Officially OT -> Re:My fiscal responcibility...

[James Knott]

Madison Kelly wrote:
> Chris F.A. Johnson wrote:
> 
>>>  Being Buddhist means I too don't believe in god but I do believe in 
>>> Khamma and Dhamma (the former being analogous to the laws of physics 
>>> that define our physical world except it governs the spiritual world 
>>> and the later being the teachings of Buddhism).
>>>
>>>  That said, I totally understand and respect other people's beliefs 
>>> in god. My mom, for example, is devoutly catholic and even presents 
>>> surmons at her church every other Sunday). For her (and others who 
>>> believe in god) He/She/It/They is/are a manifestation of the start of 
>>> creation as we know and a point to focus on when trying to decide the 
>>> meaning of their life and existance. If for no other reason than as a 
>>> psychological tool god is both real and important.
> 
>  >>
> 
>>>  For you and other agnostics you have decided that you don't need to 
>>> believe in god or any other higher being and that life simply is. The 
>>> trade off is that you need to realize the need, benefit and reality 
>>> of god to others as much as they need to understand your lack of need.
>>>
>>>  Each group has simply chosen how they will face life and neither is 
>>> mopre wrong or right.
>>
>>
>>
>>     Why god, and not the tooth fairy, or Santa Claus?
> 
> 
>   The tooth fairy and Santa Clause are not, and were never meant to be, 
> sources of enlightenment or purpose. They are both childhood 
> distractions only and thus serve only an entertainment value.
> 
>   You are looking for something akin to scientific proof on a subject 
> that scientific observation doesn't apply. It is a psycological tool 
> and, arguably, a construct, that helps people move through life. That 
> very purpose gives it legitamecy and value. The trick is (tangent ->), 
> like any "tool", it can (and often is) abused and used outside of it's 
> intended purpose. Much like a hammer can be abused to destroy a window, 
> religion and god can be used to destroy life and peace when used for the 
> wrong means.

I completely agree with this.  Religion can be an excellent metaphor. 
However, it can also be harmful.  Either way, it's still fiction.
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