Dear Xena,

You say, "I respect anyone's right to believe whatever they choose as long as they leave me free to my beliefs. LIVE AND LET LIVE"

Agree 100%, but by engaging with one another on this forum, aren't we all trying to promote/defend our core beliefs/point of view, and wouldn't we be chuffed if someone said, "Oh, I like that argument", or, "Oh, I've changed my mind, you have shown me a better way"?

Dear Alchemist,

It is rather religious literalism than religion itself that cause wars and here is my theory:

Most long wars (ie within Christian religion or crusades/ muslims) was between religions that have a lot in common. Take the catholics (Crusades) versus Muslims for example. Both agree on Jesus’ existence, teachings,..the disagreement was on his nature (ie prophet or God). Literalism in any religion (or non-religion) narrows the mind, tightens the blinkers and justifies the zero tolerance with those who are different.

Hi Xena

I was explaining to you my beliefs to the best of ,my knowledge and ability and specially the position on women rights and obligations. I usually stick to the Quoran and rely only on hadith if does not conflict with the peaceful spirit of the holy book.
Religion are like soccer games, each have its rules.

Cheers warrior princess,

Fellow Human, That is very true, literalism is a big problem within religion. But that problem, should be solved within religion, not used as an excuse or at the expense of those outside religion.

If religion, irrelevant as to it's translation, can't solve by the means that its god espouses and gives it followers, within the interpretation of its scriptures, and resorts to conflict, either verbal, social, or physical. Then any rational interpretation would deem it as inadequate and evil.

Excusing the violent implementation and expression of doctrines throughout the ages, for whatever reason, is what you would expect from those whose understanding is not sufficient, to know what they do and have done. Like a child or mentally challenged person. You would not expect it from those who present themselves to the world, as knowing truth and expressing that truth in a positive way, as their god wishes.

This is the reality that religion faces, and it is very apparent that religion has a big problem with accepting reality. After all, you have all had more than 2000 years, muslims more than 1000, and you are still approaching life in the same way. Nothing has changed except the planet we all live on. In many areas of the world, you are either still trying to convert, or kill each other and anyone else that gets in your way. This is with all religions, just in varying degrees.

Religion is past its use by date. It has failed every test, nothing going for it but fear, doubt and violence. It is losing the war that it is fighting against reality, yet fails to realise that the methods it continues to use, can only have one outcome, its own destruction and or, the planet we live on

Beliefs are essential for everyone, without them we would have no reason to exist. But beliefs that express, then create the situations that religion does, something very wrong there.

Alchemist,
I must congratulate on a well thought out post here without all the vitriol.

On this I will agree that many persons flying a flag of a religion have not contributed intelligently to the betterment of humanity, and many still do.

But be aware that the core values of being human are best summed up in: "love your neighbour as you love yourself". "Feed and clothe your enemy". "Show concern for the betterment of those who would persecute or kill you".

This is a violent world, as can be seen in all of nature. As the supposed intelligent, enlightened children of god, “the core values of being human” should be towards the protection, and good management of all his creation. Anything less, would be unworthy of one who loved the creator. Do you love the artist, but destroy their work. Not very rational or intelligent.

Core values must pertain to what is at the centre, the deepest part, wherein lies the heart of things. If I were to believe in god, then my core value would be to love and protect what he has created. To do otherwise would be to go against the word of god and worship false idols, images and doctrine.

Philo, your core values say, me, me, me, humans first. No mention of anything else, must be of no value.

But then maybe that is not what religion is about. It appears to me, that the religious approach is all about the ego, humans come first, believers come first, power and glory,(money, material possessions, evangelism) comes on top of that. His creation and those that dwell within it, comes last. Even those that are created in his image, come after the ego.

Gods words seem fruitless, other than to be totally misused and turned into a crutch to lean on and hide behind.

I believe, that any religion that is not whole in its approach, expression and care, is a false one and goes against the direct word of god. How can you worship in truth if you only care in self.

If religion was fighting the good fight, it would be out therr leading the way in providing an example of how our technology can not only enhance our lives, but all of his creation, rather than support its destruction. Where is the ethic and morals in that approach. There is no excuse, you've had your go, failed, won't change, time to go. Enjoy the ride down, all your friends are waiting.

Signed, _ _ _ (oops, ego nearly got me there)

Alchemist,

Again we are talking about different things.
My point was literalism is the root of problems whether you worship God, yourself or your pet. Mongols were atheists when they toured central Asia killing and burining everything.

Your theory is to relate all problems to the concept of God and those who believe in it. Mother Theresa was a believer in God and she gave her life to helping hundreds and thousands of people.