[dean-dzai]

Originally Posted by dean-dzai

1. Everyone has an opinion
2. It is interesting and challenges our thoughts to consider others beliefs.
3. I think we learn about each other by learning what drives us individually.

Talking of which, there have been some Hindu's vote, I would love to hear from them.

[smelly]

George Carlin on religion (bad language)

Carlin

[climber07]

Originally Posted by dean-dzai

Like was the point of my post, Australian Aborigionals are a sub-species, not a seperate "kind". They are "man", as are Eskimos, Maoris and Native American Indians. If you follow your geography, history, linguistic research you will see there is a flow of where they come from. Nearly everyone agrees Native American Indians are of Mongolian decent for example. A Dingo is a dog, a sub-species of a kind.

The Bible (being the key text we are talking about) is not anti micro evolution, while it does not agree with Darwin style "macro" evolution. I would be curious to hear from other texts, I know even Ancient Chinese texts have flood and Ark stories similar to The Bible, which suggests some historic factualness.

Can you please also explain the Kangaroo? I'm really dying to hear this one.

First as a part Zoroastrian and part Scientilogist, I'm deeply offended that neither one of my faiths are represented on your "survey." But at least I shouldn't worry considering you're also leaving some major religions such as Judaism off the list.

P.S. Have to agree with the assesment that this survey is kind of pointless......Keep on believing though buddy...good for you.

[PDLM]

I'm disappointed that there is no option for those who have been touched by his noodly appendage.

[zenlogo]

I'm always cautious of some poll where someone asks 'what is your religion?' as it is usually started by a Christian, whose not really interested, but just looking for another opportunity to proselytize.

But, here goes anyway. As a child I grow up in an Jesus evangelical upbringing. Luckily I grew up and quickly turned to study world religions, philosophy and human psychology.

The last 30 years I have focused on the remarkable ideas of Buddha, Lao Tzu (Tao) and Zen. I checked 'Athiest' on your poll as I think that the modern religions bear little resemblance to the thoughts of those ancient sages who reflected on the natural ways.

I think its time for us to grow up as a species, if we need a religion, then we need a new new one that doesn't dismiss reality and recognizes the integral connectivity of all mankind and the environment. Maybe I'm a Jedi too? P.S. Thanx Skyhook, I'm a fan of Carl too.

[Skyhook]

[quote=zenlogo;189024]

I think its time for us to grow up as a species, if we need a religion, then we need a new new one that doesn't dismiss reality and recognizes the integral connectivity of all mankind and the environment. QUOTE]

I absolutely agree with your last sentence, and it is how I view the world.

Excellent post Zen, I really identify with your train of thought, and your awareness of reality.

Also, although I may not believe in the god brand/banner thing, when ever I travel, wether it be the Middle East, Europe, or Asia, i always make an effort to explore a city's religious buildings. Generally they are intrinsic to the architectual influence during various phases of popularity in history.

So, in my mind, I respect the cultural aspects that religion combines, like it does in Istanbul, Notre Dame, Rome, or Jerusalem. It doesnt matter where, but, the gift of extensive global travel has made me a very tolerant person, to always keep an open mind, by not adopting any religious peer group as such.

Religion in essence is sociopathic, but an accepted form within the frame work of mainstream civilised society.

I was actually expecting a lot more personal opinion than the copy and paste contribution that " Christians " have debated so far...
Oh well...

[dean-dzai]

Originally Posted by climber07

First as a part Zoroastrian and part Scientilogist, I'm deeply offended that neither one of my faiths are represented on your "survey." But at least I shouldn't worry considering you're also leaving some major religions such as Judaism off the list.

If I could re-write the poll I would include Zoroastrian's, Scientilogist's and certainly Jews and Catholics - there is a lot left off I admit. I wouldn't expect to get too much flack from ZEN because it is an offspring of Buddhism, although I did mention Taoism which also is, but my relatives are Taoist so I guess it is in the back of my head when I shoot up a quick list of 10 religions. What other religions did I leave off and can we have people add if it is their religion.

[PDLM]

Originally Posted by dean-dzai

If I could re-write the poll I would include {...} Catholics

Er, you have included Catholics - they are just a variety of Christian, along with Protestants, Methodists, Episcopalians and a myriad other varieties of the imaginary friend.

[XI_YAN]

Religious tolerance is good but should we be tolerant when religion moves away from being a comfort / moral code / answer to why we are here when it turns into s.th scary like the type of thinking that fuels suicide bombers or white supremacists or any other form of extreme indoctrination like in cults for eg.???

[dean-dzai]

Originally Posted by XI_YAN

Religious tolerance is good but should we be tolerant when religion moves away from being a comfort / moral code / answer to why we are here when it turns into s.th scary like the type of thinking that fuels suicide bombers or white supremacists or any other form of extreme indoctrination like in cults for eg.???

Interesting question. I think to answer it you need to look at the basic teachings of each religion and treat each one separately, not just saying "religion is religion". Islam is Islam, Hindu is Hindu, Christianity is Christianity and just because Atheists don't believe in the supernatural doesn't mean they should paint each with the same brush of 'all same, all religion'. I am curious to hear a voice for them in this forum, I am a Christian and the overwhelming majority of voters are Atheists / Agnostics, so of course there will be a friction.

I want to hear from the two Hindu's about their beliefs, and while I will have questions personally, it is out of respect and out of a 'thinking mind' - yet the end result I would hope is better understanding for everyone.