In this Future of Ideas session at Pop!Tech 2005, Sam Harris debates many points relating to religion, particularly the dangers that can be brought about by religious extremists -- in any faith -- around the world, and in our own country. Even religious moderates play a role by allowing the intolerance of extremists to grow.

Sam mentions that often people tend to feel uncomfortable about questioning the depth of someone else's religious conviction, possibly out of fear or concern that calling to question the depth of another person's religious conviction would interfere with that person's religious freedoms.

But where does one draw the line? Can a person's faith, personal beliefs in a personal God and infallible holy writings, their very religion cross the line? Does the fundamental depth of someone's, or some religious group's belief system make them intolerant of others and promote intolerance of other belief systems?

And if so, can these religious beliefs put another group of people or a country at risk, or even put the world's peace at risk? Sam contends that religion, faith and inflexible fundamentalist belief systems do allow and often encourage intolerance of others who may not believe the same way. This intolerance can threaten the peace of particular groups of people, entire countries and the world. He shares that even religious moderates can be apathetic about the intolerance pushed by others.

Sam candidly pulls no punches and plays no favorites as he goes through a methodical path of arguments to show where his concerns are and why. He shares some insightful and provocative nuggets of truth. Sam Harris certainly provides something for everyone to ponder in this session.

This talk was from the The Future of Ideas session at Pop!Tech. The other speaker in this session was Susan Blackmore. The question and answer period can be heard at the end of Susan Blackmore's talk.