Reply #7: Seems to be a common thread tonight... [View All]

thing is we have to remember is that no religion has a monopoly on God. And I happen to believe in a spirit of the universe that is of my own understanding. And the story of Jesus is inspiring if all the bullshit and fear is stripped away. Read Emmit Fox's "Sermon on the Mount" Good stuff when the "Yer a sinner and going to hell" crap. Most other forms of religion, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, all have common threads, trust in your higher power, clean house, and help others. Simple. We humans are inherently spiritual beings in some way. We can't help it.

Native Americans wandered the plains and mountains for centuries and were in awe of what they experienced. This lead to simple "religions" or codes to live by. Unfortunately for most "Christians" these days, they are being lead by organizations that depend heavily on money, and use fear, guilt and shame to keep people coughing up into the basket. That doesn't mean those who don't conform can't come to the party.

I got curious about Judaism for instance, and looked it up on the good ol internet machine,and read Judaism 101, a site I found, which spelled out the basics. My curiosity was piqued by the anti sematism and I wondered what all the hubub was about. After reading about it, I found some pretty cool stuff,and some boring and useless dogma. So when these people strut their superiority and pompousness, they are really little kids whistling in the dark. Best to stay away from them lest they brainwash you into the tea party!

And God? Well, just look up at the stars at night, or watch a bee in a flower, or little kid laughing... therein you will find him. And best not to argue with the fundies either... it's a waste of oxygen