Can someone explain religion to me?

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mattl

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I've been mulling whether to post this or not, and opted to post. Of course Robert is free to kill and pull this thread at will if gets too acrimonious.

I've been thinking about religion after reading a couple of threads here, one that became very heated resulting in someones suspension and anther's decision (hopefully reconsidered...) to leave. Well here goes - what makes you believe in the religion you subscribe to? Why is it part of your reality? I was raised Catholic but today I'd describe myself as an agnostic on even days and an atheist on odd days.

I can't comprehend a "supreme being" that would want to be worshiped. Does anyone here want to be worshiped by a lesser creature? Could you imaging what that would be like? Religions espouse that we cannot comprehend god, and yet they comprehend that a god wants to be worshiped. Or, that by praying you could change a supposedly all powerful, all seeing, being's course of action. If that being was omniscient, would that being not know you would pray at some point in the future? If, as many say, god has a plan, or god meant it to be, why would you pray to alter that plan? Does anyone think our pets should pray to us since we are as incomprehensible to them as a god is to us? I'm not trying to get too philosophical here, but I have difficulty with the dichotomy.

To me so much of religion is based in 12th and 13th century feudalism. With Kings, Lords, etc. who are so far above the average serf that they are regarded with a sort of reverence. So many prayers and rituals in religion echo that sensibility to me. What is it in these rituals that attract people to them? Is it a comfort factor for those of you who believe? Is it because you were raised in a certain religion?

I'm trying to understand why some people are so devoted to something I honestly can't comprehend. The hatred that spews toward the Gay/Lesbian aspect of our culture from religious groups is rabid at times. That sports figures and actors thank god for their good fortune when they win a game or an award puzzles me - what made their opponents unworthy of god's support? The wars, pain and suffering that religion has brought us are undeniable, yet a great many people still choose to believe.

I'm in no way trying to start a flame war here. I'm not asking to have my beliefs challenged or changed and I have no desire to change anyone else's views - I'm just trying to get a better understanding of something that is greatly affecting our culture. So, if you believe -why do you believe? Have you ever questioned your beliefs?
 
Good post Matt. You've captured a lot of my same views and questions. I'm very jaded about the fact that almost to a fault, religious organizations are among the wealthiest entities in the world. It seems something is very wrong with that picture. The Vatican on one hand preaches poverty and selflessness and on the other, is so obscenely wealthy that it would make an oil company exec blush. Huh?

I think that belief in a supreme being of some kind has a lot to do with human nature. It seems even tribal cultures that went undiscovered until the 20th century had some form of offering to a higher power. Look at the various cultures in ancient Mexico and the human sacrifices they'd make to various dieties. How this all got started seems to be the $64K question. That cultures from across the globe all have had some sort of religion over the ages, fosters the question of whether one incident triggered a domino effect that hit everywhere in the ancient world, far before communication across long distances was even a concept. Could it be that today's modern religious scammers are just following a routine that began many eons ago by other hucksters who found it a great way to make big bucks? It's so easy to draw parallels between preaching the fear of a god and passing the collection basket vs. the underworld's practice of extorting "protection" money.

This is the sort of thing I'd like to see some discussion about. The whole modern preaching of hatred towards others is an entirely different animal than the actual origins of various religions over the ages, so as long as that scenario is left out of the discussion there should be few flames contained in this thread. Or so one would hope.

Ralph
 
Not every group of religious persons

wants to condemn others, including gay and lesbian others.

Secondly, maybe I am a weak person, but I need to believe, to act, as if there is (at least) a Guiding Principle above (admittedly limited) human intelligence. I find the universe to be completely incomprehensible without.

As for your last question, if it worth believing in, it is worth questioning. Of course I have my doubts, and will continue to have doubts.

I hate to talk about my denomination (United Church of Christ,) and my congregation (Kent United Church of Christ,) because it sounds like bragging, but we do offer an extravagant welcome. Our most recent Moderator ("President of the congregation") is an out, partnered, childrened lesbian. Our new Senior Minster is an out, partnered, dogged (as opposed to childrened) gay man.

The United Church of Christ was the first to ordain women (our roots are Congregational and others,) and the Congregationalists ordained a woman in 1850. We ordained an openly gay, noncelibate man in 1972.

We in Kent give close to 80% of our budget (after expenses) to Outreach projects, including local (food pantry, homeless veterans shelter) and global missions. Our rooms have meetings of the domestic violence shelter, and other groups.

