You know how when people come out of being a JW they say things like- but the Bible is a good book- its just the religion that is bad.
Or when describing Muslim extremists commit some atrocity, people say- the religion is bad- but the Koran is a good book.
Or when you observe Orthodox Jews abusing members of their family- it is said- its the religion that is confining and doent allow leaders to be held accoutable- but the Torah is a good book.
I think we have it backwards!! The Bible, Koran and Torah allow and even condone violence, miysogyny, racism, genocide, child abuse, slavery, abuse of authority, ignorance etc, etc, etc. Really- the "holy writings" are the problem.
To the extent that a religious group ignores certain passages or tenants in their holy writings- they can be modern, inclusive, accepting, non-confrontational, enlightened- in short- humane.
This was a major "ah-ha" realization for me. I had it backwards. The religious groups arent the problem- some are a problem- yes- but the "holy writings" are what allow for extremism. Extremists are just being more faithful, orthodox, loyal, and observant of the holy writings.