Dear Suse,

<<but most of us can now think for ourselves...>>

Right on! Pity so few use that ability of theirs.

Included in that are many among those who consider themselves religious but still believe that God is up in the sky, or pray with the expectation of material gain, as if God was an ATM. You are doing better and likely to be more religious by not believing at all than to believe in such notions.

I don't think so sonofgloin.

Wikipedia Definition of religious .... something I am not.

1. Having or showing belief in and reverence for God or a deity.
2. Of, concerned with, or teaching religion: a religious text.

I don't want to upset religious people though, because I know that belief in a God can bring a lot of comfort in certain situations.

Sorry, I addressed my post to sonofgloin, when I meant to say Yuyitsu...

Dear Suse,

I appreciate your sensitivity.

Belief in and reverence to God are closely related with religion, being excellent tools in the service of religion. This is why outsiders, including dictionary-makers, identify them as religion itself.

Etymologically however, the word "religion" comes from Latin "Re-Ligare" = "to bind [with God]".
Interestingly, the word "Yoga" means the same - which developed into the English word "Yoke" = "to unite" or "to attach".

Belief and reverence are some means of binding with God, but so are humility, service, kindness, introspection, ritual, learning, charity, purity, keeping fit and healthy and others.

Not all means suit all people at all times and not in the same measures.

Yuyitsu, all those things can be attributed to anyone with a kind heart and humanity, and not necessarily need a belief in a God.
I have met many 'good' people who also happen to not believe in a God.
I am sure you have too.
By the same token I have also met some truly nasty religious people.
Thus, belief in a God or religion does not have a mandate on good behaviour...

One can discuss the philosophy of deity "belief" or non "belief" till the cows come home, **BUT**, only one thing matters ........ does a deity/deities exist? The answer is "no". That one fact is more profound than ALL the religious beliefs and non beliefs invented by mankind since the dawn of humanity.

Therefore, end of story.

There's a HUGE difference between a belief that no deities exist, and a statement that says "no deities exist".

As I said, "the answer is no, therefore, end of story."

Eventually, probably it'll take another 10,000 years or so, science will provide all the answers regarding existence, the beginning (if there was one) and the end (if there will be one). Then there will be no intellectual need for "belief". Humanity will then finally be fully educated and aware.

No deities exist. End of story. Next subject please .....