Each of the Abrahamic faith traditions has been responsible for executing heretics, but only one continues to advocate for, and carry out, the death penalty for the 'crime' of apostasy in the 21st century. More than 70 years ago, 48 nations, including a number of Islamic dominated countries, signed on to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Article 18 of which reads:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."

Are we less enlightened than we were in 1948? Why have we allowed religions to, in some quarters, maintain their steely hold on power?