Hi John,

I guess self deception does have its upsides if it makes you happy.

I’m not entirely convinced it is pure self deception initially, each of the some 34,000 religions seem to have been started by some type of “prophet” along the lines of Aristotle’s Rhetoric. Ethos (I am important and would I lie?), Pathos (this will really do you good) and Logos (here's a few "facts" to impress you).

After that of course, self indoctrination takes hold and it doesn’t matter if it is religion or any other belief system, they all follow a familiar pattern.

The most difficult words to say in any language: I don't know.
That's reality, and the challenge is to recognize delusion then reject or harness it - and be careful not to become a useful fool.

Oh, and don't get hung up on the messenger, the message is what is important.

"I don't know" is a key part of the Christian/Jewish message. When God appears to Moses in a burning bush he asks him who he is, and he says "I am that I am". "Israel" means to wrestle with God. "God" is a generic, non-specific noun. Fundamentalists have done a lot of violence to God by insisting he can be bounded.

'"I don't know" is a key part of the Christian/Jewish message ' may be true Graham but denying what we do know is probably more damaging. Plenty are ashamed of Jesus and His words.

i dont know..indicates a lack..of imagination
or a lack..of guides..[but we each have at least two guides
that changes option two into the third option/they arnt looking within
[arnt asking/or we simply cant hear..be*cause..through fear/anger..and intoxication..our mind disconnects from the brain[or rather the brain/disconnects from the mind

never mind the lips of the flatterer
no lie has beauty..worse..all lies lie in darkness.

'"I don't know" is a key part of the Christian/Jewish message.'

Especially when it's followed by "...so I made something up."