We try to put loving-kindness into action. Most of the time, we come very close.

I am out in the congregation.

Yes, there are groups that do discriminate. I just try not to waste my time on them.

Link is to the national UCC site.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

http://ucc.org
 
Human existence and purpose is baffling. Many feel the need to explain it, or make reason of it. Humanity also needs hope to keep going. Religion/faith can provide purpose and guidance, and can help make sense of our very temporary existence in this life.

IMHO
 
Incorrectly applied it is a means of ouvert social control.

Properly applied, it can be a source of great comfort to believe we are simply not here to be "matter" (i.e. to take up space and have weight).

The limitedness of human way-of-thought leads to all ills including greed, insecurity, fear, crime, control. Hopefully "good" religion teaches how to overcome these and flourish while being good to others, and creating utopia on Earth.
 
I know I was influenced by religion...

But it does not enter into my daily thoughts of how to live my life. Many of the tenets of religion are just good common sense, and because of that many are the basis for our laws. On my agnostic days I think "well maybe there is some greater force out there" but that is the extent of it. I have no desire to please this higher power by my actions and I do not live my life guided by what a god might want. Heck, I can even imagine we are just a lab experiment in some vast laboratory. Maybe we are a molecule on a incomprehensible table leg in some being's room.

To me there is too much randomness in the world, look at all the deaths in China, infants and kids who in no way could have angered a god perished with countless others. If a god had deemed that to happen for what ever reason that would not be a god I'd want to be around.

On my perverse days I'd like to believe in reincarnation, all those that make the world a worse place would get to suffer the pain they caused the next time around.
 
Here is an interesting article

Excerpt:

"Are we "hard-wired" to believe in God? Interesting evidence from cognitive neuroscience suggests that certain beliefs come naturally to us, as a by-product of the way our thinking processes evolved. It seems that we have a tendency to detect agents at work in the world around us, and to attribute intentions to them. In the struggle for survival that underpins natural selection, a cognitive system that is tuned to purposeful agents should be highly adaptive."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/31/religion.darwinbicentenary
 
I will supplement Maytagbear's post.

As I have posted in other threads, I first wish to get a definition of "Christianist". I do not understand as I have never heard that phrase before.
Yes, some religions have twisted the Bible to suit their political agenda. Some religions preach more hatred than love.
Nevertheless, one can never generalize. I have met many disenchanted Roman Catholics over the years.
I am grateful that I grew up in the Episcopal Church where for the most part, we have "Unity Through Diversity".
My hometowwn parish in New York City, my parish in California for the 7 years that I lived there, and now my parish here in Tucson have all been loving and nurturing for me and my family.
My family is now all deceased but when the time came, clergy and congregation were there to support me.
We have women priests, bishops, and now the head of the entire
American Episcopal Church is a woman. We have openly gay priests and the Episcopal Bishop of New Hamshire, Gene Robinson is openly gay and lives openly with his partner.
Sure there are some people who are not pleased with it but the majority of Episcopalians do not have any problems with women or gay clergy.
We must all accept and respect each other, whatever our beliefs are. I do not believe in proselytizing or trying to convert others to my beliefs, but to respect others for their right to have their own beliefs, however, by the same token, I must be respected for my beliefs.
I am well known in my parish here in Tucson, Az. and yes, the clergy and the congregation is aware that I am gay. I was warmly received into the congregation on my first day and am respected by everyone. I consider it a blessing for the warmth and support I receive from clergy and congregation.
Again, I reiterate that we must never generalize and condemn all religions but to examine each one objectively.

Ross
 
Question --

Ross, you say:

"My hometowwn parish in New York City, my parish in California for the 7 years that I lived there, and now my parish here in Tucson have all been loving and nurturing for me and my family.
My family is now all deceased but when the time came, clergy and congregation were there to support me. "

But how is that a function of religion? Could someone who was not religious have done the same thing? I thing so. Your example there is more one of community rather than religion. Yo go on to give example of progressiveness in your chosen faith, all commendable, but you haven't touched on my original question -- why do you believe?
 
Christianist

This term was "coined" by Andrew Sullivan, a conservative gay columnist to describe those Christians who wish to use their numbers and influence to wield political power and effect change in government policy bringing it more in line with their own beliefs and value systems. You can read more specific, in depth at the link below.

http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=9997
 
Hi Matt. Some of my friends who are not affiliated with a particular faith were very supportive when I needed it. Some of my friends are religious and some are not but we are friends most of all. As to the support from the people in my parish, their support was out of friendship and respect.
Why do I believe? That is personal and I do not need to explain to anyone and by the same token, other people do not need to explain to me why they believe or don't believe. That is all very personal. I would say that I belong to a community of faith but also a community of warmth and love.

