A World without Religion...

how do you discuss your faith without being personal if it is a part of who you are? If it shapes your morals, beliefs, and values? That would be a bit hard to do now

I can't imagine a world without My God! ~ I don't know what I would do without having someone to pray to ~ to talk to.

i believe in heaven and hell nirvana and being part of a past life, deja vu

Lora - I meant being personal by attacking someone else's beliefs...I feel like I have done something to you today. This is the second comment that has seemed a bit hostile. If I have offended you in any way, my apologies...I enjoy you a great deal !

Nope and neither of them were hostile. just wondering that is all. You are cool. I like ya girl. Just did not know what you meant here about the religion thing,. I am real tocuhy here cause I have such a strong belief in God and all. As for the other just a stange observation. nothing more or less. Keep up your fun ways here. God Bless

I feel as Deb does. I can't imagine a world without God. Thanks for asking, Karen.

Wow Mitch...is that written by you? That is something ! Thanks for sharing ! It should be an article all its own !

Simon Woodhouse said, "Why is there a need for the middle man (organised religion)?"

The same reason there is a need for teachers in education? Most people know how to read, write, do math, do they not need teachers? Come on now. Step outside of your hate for religion and use your wit.

LOL...I guess I don't listen to much Lennon...sorry....Maybe I should start...I thought it was great !

Because so many wars are fought over religion, I think that if there were no organized religion, there might not be any more wars. People fight to the death over their beliefs in their God, no matter what religion they are. And, too many people who believe in God and the bible judge others, when their God and their bible say that no man should judge another.

I'm more agnostic...I take a little from here and there as guidelines, but don't really follow any one belief in what little I believe. If someone could answer all the questions I have; maybe, but until they can be answered, I'm not holding much credibility in anything. All I know is I don't have to go to God's house...He comes to mine.

Rob, I feel the same way about god. I know I don't believe there's this all powerful man sitting up there making decisions. I mostly believe that we are in control of our lives. Some people wait for god to do something, but I don't think we should. The problem there is that people use god to be lazy.

Ever hear that story of a flood. Because the "Lord will save him" he passes up trucks, boats and a helicopter. Then when he gets to heaven he asks, "Why didn't you save me?" God responds, "I sent you a truck, a boat and a helicopter."

My first though when I saw this post was of my mother's favorite song - Imagine, by John Lennon. I noticed that Mitch quoted the song.

Without organized religion there would be no wars you say? So not having Organized religion would have stopped Vietnam? Organized religion would have stopped World War 1 and 2? It would have stopped the Gulf War? It would have stopped the civil war? the revolutionary war? It would have stopped Napolian? Organized religion was definitely to blame in The Cold War. Wow you are brilliant. You F***ing amaze me beyond belief. I congratulate you for not passing History Class, and I would encourage you to please pull your head out of Keith Olbermann's ass, and step away from Wolf Blitzer's genitalia.

A world without organized religion would be more rational. A person can honor the spiritual without belonging to a religion. Religion has been at the root of more evil than any other entity in my opinion.

Wow more evil then any other entity in your opinion? Somebody needs a history check... Lets start with an easy one. His name was Adolf Hitler. He went to war because of a god he didn't believe in. And he took over Europe because of a god he didn't believe in. He murdered milllions of people because of a god he didn't beleve in. He deprived his own people to beef up his war machine because of the god he didn't believe in. Did you ever catch, even maybe with my subtle hints, that Adolf Hitler was an atheist? Oh wait. You probably believe that George Bush is more of an evil man than Adolf Hitler, and Bush is responsible for the death toll of Iraqis. Religion sure played no part with Adolf Hitler and his horrible evil.

Do you hate religion that much that it clouds your sense of wit? Come on now. I will leave you with the same comment I left to the lady that said without religion there would be no wars. Please pull your head out of Keith Olbermann's ass, and step away from Wolf Blitzer's genitalia.

First, I would like to say that organized religion plays a huge role in my life. The only problem that I have with organized religion is when people use it to manipulate others.

Ron O., you have made several remarks about people "hating" religion, but the only "hateful remarks that I have read have been from you. I am assuming that you profess Christianity? If so, the remarks that you have made to Simon, Karen E., and Joe are way out of line. Certainly not the love and tolerance that Jesus preached. It is hypocrisy like this that turns people off of organized religion and makes all Christians look narrow-minded and bigoted.

So much for not posting hurtful remarks Karen M.

I'm not being hateful, it's out of my love to bring them in the light If anything it's words of encouragment.

So I say again.

