tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post7867357219967233391..comments2024-01-30T05:22:06.674-08:00Comments on A Majority of Two: Is Religion Necessary...?Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03382221688268676914noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-54857632774404191972010-05-14T19:51:28.437-07:002010-05-14T19:51:28.437-07:00To suggest that most conflicts have been about rel...To suggest that most conflicts have been about religion is overly simplistic. It's kind of like saying the American civil war was all about slavery and human rights and nothing whatsoever to do with economics (ie: the Union states not being able to compete with the confederate states who didn't have to pay for their labour)<br /><br />It's always more complex when you look into it.Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03412983524190021368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-89002781347528217272010-05-12T11:04:39.328-07:002010-05-12T11:04:39.328-07:00Every culture in the world has had some form of re...Every culture in the world has had some form of religion. Is it necessary? Is music, art, literature necessary? Religion is to the soul what art is to the spirit. I think that's a line from a movie. Is it politically correct? I don't know. Is politically correct good or bad? Would people accept it or would it be considered divisive and unnecessary? Yes.<br /><br />Religions don't cause wars. Most religions preach peace. Faith doesn't cause wars. People with genuine faith are usually at peace with themselves. Hate causes wars. People who hate anybody who may be different from them cause wars.<br /><br />Belief in God doesn't necessarily contribute to morality. That's true. Some religious people are simply horrible. As are some irreligious people.<br /><br />If a belief in a higher power causes so much strife and misery why is it so important? Belief in God doesn't cause strife or misery. Human suffering is caused by humans. Why is belief in God important? For the same reason family and friends are important.<br /><br />Millions of people have died in the name of Jesus. But how many people did he tell his followers to kill?<br /><br />If all you hear from God is silence then you're not listening.<br /><br />Have a nice day.Miahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17881826389793941197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-35639701416155168452010-05-11T21:37:29.877-07:002010-05-11T21:37:29.877-07:00All I can say is this is one mind blowingly candid...All I can say is this is one mind blowingly candid , powerful , innocent intelligent creative blog which is politically scientifically and logically correct all along the way !Sureshkumarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16486205579229653742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-62097809999373168692010-05-11T11:18:38.814-07:002010-05-11T11:18:38.814-07:00Let's be HONEST. God did NOT make man; MAN ma...Let's be HONEST. God did NOT make man; MAN made god!<br /><br />And many of them!<br /><br />I am an agnostic atheist humanitarian. THAT is my religion, for want of a better word.<br /><br />ALL religions are man-made schemes to control the masses. Brainwash the kids and keep them on the straight and narrow. Until the kids start thinking for themselves.<br /><br />Religion is the opiate of the people according to Marx. He was so right! For the billions of people in this world who live in pain and poverty they are drugged by religious leaders with promises of paradise in the 'next life' in order to make THIS life bearable.<br /><br />No, my dear Jo. Religion is NOT for me. For those who find comfort in the bible, the koran or any other book WRITTEN BY MAN, jolly good luck to them. <br /><br />God save the children, especially from paedo priests and the like.<br /><br />Amen Jo.PhilipHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06811831703263176415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-46912759164914944952010-05-10T17:33:40.533-07:002010-05-10T17:33:40.533-07:00I don't know exactly what the Anglican Church ...I don't know exactly what the Anglican Church is, but let me offer you this; Why not try the one and only true church Jesus Christ. Forget about it all and just read the Bible. There is only one Bible and it is the King James Version and it is the true word of God. But don't take my word for it. Just pick it up and read it. Just try it. There is only one God and it is the God of Israel, the Lord, Jehovah, Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins because he loves us. It is our sin that brings pain and suffering into the world. People always want to blame God, but they never consider the devil. What do you think happens to you when you die? You better be 100% sure you're right before you take a chance on your eternity. I'm sorry I felt the need to get lengthy just now but God is so great and as a Christian I am so sickened by the world sometimes. We can not wait until Christ's return. His mercy endureth forever.