I'm a firm believer that secular religious history courses taught in our public schools would be the simplest factor in diminishing the negative effects of organized religions.

Religious history is taught in private parochial schools and churches but it's always through the filter of the particular sect's beliefs. When the spotlight is placed on the entire history, so much of the mythology and evolution is exposed and I believe it becomes apparent that the vast majority is simply the machinations of man.

Obviously, there'd be a huge backlash from the churches at such courses. Religious leaders have to know that the vast majority of their flock know nothing about the early Pagan beginnings of all the major belief systems. Most Christians know little about the rewrites the Bible went through and who actually penned the pages. They know nothing about the manipulative editing and omissions that resulted in the final versions.

Few Muslims know of the actual history and very mortal humans that created their rules and beliefs, not to mention the changed role of the once dominant women throughout history.

Imagine if Mormons were taught about the true inner workings of their church and the mounds of evidence that much of the edicts from God to their prophets are built in committee.

Picture if you would if the Vatican historical archives were opened to all historians.

Art