I found an interesting read that actually pertains to the conversation at hand, while looking around the net.It's mostly the viewpoint of an atheist evolution-touting author who sees religion itself as a major self-perpetuating problem with humanity. The first 2 paragraphs may get a few of you more devout TS members a bit riled up and bring to mind the word "blasphemy".. but I guess it's important to understand everyone's point of view in order to formulate one of our own. so keep reading even if you do find it slightly offensive. Blame me later if you hate it. http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,444787,00.html
Hallowed Are the ORI (Stargate Reference)
What's a Stargate? GDR -------->>>>>QD
It is good to understand other's points of view when / if possible although I have found some very hard for me to follow. As a pastor, some might consider me to be one of the more devout TS members but I
Things do happen for a reason.Lets take your "plate of shrimp" example.Some people might say that whoever said plate or shrimp might have gotten this "vibe".And said that word.I agree totally.
There are some things about the physilogical part of ourselves I dont think science or "religion" have a clue about.Just like I belive that what you do to other people comes back to you in the end or at anytime, no telling when sometimes,Some people would call that "karma"And some people would call it "What sow, you reap.
i dont think religion is inhibiting in any manner. Most religions have enough depth for an individual to search for answers on thier own. i would agree that relying on someone else to tell you what to think or do is a bad idea. i dont think religions necessarily do that. Some individual churches or temples might, but the basic religions are pretty open for use to people to reflect inwardly on the universe and all it has to offer.Stereotypes make for weak arguements because they are blanket statements containing no real fact, normally just opinions.
religion does allow for personal reflections on the earth and universe. if you really investigate scientifically though, we learn the earth is not 6,000 years old. this goes against most religious teaching. of course