<br /><br /><br /><br />For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.<br /><br /><br />Please consider, this goes out to anyone, the man Jesus. He lived. He died. He rose again. If the resurrection is a lie then all of it is a bunch of bologney. Are you saying Jesus did not rise from the dead? That many suffered persecution in the name of a lie? That the disciples just one day decided to fabricate a story and were willing to die for their lie? Just read the Bible!!!!!<br /><br />Your scientists will agree along with the historians and scholars. Jesus Christ did exist. He was a real person who walked on this earth. Was he a nut? Did he make up a lie? What's your take? The truth is he rose again. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Him. I hope this isn't offensive, but your salvation is so important.Lauraleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13766657674080708910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-45834177068854692102010-05-10T11:57:26.922-07:002010-05-10T11:57:26.922-07:00That is the reason why I do not think that there i...That is the reason why I do not think that there is a real God and am Agnostic.<br />A benevolent being, whoe created us, would step after all this time!<br /><br />And if we really were 'sculpted' after 'him/her', than he must have a very bad charackter!<br /><br />I say, people need to think more often before they start talking stuff... and be more humanitarian! :9<br /><br />@Indian Pundit - What The F?<br />Care to send me some of that shite you were smoking, while writing your comments?<br />-<br />George W: Bush himself said once on tv, that his christian God told him to invade places where there are huge Oil Fields & other natural resources (that his Family's corporations have use for)?<br />It was ok to kill those dark skinned Arabs(semites), 'cause God said he had put the Oil there in advance for Bush to grab!<br />He(God) would have given Bush even more in other Countries, if Bush had created Sons with his Wife!<br />(I mean WTF? Hello Sexual-fascism!)PinkPanthresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08702242762251577851noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-22528449285466336682010-05-10T08:37:55.338-07:002010-05-10T08:37:55.338-07:00Wow...this post brought so many comments I don'...Wow...this post brought so many comments I don't have time to read them all. I am very happy with my faith and religion, but I have had my share of doubts and disappointments over the years. Just for today though...I love where I am at. My soul feels happy and content.Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04373560689980768576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-44590427134398092032010-05-10T08:29:31.193-07:002010-05-10T08:29:31.193-07:00Rabble, not ramble :-)Rabble, not ramble :-)Land of shimphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15671954452597068904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-78043311185491343372010-05-10T08:28:27.782-07:002010-05-10T08:28:27.782-07:00Jo, I think it is important to remember that the v...Jo, I think it is important to remember that the vast majority of religious wars had next to nothing to do with faith, or God. Most were about resource acquisition. The "Because God says we should" was just a manipulation by those in power. <br /><br />People treat the words Faith and Religion as being interchangeable but they are not. One is a byproduct of the other. Religion is the organized practice of a Faith and it is religion that is most often misused. Sometimes faith is also. <br /><br />But in the case of the Crusades, it was mostly about land and resource acquisition, and the "bringing Christ to the Heathens" was mostly a smokescreen. Also, the Crusaders themselves were considered potentially dangerous within a society -- people who run around lopping the heads off of other people as a profession can make dicey home-front neighbors. So that's part of it also, there was a ramble rousing element that was put to great use in attempted land acquisition, and the excuse used was religion. <br /><br />Just saying, if we were to remove Religion from the equation, wars would still be fought on pretty much the same schedule, but with different "reasons". Instead of "I come to bring you my version of God" perhaps it would be "We come to forcibly stop you from polluting the rivers, as that is an abomination." <br /><br />When it comes to War the excuse is rarely the true reason. Religion has been the excuse, the reason has been to expand holdings and wealth. If we didn't have Religion, some power mad soul would make one up, and others would follow along with that. <br /><br />Religion is also a source of comfort to the vast majority of people who practice it. <br /><br />As an aside, you've heard of <i>Star Trek</i>, who hasn't, right? The creator of the original series purposefully removed religion from the future, believing that we would outgrow it as