I originally posted this, but decided against it and deleted it before anyone saw and was able to respond. If you want you can disregard it, just think of me as playing devils advocate in this. I personally believe everyone is correct in this, and I'm really just a spectator watching all of this going down but I'll throw in my own thoughts. Thank you CWE for the encouragement to post it.
Belief that god exist is a dangerous belief, as proven by the crusades and other things. This same danger follows every belief, which we can all agree on. We can also agree, that almost every time these beliefs end up dangerous, it is by an extremist individual or group. This leaves the belief itself, not guilty, but undisciplined, or over-disciplined believers of the belief. We can also agree that things to do with religions have had positive impact. Meditation for example, has been proven time and again by science, to have positive effects on the body and mind. I look at meditation as a spiritual thing, but respect what science has to say about too. You can look at meditation as a therapeutic thing backed by science..but can you respect it's spiritual aspect? I am on neither side of this argument. I have my own blend of spirituality and science that I find works best for me. Which would be completely agreeing with everything science says, and then peppering in my own little spiritual twist on top here and there.
Without respect for the other side, there is no possible way to find an agreement or make progress. Let's also not forget, that the lack of belief, is a belief itself. You all know I'm not christian, but I just use it because it's the easiest example. Say someone doesn't believe in god. Well, they don't simply, not believe in god, they believe that god does not exist. Therefore, they too have a belief, which like all beliefs, can be dangerous. Can you imagine an atheist, or scientologist or whatever else is out there. Out of frustration that people do not believe what they believe (the lack of any kind of god or spiritual things) and shooting up a church or temple or whatever. I can. Because it is the same danger in holding the belief that there is no god, as the danger of believing there is one, and attacking those who don't believe in the god. Using the danger of a belief is a viable point in saying that we should drop religions. But it is a double edged sword, and there are extremist in every group, like it or not. Just like a pro-lifer killing the doctor who performs abortions. Slightly Hypocritical.
I am NOT someone claiming 2+2=5. I very readily accept everyone's views with respect. I am a very rational person, and like I said before if someday they were to prove the benefits of what I believe to be non existent or wrong, I would happily drop what I believe, but it is yet to happen. Please do not try to throw me into the flames for holding a different view than both sides, this is not a 'your with me or against me' scenario, there is some kind of middle ground and I'm in that middle ground, dodging bullets from both sides. Not being christian I've still gone to church once in a blue moon with a friend, and still enjoy the morals of not stealing, killing etc. I still smile and thank them with respect when they bless me or say they will include me in their prayers. I don't think that there is anyone up there they are praying to, even though they believe it, but I still thank them for it. This is not a hard concept. I completely understand that if I hold a belief I should be ready for someone to question it, and I am. What I struggle to grasp is why someone would have such a hard time with me having my belief, when I'm not harming myself or anyone else, quite the opposite actually. When I volunteer, would it really matter if I do it because I enjoy it, and think it would bring good karma (if you do something good only for the sake of good karma, I believe it gives no karma at all) or because I think the people generally need help? Whether it has any attachment to a religious belief or not, you're still doing good. Hate the harmful extremist, not those who are rational, and choose to follow for other reasons that can bring good to them and those around them. Every religion has people who are helpful to society, and appreciate science too.
I think that if we were all together in person talking this out, we are all I think rational people, and we would be able to quickly find things from both sides that we can agree on, and the discussion would be over in like an hour. From there we would go out and grab a bite to eat all smiles and friendly. So why is it so hard to do that on here? Alright my horse is three stories and I'm leaving scuff marks on this soap box. I'm just hoping everyone can understand what I'm saying.
Like I said I was struggling, and still am, with whether or not I should post this. So many of you are so great at arguing your points like pad, that I guess I just have a fear of being shut down. But this is the internet, and I said above that I am willing to hear others views on the subject and that is true. Agree or disagree with my views, but don't let it change your overall view of me as a person.