Please pull your head out of Keith Olbermann's ass, and step away from Wolf Blitzer's genitalia.

That is the only love I have shown them. It's because I care for them.

Can you show me where I expressed any hate?

If you don't speak out against things that are ridiculous, you are basically condoning them. Where in the Bible does it say to condone speech against your religion or false information?

Ok lets discuss the world without religion.

No morals, no laws, as laws are based upon religions. There would be no rights or wrongs. If you rape a young child, and scar them for life, oh well I guess. Tough Luck, survival of the fitest eh? The world without religion would be a horrible place, which is WHY when the Founding Fathers created this great nation they realized that without religion there would be absolutely NO WAY to keep this many people in check. Believe it. America was founded on Christian values whether you like it or not. Believe to that if there was a world without religion there would be many more murders rapes, there would be no need for "wars" I guess you could say because EVERYONE would be at war with eachother 24/7. There would be no Cumbaya. Thank religion for the way the world is today, because without it, this place would be an anarchists heaven.

i think science can explain everything























































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There would be both consequences both beneficial and detrimental to a world without organized religion. On a bright side, many wars could be avoided/ended, fanatics/zealots would not turn violent to support their (contorted) religious beliefs, and without organized religion there would be one less degree of separation between people which could close a rift among many in that they would no longer have this topic to fight about (sometimes quite violently.)

On the downside, without organized religion many (possibly most) of the moral and ethical standards of humanity have stemmed from one organized religion or another. Without organized religion to provide the platform for these views on how to treat others respectfully, many people may not realize the difference between good and bad.

I do not currently belong to or belive in any organized religions. I do believe that people should have the choice of what system of beliefs they follow. I am of the belief that if anyone is interested in faith they should read up on many different religions and make an informed decision for themselves; not to be pushed into a religion based on what others tell them. I own and have read many books covering all spectrums of theology including Christianity, Buddhism, Wicca, and Paganism. All of them boil down to the basic beliefs that people should live their lives doing good, and to bring no harm to others.

I think organized religion is necessary and in the past has been very necessary to maintain order in society. While I do realize you can be moral without being religious, it is sometimes the church and the inclusion in religious society that helps keep one on the straight and narrow path.

As for the fanatics arguement, I disagree. Fanatics have a mental disorder. There are sports fanatics who will beat the crap out of each other at English soccer games. The tendency to be a fanatic has more to do with personality than with religion itself. So much so that those who become violent fantics would become so for some other reason other than religion. In fact, sometimes they create their own religion (anyone remember David Koresh or those weird nike wearing people that were gonna get taken away on a comet?)

It isn't the fault of organized religion that some become fanatics. In fact, I'd even argue that many we call fanatics aren't really that at all. But, wars have been brought for far greater things than religion - however, sometimes religion is used as a tool by those who use it for their own gain?

All the religions agree. It has man who fights these wars and claims their religion right. An example is Christianity. It has now been divided into so many sects that disagree with the other. Are you Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, Christian Scientist, Evangelical, Mormon, or Lutheran. Perhaps all these Christian religions have forgotten what Christ said "A house divided against itself cannot stand." If you read the Holy Books of all religion you will find that they all agree with one another. It is man who puts his spin and twist on God's word. In truth all the religions agree. There is only one God and one Religion. All the Holy Books are actually chapters in a continuing book that is constantly be revealed. There is no seperation between the religions. Those Christians awaiting Christ return have missed it. It was Muhammad. Just as Jews refused to accept Jesus as the return of the Messiah, Christians failed to recognize Muhammad as the return of Christ. Think about it and study further if you are a true seeker.

Shelly ~ I'm not sure if you were specifically responding to my last post, but if you were; well said. Good example of using sports fanatics that start fights. However, it's that same mentality (our team is better than your team) that causes religious fanatics to engage in acts of violence (because our faith is the one true faith, your's is blasphemous) such as starting "holy wars" (a contradiction in terms if I've ever heard one...) and sometimes even forming terrorist groups to target people who do not share their beliefs. There is little difference what personal characteristics cause people to start fights at soccer games and what causes religious militias to attack those of other religions. The only base difference is the cause they are trying to support: sports or religion. In either case, whether you're supporting your local sports team or the dogmas of your church, fanaticism is a problem in both topics. I'm not sure I would label it a mental disorder, but I do think that somewhere along the line these people were led off the straight and narrow, so to speak, and were somehow allowed to take their actions "over the top." Perhaps they were never taught the lesson(s) of moderation? Too much of anything (from food to fervor) can be a bad thing.