Hi Greg. Thank you for the link. I will read it. Hope all is well in Omaha and you do not have too much humidity there.

Ross
 
I grew up with many health issues including epilepsy and was physicaly,sexualy and verbaly abused.I was treated as thow I was mentaly retarded and placed in numerous schools for handicaped children.Forunately my teacher,Darla Rockman,Whom I sill know and love,saw that I was far from being retarded and should be placed in a school for exceptional children questioning my parent's decission to place me in her school.I was sent a tutor who evaluated my IQ and said to my parents that at the age of 8,I had the same vocabulary as that of a normal 7th grader.I did not use any double negatives"Ain't got no,"and was able to make comon sentences using the correct verbage.

Throughout my adolesence,I was sexualy and physicaly tortured and abused.I lef home and went into a Christian comunity where I excepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior.I was very active but then as I assumed that the head of our church(elder)could do no wrong and was trustworthy to the point I could put my life in his hands,I was sodomised by him.It put my in a "tailspin" and I became completely confused and left the church.

I prety much stayed away and would feel uncomfortable even looking at a church.My life was one of drugs,alcohol,unlimited open,unsafe gay sex and three atempted suicides.I was on a one way trip to nowhere and saw no hope of ever succeeding in anything.I hated who I thought God was and questione His "allowing these horrific things"to happen to me of all people.It wasn't until I realised how wrong I was that I found out who God realy is.

One day,I felt like going to church.It was more of a "I told you so"type of visit I wanted to try.I went to a non-denominational church where they preached the Bible w/out any kind of dress code other than "come as you are"and as the sermon began,the guest preacher was a "reformed"homosexual.He spoke about how so many churches make gay people feel ashamed,hated,unwelcome and unforgiven.He said that "true Christians are to love one another and just as much as God has forgiven us for all of our sins and transgressions by sending His only begotten son,Jesus Christ,to die on the cross and shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins then after being dead for three days,He reapeared in the flesh then rose up to sit on the right hand of God the father.A loving father who would go that far to be sure we as his children had a chance to be on the same side of Him as Jesus is not going to let us go that easily."At that very moment,it felt to me as thow a ton of bricks were lifted up off of me and I've been going there ever since.

Not once has anyone there ever aproached or questioned my sexuality and I have become involved in a lot of the activities including being an usher.I also belong to a seperate fellowship of tweny who meet once a month at the same couple's home.We speak about individual needs and concerns that may need to be prayed about or for.The church itself on sundays averages a headcount of 450 in one sitting not including the 200+children from newborns to teenagers.A seprate building made to look just like a castle is set up for many different types of classes just for them.

We take in tons of different foods and on thusdays,homeless,low income and handicaped folks come and are given two weeks worth of real nice,nutricious groceries FREE.no one is turned down and hose who have special needs are aken care of too.a few weeks ago,here were some members who raised their hands when our pastor asked who was in financial need.We all reached in our pockets and gave them a total of $7,500!All in 10 minutes or less!They were legitamate?needs two of which were medical.

So,it isn't realy any kind of special tradition or method oher than love.My mistake?I gave a human being who was no beter than anybody else the position of being up on a pedistal at the same level as God.I saw him as someone who was perfect and could do no wrong.I had to forgive him.I also had to forgive myself.I gave my life back to Jesus and trust His love,understanding,grace and compassion to lead me down the right path.So far He's been worthy of He's done for me and I trust that through my faith and prayers for myself and all the ones I pray with and for He'll guide me down the right path.All of us are welcome o be in His family.No exceptions.
 
Ross, that is fine, I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable.

I came to my conclusions after a period of time. I'll be honest - I never explored other religions, but then I've never been drawn to a religion.
 
I stopped believeing!

I was raised Baptist and became Pentecostal as a young teenager. When I realized I was gay at about 15, SEVERAL churches try to "deliver" me from the "sin" of homosexuality. When their attempts of screaming at me in tongues and pushing me down on the floor failed, they got angry and told me I was not welcome in the church until or unless I would repent and become righteous. I became a little disillusioned then, but still wanted to believe. I sought out some gay churches (www.joymcc.org and www.oasisfellowship.org), but quickly realized they were nothing more than a money hungry hook-up joint.

