Why are beliefs more important than values or character?

I think they are too closely related, beliefs and values. They say there is "honor" among thieves, for instance.

Morals are dependent on your up bringing. Good parents will instill good morals in their children, while some parents might think it is "funny" for their child to hit a cat with a 2x4.

All animals exhibit this. For instance I read about a group of adolescent elephants that were moved from one area to another in Africa.

After several years, they were finding animals being killed for no reason, hippos, rhinos, etc. that usually do not have that many predators.

They found it was the "teen" elephants that were doing this, for "fun" or whatever reason, but MAINLY because their PARENTS were not around to teach them.

All over the world you will find bad people usually come from some form of bad parenting.

Religion has a role, or no religion, but I believe it is still revolving around the fact the parents involvement, or lack of involvement.

There are more reasons, such as stubborn one way thinking, exhibited by many. Lack of trust, lack of education, and of course, physical brain problems.

Serial killers for instance may have some kind of brain damage that causes what they do. Sex drive also plays into it, drugs, alcohol, and just plain environment.

Gets complicated, right.

And if people want to take away my rights based on their beliefs I should just say nothing should I? Religion is dangerous and should be questioned at all costs.

I agree with what you say, but belief can often reflect moral values- you see, a good Christian would spend all their time stoning homosexuals if they were a 'good' christian.

I totally agree... it is action that changes reality, not beliefs or "Your perception of reality".