Two words, Napoleon Blownapart: Kool-Aid

World peace?????
Religion causes more problems than it solves , imho.

* Thank religion for the way the world is today *

It seems to work.

Look at the positives religion offers the world. There are plenty, I need not explain them.

Look at the positives a total Anarchy would offer. Uh. There are none.

religion wins.

Dragon, true but notice those sports fanatics or religious fanatics don't normally encompass the whole group. Not everyone beats the crap out of each other at soccer meets and not every Christian wants to bomb the hell out of the Muslims and vice versa. People tend to forget that religions have different sects and within sects fanaticsm and the desire to prove that yes I love God more than the other people in my religion can develop. So much in fact that it becomes justifiable for them to hurt others whose faith is not as strong as others in the quest to knock down the infidel. But, as I said, if not religion then something else.

I think a world without organized religion would be a more displaced world than what we have. All our lives have been about following something. From the beginning we followed our parents. I feel some people must have organized religion in their lives to stay focused. I do not have a need at the time for organized religion my faith and love for God is in my heart and soul. I do not feel the necessity for any form of organized religion in my life. That does not make me right of course but that is the way I feel. Anyone that chooses that form of worship, I am truly happy for them. I think having organized religions have shaped our society and our past, so it is hard to say what it would be like without them.

I believe everyone has a "religion" whether they believe in God or not. To me a person's religion is a personal belief system or a person's world view. You either believe in a supreme being is the source of truth or man is the source of truth. Either way it's a "religion" whether it is organized by a group of "believers" or not.

It is impossible for me to think of the world without God.

I don't know about the rest of the world, but, JESUS is my all. I could not imagine my life without HIM. JESUS first...last...always and in all ways.

Hey Simon - I understand what you are saying about no need for preachers as we can all learn to be good "followers" of our particular faith without them. The only plus side I see to meeting together in a church or mosque (etc), is it offers those of a similar faith to gather with each other for encouragement and challenge. Much like we all do right here on this site. Does that make sense?

As far as religions being the cause of wars around the world - I can't say that I agree with that. I know that it is used to encourage and fuel people, by other people ... but I tend to think there are usually other motives involved.

Let me put this out there to everyone ... has democracy and capitolism become a religion for the western world? One which we feel empowered to force on others regardless of their wants and needs, because it keeps the monetary machine of our existance well "oiled" (Funny that the word oil should be used here - lol)?

Great discussion people - thanks. I Love this group :-)

Jesus and the early Christians (Book of Acts) were clearly socialist. Feeding the poor and spreading the wealth.

Simon,

Without religion there would be no rules. Laws are set upon religious morals, since the beginning, which is why we can tell there is an absolute. Without religion, or God, there would have been no rules or laws, it would be survival of the fittest, and there would be no rights or wrongs. Not one person would be able to tell if what they were doing was right or wrong. We ALL know what is right and what is wrong.

How would an Anarchist political system work? Do you know what Anarchy is? Who would fund the government? Surely not the Anarchists. There would be no government. Who would protect the people? It would be everyone for themselves. That would work wonders wouldn't it. I'm sure alot would be accomplished under an Anarchist political system.

Give me a break.

A person with no interest in religious values, who knows what is right and wrong, and STRIVES to do what is wrong and break laws because they hate religion that much, is in a state of anarchy.

Anarchy:

*A state of lawlessness and disorder.
*Lack of rule, disorder.

Christ was closer to Anarchism?

Wow.

Do you know how many laws are in the Bible? I'm going to guess you are one of those people who like to say things, and give ridiculous statements/opinions of things they know nothing of.

See above for the definition of Anarchy there buddy.

Nor was Jesus anywhere close to being a socialist.

Come on people. Do some research.

Nowhere in the New Testament or the other books of the Bible do Jesus Christ, His apostles, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, Moses or the Hebrew prophets command the government to take money from its citizens and transfer it to poor people. In fact, the Bible says just the opposite.

God presents us with three general ways in the Bible to take care of the poor and needy: 1) through the family; 2) through the church; and 3) through individual charity. The applicable passages for these three ways are Deuteronomy 14:28, 29, Numbers 18:24, Matthew 6:1-4 and 1 Timothy 5:3-16.

Furthermore, the Bible condemns laziness and praises hard work. Proverbs 10:4 says, "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." Proverbs 14:23 says, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Rusty F. You seem like a man well versed in the Bible. Would you mind scrolling up and reading my previous entry. I would apprieciate your view.

Riggs,

JESUS: "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34. (said while dying on the cross at Calvary after being betrayed and sentenced to die for no legitimate reason).