My ex showed me movie that can be found on Google called Ziet Geist. Of course that didn't make my mind up for me, but it was an eye opener. I realized religion does not make any sense at all (to me at least). A "magical" being who will send you to burning flames if you don't worship his son (who is really himself in another form) for dying on a cross to save your soul... I cannot bring myself to believe that! This questioning has been been going on for a couple years, but the first time I actually started telling other people that I was atheist/agnostic was about two months ago. I was SHCOCKED at the judgemental reactions I got! But, it feels so liberating!

I've always wondered if every religion claims to be the right one, how can any of them be. As a true Christian, one must believe that EVERY other religion is WRONG and that anyone who doesn't believe in their Jesus is going straight to this place called hell when they die... that is crazy to me! How can I live my life according to a book that was written by other people? I really think that organized religion is just in place to control and scare other people.

I don't pray, or read the Bible anymore, but I do still like Christan music. I love the chanty, fast, upbeat music, and listen to it almost exclusively even though I'm *starting* to diversify a little more.

I was researching online, and saw a web site from a Baptist church in my area that actually claims it is a sin to swim in a bathing suit (they want more modesty apparently)... and a sin engage in "mixed bathing". Wonder how they'd feel about a gay bathhouse... after all, everyone is the same gender and no one wears a bathing suit. I ALMOST e-mailed them that question! Just kind of confirmed how silly it all is (for me anyway).

I'm 24 now, and my entire family hasn't spoken to me since I was 19 because of feelings about homosexuality inspired by religion. Please sign me up to be a member of that religion... sounds like "fun".

Of course I still respect people who believe... I just don't happen to be one of them.

Interesting topic!
 
I'm not sure I can really answer the original question. I guess I can--I can say that I do believe in a higher power, I always have, and I've never questioned that belief (although my view of God has changed). But coming up with an answer of why...well, I'm not sure I can say anything that is convincing. I think even C.S. Lewis commented about the trouble of proving, scientifically, that there is a God.

I will, however, comment that I think it can be worth exploring other religions. Maybe one will click in a way that previous experiences didn't. If nothing else, one can learn things. I, myself, have had an amazing range of experiences. Nothing compared to some people, but probably I've had more diversity than the average person. To give a few examples, at one time or another, I've: attended Christmas Eve services in an Episcopal church; had pleasant talks with Mormon missionaries, attended Easter services and a Jewish-style Passover Seder at a very liberal we-embrace-all-paths-to-God church; participated in a Wiccan ceremony; and even attended Christmas Eve services in a conservative Christian church. Some of my experiences have been profound. Some have given me a better view and understanding of traditions I don't subscribe to.
 
Vacuumfreeeke asks some good questions.

First, as others have pointed out, not every church condemns gays. And not all gay friendly churches are going to be money hungry hook up joints.

Another point: not every church will force a "our vision, or else!" view.

As for the diversity of churches, each with it's own view, I have an opinion. Please note: it's my personal opinion. Feel free to disagree. I think there are different churches (both entire religion traditions--say, Christian vs. Buddist--and denominations--Lutheran vs. Baptist) partly because of our limitations as people. We're different. We are at different points spiritually. Thus, there are different churches to match different people, and different needs.
 
Napoleon stated it simply

I’m a recovering Catholic and I think Napoleon stated it simply and correctly “Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich”

Please don’t mistake this as a cry of disbelief. I believe in God, I just don’t believe in any religions. The nuns cured me of that when I was little.
In a religion class, specifically First Communion Education, the nun who taugh our class said “God knows everything. He knew you were going to be born… before your parents were born… and even before their grandparents were born. He knew you’re going to sneeze before you sneezed.“

So this got me thinking (Yes, at 8 years old! Pretty heavy, huh ?!) He… oh,sorry… She… No, no… IT… (GOD) knows everything! So at the end of this game we call Life, He is going to be sitting there saying "Oh, I’m sorry. You're GAY, you’re an adulterer, or you’re a robber and I knew you were going to be this way before you were born. I knew you would not be able to resist this “life style" that YOU have chosen. Because of this, you do NOT get to go past GO and you do NOT collect $200. And, oh yeah, I knew that too, but still wanted to see you go through life anyway just so I could deny you in the end."