a race, but many sociologist argue that is extremely unlikely. The need for religion is mainly psychological. A belief that "this is not all that we are" there is more to this life. <br /><br />Even those that do not practice a religion generally find a sense of purpose, some kind of uniting experience (environmentalism, political activism, volunteering) to give them a feeling of functioning within a larger unite, having purpose. <br /><br />So, do we need religion? No, I don't think so but people need an anchor, or a purpose in their lives at a very base psychological level. <br /><br />If it wasn't God, it would be something else. <br /><br />I also have seen lives changed by Faith and the practice of it. I don't practice a religion personally, but I think there is merit to it for many.Land of shimphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15671954452597068904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-12663195748489188432010-05-10T07:20:15.623-07:002010-05-10T07:20:15.623-07:00The point of religion I guess is maybe to bring us...The point of religion I guess is maybe to bring us closer to that beautiful truth. Even if it means for the moment we may appear to hold blind faiths in things we cannot explain. Because who's ever managed to define beauty? <br />So yes. We do need religion, as much as we need love and care and support from our family. When you think about it, they're much the same thing. <br /><br />~ Keanda<br />http://thecarbonatom.blogspot.comKeandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14617973042125307876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-13192152583836725832010-05-09T19:45:22.675-07:002010-05-09T19:45:22.675-07:00Amen Jo, Amen...
I think religion is an idea that...Amen Jo, Amen...<br /><br />I think religion is an idea that had its time, and that was some time ago. Today the current manifestations of it are anachronisms, throwbacks to the middle ages or further... It's time for a new model... (imho of course)Owenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12622587942009516590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-38885407412444553842010-05-09T19:37:09.175-07:002010-05-09T19:37:09.175-07:00Religion ~ a subject as vast as the universe in wh...Religion ~ a subject as vast as the universe in which we live. Is is neccessary? Well, the fact that so many cleave to it answers your question, doesn't it? I think: 1. Belief in a higher power gives meaning to the lives of those who believe; 2. The system of religion is and always has been a means to manage the populations of society; 3. Religion is merely another form of politics, and it becomes problematic when church and state get intertwined; 4. The Catholic Church is self-perpetual, it now exists to worship itself; 5. I believe there is definitely "more than 1 road to Rome," so to speak.<br /><br />In case you're interested, I did write about religion, pondering it's point/purpose, about 3 years ago after seeing Christopher Hitchens on The Hour. Read it <a href="http://never-shower-in-high-heels.blogspot.com/2007/06/christopher-hitchens_14.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<br /><br />Wishing you a wonderful week. Happy mother's day and enjoy the sunshine.roxanne s. sukhanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16424834424208118694noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-17911441212888695402010-05-09T18:19:02.895-07:002010-05-09T18:19:02.895-07:00Hi Jo,
I'm late to the party but I would like ...Hi Jo,<br />I'm late to the party but I would like to add my thoughts.<br /><br />I like to examine organised religion by examining the alternatives. <br /><br />First, there are the "pagan" or more accurately, the tribal or animalistic faiths; the pre-Christian faiths. Many of us romanticise today, how many of these faiths teach an appreciation of the balance of nature which is absent from how the colonial powers treated natural resources. But in fact, Christianity (and many religions) teach about being stewards of the world. The charge cannot be laid against these religions but against a greedy capitalistic and selfish culture. Also, these animalistic faiths that promote harmony with nature still had their own wars, slavery, cannibalism, head-hunting, head shrinking, generational vendettas and other ills.<br /><br />Next let's look at the replacement for religion, starting with Karl Marx who said that "religion is the opiate of the people". He believed in the abolishment of religion is a necessary first step towards the truth and the real solution to the problems that have enslaved the people. So how has communism fared? It too has led to wars of ideology, to gulags, to mass starvation(the great leap forward) and executions, to the cultural revolution, to the Berlin Wall etc.