Glad to hear that, Nigel, since it (religion) IS an important and serious topic to discuss. But I'm not sure that anything can be discussed with 'True Believers' using LOGIC as a basis for that discussion. Witness the current situation in Iraq; "CONVERT OR DIE" - not just to Islam but to MY brand of Islam. Seems like things haven't changed much since the Middle Ages or even Biblical times. Only the names (labels) have changed, the principle is the same; some people's belief that they have the (excuse the expression) 'God-given right' to impose their beliefs and will on other people, and that only their POV, no matter how ludicrous, is acceptable for all other humans on the planet. It still amazes me how any rational, intelligent human being could think that, but I've come to see the awesome power of parental and peer indoctrination, especially when applied at an early age.

I've often thought, if only we could extract the basic morality out of MOST religions and leave the rest of the garbage (superstition, fairy tales, threats and intimidation, cultism, mind control, etc., etc.,) behind, then we wouldn't have or have had, an ISIS, or an Inquisition, or a Jonestown, or a Salem Witch hunt, or a .......well, the list is endless. But we continue to create imaginary beings in our mind, all with strict rules and doctrines that must not only be obeyed but imposed on our neighbors as well, ....that, or face a horrible fate. It matters little that our 'neighbor' has a different 'imaginary friend' and set of rules; only ours is valid......'and his name is Jehovah....or Allah, or....fill in the blank'.

I beseech you, go back to that other thread and watch that George Carlin Video again. It's GOT to make more sense than that book of contradictions that so many use to explain EVERYTHING.

Peace,

chas