Other Obstacles with Religion

Aside from the confusion surrounding death, what other obstacles does adhering to a religion entail?
That depends on one's perspective. Religious belief can provide meaning, community, moral guidance, hope, and psychological comfort. However, critics of religion have argued that certain religious beliefs may also create obstacles in some situations.

Examples of Religious Obstacles

Examples that are often mentioned in literature and in discussions, include:

Acceptance of mortality

As mentioned earlier, belief in an afterlife may reduce the urgency to fully embrace the finiteness of earthly life.

Critical inquiry

Certain doctrines can discourage questioning of established beliefs or authorities.

Scientific acceptance

Some religious traditions have historically conflicted with scientific explanations of nature, although many religious people accept modern science.

Personal autonomy

Strong religious rules may limit individual choices concerning lifestyle, relationships, or personal identity.
A counter argument is that certain people with strong personal autonomy are so busy with self-satisfaction, that they pay less attention to collective social responsibilities.

Social division

Different religious groups may develop conflicting truth claims, sometimes leading to social tension.

Guilt and fear

Concepts such as sin, divine punishment, or hell can create feelings of anxiety or guilt in some believers.

Focus on a future world

Critics argue that excessive focus on salvation or an afterlife may reduce attention to improving present-world conditions.

Moral certainty

The conviction that one's beliefs are divinely sanctioned can make compromise and dialogue more difficult.

From our viewpoint expressed as in previous text, the central obstacle would likely be:
The belief that a better existence awaits after death may distract people from creating "heaven" on Earth during the limited time they actually have.

Conversely, a religious person might argue exactly the opposite:
Religious faith motivates people to act morally, help others, and work toward a better world.

So whether religion is seen as an obstacle or a support, largely depends on one's philosophical assumptions about reality, about knowledge, morality, and about one's expectation of life after death.