MUHAMMAD: "May Allah curse the Jews and Christians for they built the places of worship at the graves of the prophets." Bukhari, Vol. 1, #427 [Muhammad had been poisoned years earlier by a Jewish woman whose husband was killed by the Muslims and the poison had slowly worked its effect. He said this while dying in the arms of his wife Aisha].

I find that the above comparison details some of the strongest character differences. Here are their dying words, words that will mark the end of their lives. Christ asks God to forgive His enemies, while Muhammad utters a bitter curse against those who rejected his assertion of prophethood. Wouldn't it have been more appropriate for Muhammad to ask Allah to guide the Christians and Jews while he was dying?

Also -

JESUS: was born sinless; He lived a sinless life. Jesus asserted his sinlessness.

John 8:46 - "Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth why don't you believe me?" Also note 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 John 3:5, Heb. 4:15

MUHAMMAD: was declared to be a sinner - Sura 40:55 - "Therefore have patience; God's promise is surely true. Implore forgiveness for your sins, and celebrate the praise of your Lord evening and morning."

Sura 48:1,2 - "We gave you a glorious victory so that God may forgive you your past and future sins ....."

Muhammad also prayed for forgiveness of his sins, Bukhari volume 9, #482:

"...O Allah! Forgive me the sins that I did in the past or will do in the future, and also the sins that I did in secret or in public.

Further, Muhammad even acknowledged harming or cursing people unjustly. From Sahih Muslim, volume 4, "The Book of Virtue and Good Manners, and Joining the Ties of Relationship, chapter MLXXV

I can guarantee you 150% that Muhammad is not Jesus, just by this, not to mention everything stated in the book of Revelations.

As for "A house divided against itself cannot stand." It is absolutely true, and you can see how it hurts Christianity. Imagine if there was just one church, how much more they could accomplish, it would be amazing.

Well religion must play a part in law correct? As from an evolutionists point of view there is no absolute. No rights or wrongs. If laws are based upon religion - which they surely are - then to not follow laws would to not respect a religious philosophy. It's quite easy to understand. A Creationist view is not biased in this case, we are comparing laws and religion they are one in the same, as that would be the only viewpoint to take, because there are no absolutes from an evolutionists perspective.

Ask yourself - Where did right and wrong come from? Surely not from Humans, if right and wrong were brought upon by humans who is to say that someones right is right and someones wrong is wrong? Lets go Evolutionist view, wow that would be even more screwed up now wouldn't it? Fish with feet declaring what is right and wrong. This world would be run by relativism, something wrong in one person's eyes would be right in another persons eyes, but it's not. There is an absolute, which was created by God.

People are not perfect, we can throw your "what happens to people" question right out of the window, because when they do something wrong, they know they have done something wrong. If you cannot put 2 and 2 together from my previous posts, there is no other way I can explain it to you. Laws of right and wrong came from one place, being God. If you are not religious, but still abide laws, you respect religious philosophy, but if you strive day in and day out to break laws, you do not respect it. And when you don't respect something, you tend to not like it. Maybe "hate" was too strong of a word. We'll change it to disrespect towards religious philosophies and dislike being held accountable for actions, which is something that most religions teach. You can't be a law abiding citizen and disrespect religious philosophies at the same time, or else you would be breaking laws left and right because of your disrespect/dislike of religion. It makes perfect sense. You just need to understand that religion is the influence over laws of right and wrong, due to God being the absolute and showing us.

Good day to you all! Time for bed, I shall not return!

Well, despite science, humanity depends on religion for explanations for the unknown that make more sense to them than science does. Also, religion dictates how one should behave, and I suppose humanity feels they need those rules to follow. It's just that each religion has its own set of rules to follow and some of them clash with the other religions. However, if humanity were to stop believing in their religions, there would be nothing but anarchy all over the place. Religion keeps humanity in its place, so to speak.

I reaffirm what I stated above, despite, Rusty's spin:

"Jesus and the early Christians (Book of Acts) were clearly socialist. Feeding the poor and spreading the wealth."

In fact, it bordered on a non-Marxian form of communism. The helping of the poor is a command to the people of God. Our government is a government of the people. If I vote for someone who disparages the poor by calling them lazy and has little concern for their needs and well-being than I am not living up to God's dictates on the matter. We the People determine who the policy makers are. We are not in ancient Palestine being ruled over by the fiat of a Roman procurator or an entrenched theocratic elite. This is a government of the people for the people.

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

7 If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother:

8 But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.

9 Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee.

