1. Hinduism and Buddhism offer much more sophisticated worldviews (or philosophies) and I see nothing wrong with these religions.

Comment #152443 by eblonk on March 31, 2008 at 3:15 am

"However...all these things that wind up being blamed on religions are really people-issues. People invented religions; every last one of them."

And there you have it. Religion doesn't influence people, people influence (and create) religion. Insofar they connect to an existing religion (for social or other reasons) they adapt their interpretation to suit their personality.
Religion itself is neutral, it is what people do with it what matters.

"However, she would never question their motivation."

Oops. As a buddhist I feel this is the first thing to question in a teacher.

To get back to the original subject: hinduism, buddhism, islam, christianity, paganism or any other religion in and of themsleves offer nothing. People act upon them by either their own choice or through circumstances. It is the 'act upon' part that matters.

And even if there is a god, whenever you do what he tells you to, it is your decision to do so and they are your actions. I mean, I wouldn't offer my son just because a deity tells me to.