Robert Owen wrote:
What other "take" could there be, unless we vastly expand the scope of our
inquiry to include putative extraterrestrial cultures? Why should any
belief-system be treated as a problem? While the Zen I practice is, I
suppose you could say, both adeistic and atheistic, the vision of a
post-human existence found within any of these systems is never an
infringement of my own views. I respect every religion for what in principle
it is -- a guide to character-formation and value-definition, a consolation
for grief, a rational basis for hope. Yes, RATIONAL. It is totally illicit
for non-religious rationalists to attempt to adopt a stance superior to
theists by depriving them of rationality. Regards, Bob
(end)
Robert, thank you for putting so well into words the value of religion in
human lives. You can say things so much better then I can. Religion can be
a healthy and powerful structure to achieve mental discipline and try to
reach out to something greater then oneself. It can be toxic though if
misapplied, as even Christian therapists will say in books like "Toxic
Faith" which can be found at your local Christian bookseller.
I see the point Zero and others make about the dangers of scientific
research being slowed or stopped by fundamentalists (of all types and
stripes) but it is wrong to lump together abortion clinic bombers with
mainstream Christians who abhor murder and terrorism.
I should have known my little post would have sparked something! I enjoyed
Brent Allsop's post and saw the point he was making. I suppose I am one of
the few actual believers in God and an afterlife on this list.
best regards,
John Grigg
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