Religion does in no way define morality in the West, and to even say so is nave and the obvious result of indoctrination into a religion. Religion is defined by the changing moral Zeitgeist, which is affected by court cases, laws, important historical incidents, and the daily life of individuals. Five hundred years ago people were terrified of not going to church on whatever day of the week and no secularists even existed, but today science has explained many natural phenomena in the universe, but still comparatively small to the things that we have yet to learn, which has caused a great rise in the ranks of secularists, and even the most pious people today see no problem with missing a few days of church or mosque or temple. People thought that homosexuality was the result of mental disease, and grounds for off days from work, and today people know that someone elses sexual orientation, which is none of your or anyone elses business other than that persons, is a voluntary choice. The morality of people changes from generation to generation while religion remains stagnant, what could that mean? Interpretations of the Bible and Quran have certainly not changed. Second, literal interpretations of holy books would never lead to an idealistic world where everyone treats others as they want to be treated. The Bible is very clear about dealing with non-Jews, as the Quran is clear about non-Muslims. Neither book says, Treat everyone equally, because they are more concerned about what happens to nonbelievers. Modern translations have turned, Treat all Jews equally, or, Treat all Muslims equally, into, Treat everyone equally. Neither the Bible nor the Quran was written to give equal rights to people of all religions; they were written to promote their respective religions while trampling others. I would always rather meet a moderate Christian or Muslim than a radical Christian or Muslim because moderates are less likely to force their beliefs on others. The religious fundamentalists who claim to, Take their morality directly from scripture, are implying that they are okay with genocide, infanticide, rape, and the heinous destruction of womens rights as long as the god says to do it. That is a terrifying thought. Third, what does religion actually bring? Religion brings consolation to some and directives to others. Drawing consolation from unprovable beliefs that do not coincide with anything you can learn about the natural world seems silly. If you can neither identify nor prove your god then why believe in him or her? Religion also sews terror into the hearts of millions as Islamic terrorists and militant Evangelicals threaten a civilized way of life. When you deny Christians in America murdering for religion then I encourage you to look up the story of Dr. George Tiller. If I left anything out then please post it on my Twitter.