Sorry mom. I thought I'd invite comments on two of the world's greatest burdens. I'm trying to create a ledger, showing a balance in the end (of course, entirely subjective). This came out of an online argument in which I participated where I challenged people to do the same. We'll see how it all turns out!

BTW - this is unfinished. Please suggest away. Also, it seems to be posting badly. I'll work on that!

RELIGION		HUMAN (OVER)POPULATION
PLUS	MINUS	PLUS	MINUS
clear definition of morality
cultural organization
dietary regulation - for safety (eating kosher, for example)
music
art
literature
preservation of antiquities (and perhaps culture - Irish monks)
advancement of science	retardation of science