<br /><br />Perhaps then a more humanist view like the United Nations. I like the Unite Nations and I know they do try hard but it is often also mired in scandals, of funds not reaching the needy but filling officers' pockets. Even here, there are war atrocities even when they are acting as peace keepers and there is racialism and bias when they rescue Caucasians and not Africans (Rwanda) and there is hypocrisy (when they intervene in an oil rich country and not in a poor one).<br /><br />My point is in religion and in its alternatives, the same ugly problems emerge. The common factor is man. The bible calls it sin; the condition of man.<br /><br />Religion like everything else is tainted by man and his/her sin. But I believe in a God that has sent Jesus to give us away back to Him. Jesus said that the two greatest commandments is to love God with all your heart, mind and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself. If we could truly do that, how could there be war, sexual abuse, intolerance etc.Lone Grey Squirrelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16892067644551128013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-66768346087569870802010-05-09T10:54:24.273-07:002010-05-09T10:54:24.273-07:00SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR ME TO COMMENT. But I had...SORRY IT TOOK SO LONG FOR ME TO COMMENT. But I had to ponder it a bit. I wonder about those words "Religion invented." You left out the Religions of the Assyrians, Aztecs, Mayans, Greeks, And Norsemen. Where the politics mandated you observe the religion and submit to their gods on pain of death. Or to ensure prosperity or the rising of the Sun, You would have to sacrifice your children on the altar!<br />Jesus preached against religion, and you are blaming God for the actions of those humans who invented religion. A day is coming when those who acted as you have described will be called into account. But if you believe that this life is all there is. It is no wonder you are concerned about timing. Be well. Be blessed and continue to ponder deep things.KrippledWarriorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09693973753642324616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-37867197021194585332010-05-09T10:06:41.799-07:002010-05-09T10:06:41.799-07:00Josie, perhaps that's why my 'religion'...Josie, perhaps that's why my 'religion' is so disorganized. ;-)TomCathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11397335545286040472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-13080800077412866682010-05-09T09:22:25.466-07:002010-05-09T09:22:25.466-07:00If religion were to be invented today, would it be...If religion were to be invented today, would it be politically correct? <br />****************<br />Yes.<br /><br />Would people accept it, or would it be considered divisive...?<br />****************<br />Yes, people would accept it, embrace it, not least for its divisiveness. Everybody always wants to be better than somebody else, and religion is just one more way to prove one's extraordinariness.<br /><br />Speaking strictly for myself, Religion is unnecessary. I have a Higher Power but I'm not sure what it is. It might be Nature. It probably is. Where did Nature come from? Don't know. Could be an old man in a white gown. Don't know.<br /><br />I do know that when somebody introduces him- or herself as a Christian I know I'm in for a close-minded rant. When Jesus' name is invoked in conversation, my hackles rise. <br />When I was twelve years old I had a wonderful teacher in public school (different back then) who taught our class about major world religions. Our conclusion was that the "rules" are pretty much the same for all of the major religions...and they're the same as the rules of kind and polite society.<br /><br />Just this morning Husband was watching that Jack van Whoosie with his skeletal wife as they "oooohhhhed" at each other over this and that. What a buncha hooey.<br />If that's Religion, leave me out of it!Junehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11710135137635433217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-72924442223133729532010-05-09T08:46:01.984-07:002010-05-09T08:46:01.984-07:00Paula, thank you. It just seems logical to me. I...Paula, thank you. It just seems logical to me. I may be wrong, though -- I often am. :-)Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382221688268676914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-65193153552334106392010-05-09T08:45:07.224-07:002010-05-09T08:45:07.224-07:00Jo, yes, we are a work in progress. That's a v...Jo, yes, we are a work in progress. That's a very good point, I agree. I am a spiritual person, and I would like to think there is a Creator, although, I think he probably created us in a much different manner than we understand. My problem is with the various religions and denominations all warring with each other, all in the name of God.<br /><br />Keanda, <em>"We could all be wrong and this fighting might, at the end of the day, turn out to be nothing but speculation."</em> Wouldn't that be the most horrible thing of all? All that conviction and belief for nothing. But you know, I think we may be missing a much more beautiful truth, somewhere. I'm just not sure what it is.