Muslim Cartoon Protests -- Do they really think they're helping their cause?!

Yes, definitely. That's the selling point, and also the most negative aspect... it's also the purpose. The hope and worth are just a bait and switch. It's like cold medicine. It can't cure the cold. It just masks the symptoms for the duration of the cold. That's beneficial for a week long cold. It's a detriment when it's the entirety of a life. Religion depends on the perpetuation of the affliction that creates the need for the remedy. Without it the need would vanish. That's why all major religions emphasize guilt, shame, retribution for non-compliance, and fear of death, and the only cures they offer involve dependancy on the religion. They create a self-perpetuating loop, like endlessly setting people on fire and then selling them fire extinguisher. As soon as individuals are taught to depend on something outside themselves for their sense of worth they've become addicts to a drug and dependant on a pusher. That's why I believe the ultimate purpose of religion has always been about control, tribalism, and assimilation.

Edit: I forgot to mention perhaps the most important thing religion emphasizes (and the one most relevant to the subject of this thread) - it instills a feeling of persecution. That cements people into the group as they rally against a common enemy.

Not work friendly, and not very kind to moslems. You have been warned!

http://www.zipperfish.net/free/yaafm12.php

edit to add: If the cartoons were so offensive, this must be off the scale. I'm sure there must be a lot worse out there too.

I would be interesed to know if people find this offensive, funny, or are indifferent.

Based on my personal observations, I would have to conclude that religion is most certainly not the opitate of the masses. If anything it is a stimulant. I would much rather deal with a junky than a crack head.

You could apply a lot of this stuff to politics, societies, etc, as well.