I believe in......

[AcadieLibre]

Anti - Theist / Deist here.

"Die Religion ... ist das Opium des Volkes" - Karl Marx

"Religion is the opiate of the people"

[Iguanasan]

I've been staying out of this conversation simply because religion can be a topic which is so volatile that the mere discussion of it can cause great harm. The reference to Bill Maher's Religulous, however, reminded me that I had wanted to see that movie so I watched it today. Let's just say that Bill and I are pretty much on the same page when it comes to religion.

[Michaelaw]

Religion, sports and politics is the rule I believe Iggy Sports I have zero use for so it's not something I'm going to ever discuss. Religion and politics I've never had an issue discussing with anyone mainly because I have no agenda. I'm neither religious nor political. Belief however has fascinated me for years, that and the nature of personal reality. You are probably a wise man to keep your distance

[hodaka]

I did state things in a way that is more or less religion neutral, I hope. The point I was trying to make is that (according to the thrust of the topic), if you are born into a belief system because of where you are born/raised, you can take the initiative to make your own decision on it.

[Michaelaw]

Here it cements itself for me

LINK

Minds full of handed down belief passed through the ages without the ability or courage to question and evaluate reality, SHEEP! I truly don't have a way to deal with this, find it very hard to sit in this very room I have created which swiftly brings this information to my attention without somehow feeling like I'm a part of the problem. This woman was a part of my family! She was HUMAN! We need as humanity to all get on board with one system of belief and rapidly if we expect to survive! Utopian in its concept I understand but as it stands were not unlike a bunch of kindergarten kids rallying around the kid with the coolest toys! I wish, wish, wish I could just say "whatever" But instead I find myself spending many mental hours trying to find a solution and I'm darned sure our belief systems are at the root of the problem!

Thanks for not beating on me for posting my views

[Rob]

Michaelaw,
Thanks for posting your thoughts. I too have settled in on a path tangential to what might be described as conventional thought but at the same time I want to say that the potential for exactly what you wish for has never been greater. Although the internet has caused an initial flap in our global dealings I really believe there is a kind of "mind melding" going on out there and I believe that it let's us see each other more as individuals, rather than, as part of a group. As individuals and not as you suggest "sheep" we will have less problems with each other and the learning at that point will increase exponentially.

I fail to be able to describe in any honest fashion why I exist and I have even more trouble when I ponder the thought of an after life. Please, say it isn't so.

I am comfortable not knowing or having explanations for these matters and nor am I compelled to pass along any to my two young ones either.

You and I have some similarities in thought it seems and now I can't wait for this "humdinger" you mentioned.

I'll put my party hat on.