<br /><br />Katy, <em>"I think it is possible for humans to evolve past this simplistic dualistic way of thinking. I think it will happen, but when you consider that war has been a staple of civilizations since the idea of civilization began, its not going to disappear over night."</em> You're so right. Humans are a warring animal. It would be about one thing or another. And I agree that there is a life force. I just think we may be missing the boat by concentrating on the wrong thing, and missing what the truth is. It may be something we are entirely unaware of.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382221688268676914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-23069888539983919802010-05-09T07:12:47.780-07:002010-05-09T07:12:47.780-07:00I couldn't agree more Jo!I couldn't agree more Jo!Paula Sladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-44678709387282040572010-05-09T05:27:28.183-07:002010-05-09T05:27:28.183-07:00Jo you are so good at making us think! What an int...Jo you are so good at making us think! What an interesting topic. I'm not sure if there is an answer to your quetion or not. People on all sides of the equation have writen liberaries of books on this subject and to me it all comes down to personal opinion and point of view. <br /><br />No, I don't think we NEED orginized religion. I think religions came out of people's need to quantify things.People were faced with this idea that there is something out there, beyound them and they needed to put a face on it, so to speak, so they could begin to wrap their minds around it.<br /><br />The further I travel on my spiritual journey the less I feel the need to capture anyone idea of God. I think there is a spiritual realm outside of what we can see and touch. I'm not sure how involved in our daily lives this God is though.<br /><br />To your point about religious wars though, I would say that war is about power more than it ever has been about ideas. If we aren't killing each over whose god is best, it would be whose country is best, whose king is best, whose clothes are best, whose hair color is best. It is a lazy way of thinking, but it also requires less thought than getting along. That is why 3 year olds hit their friends instead of trying to ask for a toy. <br /><br />I think it is possible for humans to evolve past this simplistic dualistic way of thinking. I think it will happen, but when you consider that war has been a staple of civilizations since the idea of civilization began, its not going to disappear over night.Katyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02610117543051640146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-13330314874453915392010-05-09T01:34:57.933-07:002010-05-09T01:34:57.933-07:00I too, want to live in the world before someone ga...I too, want to live in the world before someone gave religion to mankind and left them to figure out what it was. But the thing is, Man can't help but wonder where he came from because maybe we're afraid of thinking about where we're at, or where we're going. The trouble is that we become so convicted in these religions we follow that when we hear about a group of other people whose beliefs oppose, even partially, our own, we just want to believe that we ourselves are right. Not everyone can be right but who's to say? We could all be wrong and this fighting might, at the end of the day, turn out to be nothing but speculation.<br />To me the beautiful thing in the fact that people are willing to kill others or strap bombs to their own bodies, for their religion, is that they at least believe strongly in it. Some part of that belief may come about from a longing to understand this life we're living, may come from a longing for a feeling of security in a reassuring knowledge. But I choose to believe in this moment that people believe because they can, and should. <br /><br />~ Keanda <br />http://thecarbonatom.blogspot.comKeandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14617973042125307876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-18322016530090125742010-05-09T00:41:03.385-07:002010-05-09T00:41:03.385-07:00As a Christian, I have a hard time imagining there...As a Christian, I have a hard time imagining there not being religion. But being a follower of Christ is more about relationship than religion. <br /><br />Even more conflicting, is the mix of denomination within religion. That's where our humanity shows it's ugly self to the world, disguised under the tag of "christian, muslim, etc.."<br /><br />But faith and religion are not the same. I have faith in my Creator, my Savior, and my God. My faith and hope and comfort come from my Savior. I have never been disappointed. People are another matter. <br /><br />We are all a work in progress.