It is Man that cannot love unconditionally and forgive all. Not God ! I know He loves me and He knows I love Him/Her and don’t need a man selling me a little green prayer cloth on TV to know this!
 
how i was raised

i was raised by the church of my American mom and dad (lol)

Moms family were cathoilics (or mostly ex cathoilics coz its such an esay club to get out of)

My dads family was nothing but they did go to church on Christmas and Easter when the kids were little

Mom said...they should be catholic
Dad said...they should grow up and decide for themselves.

Rare as it was dads way won this one. We did go to Sunday School(hell free babysitting for a few hours) and in the summer we went to Vacation Bible School (probably more free babysitting)

to answer matts question.....what do i believe? A higher power, and thats it. Is it man with a hippie beard in a gown wearing sandles? I dont know, i just think a higher power. The Great Spirit as the Sioux refers to him (or her, or it)

Why do i believe? ....too many miricales around for me to not believe. What moves a woman to lift a 3000 pound car of her husband? Adrenillin? ok but where did that come from?

how does a baby fall off twenty story building and not only live but has not even one broken bone?

How does cancer miraculously leave a body that all the best doctors has written off as a matter of time?

how does one nearly miss a tragedy just because something nagged at them to lag behind?

tons of this out there every single day.

My mother never,ever once refeered to her dad as father. It was always daddy. On her deathbed after 9 days of lying dead only kept alive by machines and constant scanning for brain activity we signed her out of this world. As her heart beat slowed she raised her hand and said a word that sounded like father.Then she seemed to fall back to sleep with a satisfied grin.

what i feel is proof is everywhere. in the meer fact that i can manage enough energy to make the movements to type this is living proof that something none of us can understand is at work. You can call it science. I say science Is God.

Now to tackle religion..............Religion is great. If it works for you, you go to church, you come away feeling better, then there is not one thing wrong with that.

If you go coz you feel your gonna be forgiven for all the crap you know damn well you shouldnt have done well good luck on that.

religion while therapy for some for some of us others it is only marketing.People take it way too seriously just like all those Pepsi and coke ads that tell us they have the only drink to drink....oh and by the way you better look damn good while youre drinking it too.................hahaha cmon you guys...perspective!!!

God and gays................i think if he put people here he put diversity. I doubt sexuality was first and foremost in his mind.Maybe he thought well there should be man and woman so they can reproduce, but they dont ALL need to reproduce...if that was so every guy who shoots blanks should actually be gay and every barren woman should be a dyke.

But supposin he did think we should all have off srping.....did he plant that much wheat?we cant feed who we have now.....................

whoo hoo what a can of worms Matt, fun thread

PS I dont want to hi jack this thread so see my other postings for another fun rant.
 
Where logic ends, theology begins.

However when there is no logic at all and when the premises of one's "church" are so wacky, one DOES need to question......... IMHO.

Let's not confuse spirituality with religion. True spritualuty behind one's (outward mainifestation of ) religion may be fantastic; it's just the INTERPRETATION and EXECUTION via one's branch of religion that may leave a bit to be desired.

Ideally one brings their "vibration" and mentality up to the level of their (good) religion/sprituality. One does not ideally change alter or "lower" their religion to meet the demands of their (limited) mentality, current society, presently exisitng popular value system, etc.
 
Wow

Sdlee, thank you for ruining my new keyboard. Most of your post was funny, (especially the theory on infertile people being homosexual)... when I read that, chocolate milk was forcefully ejected from my nose in a violent fit of laughter. I am a little shocked that you'd use the word "dyke" on a board that is as populated by gay people as this one is. I don't know if this board has any female members, or any that are homosexual, but I'm quite sure they'd take offense at that word. You might as well call the rest of "us" (gay males) the "F" word.

I will also state that it has never made sense to me why people are the religion they are just because their parents were. What if there WAS only one right religion, and their parents had chosen the wrong one!? People should be free thinkers, not robots doing whatever their parents do, just because their parents do it!
 
I have only breifly read some of the above postings. It truly saddens me to hear some of the above stories of how people have been treated by the other humans.

Personally, I could not have gotten where I am today if I did not have the faith in a God who created me. I grew up the son of two alcholic parents, was different as child from the other children, I have been married divorced and now realize why I felt different as child...the whole gay issue.

I have been held at gun point by three armed men wanting me to take them to the bank I was working at, involved in a car accident that I should have been horribly hurt in, lost a job do to corporate downsizing, had a new job in less than 2 weeks..people other than my own family have always been there for me when my parents would be so drunk, my own parents did not attend my high school graduation but other people from the community and relatives planned a graduation party for me.

