Smith's view seems to play out in the comparison of a state such as Iran, which imposes Muslim religious beliefs on its citizens, and that is extremely rigid and zealous in those beliefs, which impose strict religious control over households and especially women. Compare that with a country like the United States, which is more moderate and reasonable, and open to new religious beliefs.
Some experts believe that diversity is another reason religion plays a role in moderate, reasonable societies. Author Barro continues, "A greater diversity of religions available in a country or region is thought to promote greater competition, hence a better quality religion product, and therefore higher religious participation and beliefs" (Barro). In a country with only one supported religion, tolerance and quality are not part of the equation, adherence and rules are the most important, and that does not give any tolerance for any diversity or competition to develop alternative forms of belief.
Finally, philosophers and experts believe that organized religion in its present form perpetuates the strength of men over women in society, and goes against ideas of women's rights and equality. Gila Stopler, an Israeli layer and philosopher writes, "I will show that religious patriarchal ideals serve to perpetuate women's inequality in both the public and the private sphere and that patriarchal religion buttressed by state support adversely affects the lives of all women, both religious and non-religious" (Stopler). She believes that religion has been organized by men, men lead most worldwide religions, and women have played insignificant roles in the development and perpetuation of religion and that continues into the present. Some religions have embraced women as church leaders and as heads of their churches, but some still ban women, and in most religions, women play an insignificant, volunteer-type role if any at all.
In continuance with her beliefs about how religion affects women's rights, Stopler questions the reality of separation of church and state in this country and others around the world. She writes, "Even in the U.S., the bastion of separation between church...
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