Seasons

Yes, Ladydyke, yes I would.

I don't mean it's impossible to obtain faith (or to lose it for that matter). I just mean that the criteria for convincing are not there. Quotes from John do not (or should not) persuade anyone but those who believe John has a monopoly on truth. Anyone who thinks John proves to them the existence of heaven is, I'd contend, conflating faith with reason unhealthily.

People make choices for a variety of psychological reasons, and some people have needs that they are able to fill through belief in one doctrine or another. That doesn't change the essential un-foundedness of the notions they choose to believe in. Of course, I support the right of anybody to believe *anything*, so long as they do not act on those beliefs in a manner that impinges on the way I choose to live my own life.

On second though STRMkirby I think I will wipe my hands off. *Grabs shirt, wipes some on shirt and some on face and then runs*

Hard to get, eh?

Well the thing is, we're not dead yet so we can't say for sure that any religion (or all of them) is full of shit. Which is what pisses me off about the religious crusaders. And even if my religion is blasphemy and I'm going to hell for it, why the hell should anyone care what happens to my soul? It's really none of their business. I think they're just trying to get brownie points for converting ppl or something. Like that'll really cut much slack with their god in the case of those who go to church on their sabbath and then screw ppl around the rest of the week. I say if you're gonna kill someone for not believing in your religion, you at least oughtta have the decency to act however your religion says you should.

Ok, I had a point I was gonna make but I completely forgot what it was...

I care a bit what happens to your soul, OnyxFlame. I hope you wish mine well too. I just wouldn't presume to prescribe or proscribe behavior on that basis since if you were to listen to me I could be leading you astray.

Well I guess we all will find out in the end who was right. I do however admire people who stand up for what they believe in even if it is a unpopular choice to some people. There are hypocrits in all religions.

And we might not find out at all. I mean, what if when you're dead, you're just dead?

I believe that that thought scares people, and they invent religions so they can believe otherwise.

I agree with skysaw. I think religion is just a temporary sanctuary for people to escape from everyday's stress and when you step out of the church, temple...etc, the stress comes back. As a result I don't see any reason to believe in any religion.

What's more important, I believe in myself and I know what I can do if I try hard enough and no one can stop you from doing what you think is right.

Well I certainly think religion can serve a useful function. It has been known to keep people generally acting in a moral way (at times). It also can offer comfort to people who need it. Not too shabby.

I got the same help from a therapist, mind you. But all in all, religion is a good thing. That is, until someone starts killing someone else in the name of it.

I have no doubt about that.

I agree with zx. And similarly, there are hundreds of reasons why religion would be created for practical purposes. And as such, I don't believe a word of it.