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03729302719897979984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-76360183006591554282010-05-09T00:28:35.867-07:002010-05-09T00:28:35.867-07:00Eloh, very interesting point, yes. I think I am i...Eloh, very interesting point, yes. I think I am in the process of trying to understand the difference between spirituality and religion. I don't discount the idea of a higher power. I question the various ways in which man chooses to worship him, and in so doing becomes -- inhumane? I wish I could agree that God's children do no wrong. Unfortunately a lot of wrong has been done -- in God's name.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382221688268676914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-67021833700049257722010-05-08T23:45:25.773-07:002010-05-08T23:45:25.773-07:00Tough subject. I can only go on what my own life ...Tough subject. I can only go on what my own life has brought and what I have witnessed in my travels around the world.<br /><br />Sometimes, you have to completely lose something before you can have the understanding of what it was you so lightly held.<br /><br />Raised Anglican then you are familiar with The Book Of Prayer... "evil will head the Church but it is not the Church".<br /><br />If you were capable of forcing your children to love you and do no wrong... what would it prove about them? If you give them free will and they love you and do no wrong... then what does it say?@elohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15974297923741455898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1518800171649154035.post-26659567799433300652010-05-08T23:18:38.328-07:002010-05-08T23:18:38.328-07:00Eddie, thank you for your pennyworth. :-) It'...Eddie, thank you for your pennyworth. :-) It's very interesting. I do envy people who have a deep faith. I come from a family who believe very much as you do, and that is how I was raised. And yet I see so much argument between religions, that I wonder why. <em>"The true church is within our souls because a true Christian is "The Temple of The Holy Spirit" and therefore can worship anywhere."</em> I definitely agree that spirituality is very important, and does not require a church.<br /><br />Psych Babbler, I tend to agree with you. There may -- or may not -- be a higher power. It may be something we cannot conceive of. But humans, in their worship of this higher power, have behaved violently towards each other. I see a very strange dichotomy in that, and it puzzles me.<br /><br />Shelly, you have made the most compelling argument yet in favor of religion. I agree, if people could learn to get along with each other, rather than using God to manipulate and control others, we would indeed have a peaceful world.<br /><br />Susan, <em>"If we are to be truly ethical people, we must treat each other well because it is right to do so, not because we fear punishment or crave a shiny halo after we die."</em> Yes! As long as we can continue being cruel to each other -- in the name of God -- human beings will always be divided. Your post on 9/11 sparked my thoughts about the relevance of religion in today's world. Your post is brilliant.<br /><br />DJan, I wish I could believe in an afterlife. I guess it would be a comfort to know my loved ones were there, and that eventually everyone will be there. But in all practicality, I am unable to do that. I think it is out of our fear of eventual oblivion that we created the myth of the afterlife. But as my Dad used to say, <em>"We'll have to wait and see."</em><br /><br />Kimberly, I believe spirituality is necessary, but I'm not sure if religion is. I think they are really two different things.<br /><br />Raevyn, brilliant...! <em>"FAITH and RELIGION are NOT the same thing."</em> Precisely! You have managed to understand your spirituality, which has nothing to do with religion. I believe if everyone thought the same way you do, people would stop flying planes into buildings, and blowing up car bombs outside market places.<br /><br />Jeanette, I think all of us are spiritual beings, yes. To my understanding, religion is a set of rules, and each religion's set of rules is different -- in many cases vastly different. And that is where the divisiveness comes in. I believe it is possible to be spiritual without having to follow the rules of a particular religion. But I'm still contemplating the whole process myself.<br /><br />Diane, <em>"Think 'good', not god."</em> I agree. How much evil has been perpetrated in the name of religion, or a God that perhaps does or does not exist. Wouldn't it be horribe to think of the millions <em>and millions</em> of people who have suffered and died for a myth?<br /><br />Kathryn, the problem is, there are so many religions who do not have that same belief, and that's where the problems come in. I'm not sure if I believe in a higher power. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. But if I did, I believe all religions pray to the same higher power. So then why can't they get along with each other. Maybe as Indian Pundit says, I am trying to make this too simplistic.Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382221688268676914noreply@blogger.com