The church has always been a safe place for me. As I have gotten older, I realize that someone else was looking after me. People have come into my life to care for and support me...I personally can't beleive this just happened...someone bigger than me had a part in all of that.

I realize that human beings claiming to be the Church have screwed things up...I can only hope that I live my life and my faith and carry it out as others have carried it out for me in my life.

The United Methodist Church is far from perfect, but we are truly working towards Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds. When issues arrise that I disagree with, I don't turn my back and take offense, but rather openly show my love and support for the issues at hand...

Morgan
 
We reap what we sew

How true that is.A lot of people truly believe that God "punnishes us"when we do something wrong.That is so far from true.There are always consiquences we have to face but they are caused by our right or wrong choices.For example,if you saw an object,let's say an electric IBM Selectric typewriter sitting behind a car on a church's parking lot.Would you assume it was being tossed out or that somebody put it there and was planning on putting in their trunk?Would your mind say "I want that.I know it isn't mine but nobody is here and nobody sees me.I can put it in my car.They won't know I took it."or" I wonder who's that is?I hope nobody takes it.Let me see if they come over soon.I think I'll go inside and let somebody know."

three weeks ago,St.Johns Methodist Church was having a white elephant sale and therev were two Selecric typewriters there.They were asking $1 each and I got bith of them.I gave hem $10 and told hem to keep he change.I took one to the car and my friend was still shopping so I placed it right under the rear bumper on the lot.I went to get the other one as well as the keys and,as I was walking back to the car,an hispanic woman and her younger son no older than 12,were taking my typewrier to their car!!!I yelled and told them to put it down or I would call the police.This woman claimed she thought it was being thrown away and totaly denied her thievery.IN FRONT OF HER OWN CHILD!!!! I tried to explain to her that she needed to "Repent and sin no more."and offered to pray with her and she had no interest at all in that.She's not alone.Most people today from their parent's method of either dropping them off all day at a care center or baby sitter neither of which teach any type of morals,have no conscience.They feel no remorse,no guilt.They grow up heartless and feel no pain in hurting others physicaly or emotionaly.I pray for these people.My brother,Mick is one of them.
 
My Bible tells me to hate NO-ONE!

I was raised Baptist deep in the Bible belt of the South. We were told to believe everything was black and white. I'm 51 years old and can actually remember being told as a child blacks have no rights but whites do. Then desegragation came along in the the late 1960's. The church, my parents, my relatives had us scared to death about going to school with blacks. Went to school the 1st day made freinds with the black children. Those friendships lasted from 7th grade until I graduated from High school. Nothing bad happened!

We are NOT to hate Gay and Lesbians either! But a lot of the churches still today feels Gay people should not be allowed in church. That is why I do not go to those churchs! The Baptist church I attend now as an adult accepts ANYONE who wants to come in and worship no matter who you are, no matter how you dress or look.

The last I want to say is that I have always believed and worshipped a loving God. With being ADHD and Aspergers growing up was difficult as hell! But knowing I could call on God for help, strenth and courage made me the person I am today. Does it make me perfect! Never! Only God is perfect!
 
God I love Richard Dawkins!

He is so elegant, factual, passionate and, most importantly, 'HONEST.' Since I am lazy, I let him elucidate my ideas on God and religion. What he has to say is far more interesting and he is much better read than I am.

There are four more parts to this documentary on Youtube. This is the kind of stuff that ought to be shown on prime-time television.

Why is it that we are unable to have the kind of honest, irreverent and critical public discussions that were a staple of the late sixties and seventies? Whatever happened to the Madelaine O'Hairs et al? Does anyone remember her? She was unconventional, interesting and had no qualms about ruffling feathers. Nowadays we get neologisms, pc talk and little else. Why have our intellectuals turned into such milksops?

 
Religion is man-made.

Has anyone noticed that one's religion tends to dictate burial rites and rituals? Yet those are based on what the social custom was at the time amnd place of the inception of that religion.

I want to be cremated. The maternal unit is having a fit! "WE" don't do that. Listen; if I have to be in the fires fo hell, I'd might as well start right away to get used to it!

What the hell do I need, as a vacant shell of a person, to be in the ground? Throw my ashes into the air and water so I can be everywhere!

Religion can be twisted. Sprituality is beautiful!
 

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