world has outgrown all religion and that society would function better without it. It is now used to foment discord rather than to bridge gaps. Eliminate religion and you will still have conflicts, but you won't be able to call upon the name of an unseen Almighty to justify your hate.


I understand how religion historically has been a repository of knowledge and enlightenment but is it still so?

We already tried that, based on exactly the reasons you mentioned. Ask Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot and Mao how that went.

Totalitarian regimes is the answer to agnosticism. I believe in a capitalistic, agnostic society that using a minimalistic government.

That may be a good ideal, but quite impossible. If religion pulls its functions out, the state would have to step in fill that role. A crossnational study done at Notre Dame showed that if more secular countries have larger governments.