Arjay, you have expressed my POV exactly. I too search for truth. I don't see too much of that in formal religion. I don't need to quote religious texts to be a decent person. If there is a superior being I'm sure it would prefer that as creatures evolve to self awareness it would want them to take responsibility for their actions. Formal religions present God as a being that requires praise and constant adulation - this sounds very immature and very patriachal to me. A superior being would want its children to grow up.

RINGTAIL
I look with interest at your description of God. I actually would figure that if we are to know anything about the Almighty, it would only come from the Almighty Himself. i.e. revealed truth.
If you are searching, please search in the Old testament. Try reading from Genesis 11 onward. See how different the God of the Bible is, from the 'gods' of the surrounding nations. Try to extricate yourself from the idea that 'you' can define Gods job specification from your post modern cultural view point, and let God speak for Himself. If only you realized how predictable your expressed view is in terms of how it has been shaped by various modern philosophies, rather than by original and objective thought. I dont mean to sound overly critical in saying this, but it just stands out so obviously.
Decent person ? .... I almost have a coronary when I read such stuff. Decent as defined by ...???? you... society ? and if society changes and regards murder as a cool thing.. or the molestation of little boys etc... u will define yourself by 'society' ? I sure hope not. "Decent" is either culturally defined or it is what God says it is. 'Love Him first, and love your neighbour as urself". Anyone who 'quotes religious texts' if they know their stuff is not quoting it to show they are 'decent' but that they are forgiven sinners.

Keep searching :) "seek, and you will find, knock and the door will be opened"
BOAZ

Boaz, I recall from my Sunday school bible classes that Jesus was loving, kind, tolerant and inclusive of others. I have not observed any such qualities in any of your postings. All I have received from you is a patronising and scathing condemnation of my beliefs. In return, I send to you love and well being. Good luck in your life quest, may you find that which you seek.

RINGTAIL
I'm not 'scathing' intentionally.. but I sure will make points when they need to be made.
Your sunday school teacher may have given you an idea about Jesus, but does it stack up with the only source of information we have about Him ? All u said about Him was correct, except that he did not 'include' the Pharisees, and he said a few things which immediately alienated large numbers. "This is a hard saying" etc..
So, dont feel 'attacked' engage and if u see weakness in my points.. go for it. I dont mind being contradicted or disagreed with.
peace
BOAZ

Boaz, you got me there I only remember the nice things about Jesus. Guess He was just as intolerant as anyone else then. Oh well. I'll just continue to comment as my conscience tweaks me. Oh, I still don't need to quote a religious text to do a bit of good in this world. I don't quote. I do. As in volunteer work to help others. And a bit provocation for the religiously greater than thou provides some entertainment as well. Thanx for your response.

Good on you Ringtail :)
the people Jesus was intolerant' to were those who represented structural hypocracy. Those who profited most in prestige and wealth and power based on exploitation of the Torah. Those who had turned it around from a book meant to set men free, into a book of unbearable rules and sub rules. Many wearing a 'religious' badge today would rate similar condemnation from Him. I quote, because as they said about Jesus "Who is this man, who speaks with authority, not as the scribes". Jesus was a social revolutionary who hung out with hookers and bar managers and tax collectors, fishermen and terrorists .. quite a range.
I feel awful if I came across as 'pounding a pulpit' to you .. I was trying to raise some awareness about 'why' we think the way we do.
My bark is much worse than my bite :)
BOAZ