10 Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

11 For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

James 2:5-6

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Luke 18:18,20-25

18 ....a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Acts 1:44-45

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Acts 4:32, 34-35

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Luke 16:20-31

20 ...there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Matthew 25:31-46

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

please stop posting bible excerpts. they burn me cause im the devil

I honestly think people would be happier in the long run if there were no religion. I personally don't practice any. I don't know if I believe in God or Satan, or heaven or hell. But what I do believe in I figured out for myself. I didn't need a religious leader to tell me what I should think or how I should live my life. And that gives me a sense of fulfillment that no religion could ever give me. There are people out there who join religions because they think it's what they need to make their life complete. And if they're happy with that, great for them. But I still think you would be happier if you could find something to believe in for yourself.
Also look at how many wars have been started because of religious differences, how many innocent people have been killed for no reason other than they didn't worship the "right" god, and how many families have been torn apart.

Sigh Felix, Do you know what socialism is? Despite a spin? ugh.

NOWHERE in the New Testament or the other books of the Bible do Jesus Christ, His apostles, God the Father, the Holy Spirit, Moses or the Hebrew prophets command the GOVERNMENT TO TAKE money from its citizens and TRANSFER it to poor people. In fact, the Bible says just the opposite.

God presents us with three general ways in the Bible to take care of the poor and needy: 1) through the family; 2) through the church; and 3) through individual charity. The applicable passages for these three ways are Deuteronomy 14:28, 29, Numbers 18:24, Matthew 6:1-4 and 1 Timothy 5:3-16.

Furthermore, the Bible condemns laziness and praises hard work. Proverbs 10:4 says, "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth." Proverbs 14:23 says, "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

Sure looks like Jesus was socialist.

You are all right, I am wrong. Without religion the world would be a far better place. F0R R3ALZ! Michael M, I have no idea what you are even talking about, I will just disregard it as mindless, anti religion, Anti American, giberish.

Lisa P. Look at how many wars have been fought over non religious issues. I forgot you probably think the world would be war-free without religion. Nevermind history.

Without God we wouldn't exist anyway, so a world without religion will never exist.

The Bible is rather convicting, and if I was not a believer I wouldn't want to read verses either. Talk of accountability and responsibility, I don't want any of that!

Organized religion is terrible. Spirituality (such as love, respect, honor, peace) is supreme.

Laws can exist without religion, however religion cannot exist without laws.

Hmm...thanks to whoever said Jesus was a socialist. Never thought of that. I figured he was the ultimate hippy. I've never met the guy, although I think he's been misadvertised by those with hidden agendas.

Religion and laws are one in the same. How can laws exist if there is no religion, as that is where laws come from? The latter of your comment was correct though.

Relationship with Jesus Christ > Religion

You're repeating yourself, Rusty, it doesn't make your' argument any more convincing. You have your' opinion...I have mine. Let's leave it at that.

Wow there are some pretty profound words here. I do believe in God and believe all of you have some valid points. I think DragonSoul says it best. In DragonSoul speaking from knowelge and a positive light.
I have met all types of people.
I question the bad people that believe in God and the really good people that don't.
I suppose the bad people that believe, one has to wonder if they would be worse if they didn't believe. I have had to many experiences not to believe in some sort of higher being. I also believe evil exits as well.
Everyone remember to stay positive. I believe it really is about the energy we think and give. Always try for the positive route. It's not always the easiest. ; )

yes well i have a brother

I see the need for organized religions, to continue the teachings. I am glad there were organized religions to provide the books and the teachings as I grew and learned. I call myself a Christian since the teachings of Jese are the one's I try to follow. I struggle with "turn the other cheek," and find loving all people difficult.

I shopped at the Religion Cafeteria, a little bit from the Eastern realigions to help understand the Western religions, found my niche and became quite comfortable in my spirituallity. I say, "I don't go to church. It's hard on my religion," now, but if it hadn't been for the organized religions, where would I have shopped?

I think religion is harmful and the world would be much better off without it. No offence meant although I'm sure that comment will upset people. I was brought up a Christian and always felt uncomfortable with some of the teachings and saw a lot of hypocrasy. When I was around 17 I discovered evolution and started to question my beliefs. Now I feel that I was a little brainwashed by something I now see has little evidence surrounding it. I was brought up believing in sin, the devil , heaven and so forth but now believe there is no god of any denomation and that religion is used as an excuse for many behaviour patterns. I agree with Richard Dawkins that children should be raised with no religion and then if they choose to adopt it later then no problem. I am a lot happier without religion in my life and believing I only get one chance at life, I make sure I do the best I can with it!