[kanaloa]

I agree with Michel.

I don't think our religious beliefs, or as American's our belief in God (since it seems the high majority do) makes us good or bad.

I think religious overtones are finally dying in America, and I'm glad to see that. Religion is what brought town our two towers, has started almost every major war on earth, and has taught us to truely love... or hate thy neighbor.

I believe Religion does many good things for our society... more than can be named, but I do not and will not believe it determines whether you are a good or evil person.

I don't think religion can tell us what we believe, or who we are. I think only we can do that with our soul.

After all... belief in soul and self is the greatest power of all.

I know this is a touchy subject, and I won't stop on anyone's toes. My opinions are respectfully that, my own. But it is my belief.

Deb, in all honesty.. you're one of the finest people I've ever met. Don't take that lightly.

[lilwip]

ok, this is gonna sound weird and change a few opinions I would imagine. But I am an Aetheist. I don't believe in religion. I became an ordained minister so that I could perform wedding ceremonies for my friends and others, who believe like I do, want to get married, but don't want religion involved in the ceremony (Most ministers won't leave the word God out of a wedding ceremony, and Judicial weddings can cost WAY too much money. I will do it for a 6-pack of beer )

[SCJwl]

LOL, if the price is right

[kanaloa]

LOL

I think that makes sense Shannon. I think it's still very ironic that many of us have so many similarity's. I mean if you think about all the things over time... it's definately interesting.

The PROneT Chapel, lol.

[mariclaire]

ok, this is gonna sound weird and change a few opinions I would imagine. But I am an Aetheist. I don't believe in religion. I became an ordained minister so that I could perform wedding ceremonies for my friends and others, who believe like I do, want to get married, but don't want religion involved in the ceremony (Most ministers won't leave the word God out of a wedding ceremony, and Judicial weddings can cost WAY too much money. I will do it for a 6-pack of beer )

Shannon I am very curious, I hope you don't mind my inquiry. Is it organized religion that you don't believe in or is it the theory of a supreme being?

[kanaloa]

Hope Shannon doesn't mind me answering... but I would guess both honestly.

I've thought a lot on the subject myself, and spent a great deal of time on it in my book I wrote. When I rewrite much of it this summer I'm going to give much more detail on this topic, so I'd definately like to hear more about this all.

[lilwip]

yes.... I don't believe in what christians and catholics label God, Muslims label Allah, and people in insane asylums refer to as Bob (not Bell) lol

I have done a lot of research involving religions and supreme beings and things just don't fit together in my mind. I believe that I decide my fate, and I control my destiny. In a sense we are our own gods. With that, I close the book on my discussion of religion. There are WAY too many emotions involved in this subject. Everyone has a right to believe what they want to believe, and I like all of you WAY too much to want to fight over something I don't think exists.

[mariclaire]

I hear you Shannon and I personally would never fight over religion. I believe everyone has to follow the beat of their own drummer whatever it may be. It is such an interesting subject and I love to explore others ideas and opinions. Let me just quote one thing, some believe that "we are all made in the image and likeness of God", which to me means that we all do indeed possess a lot of power and control over our destinies, now if we could just figure out how to do it! C'est la vie.....

[SCJwl]

The problem with religious topics is that people "usually" try to put their beliefs on another. Or they judge a person for their belief or for not believing. I couldn't care less who or what you all believe in (or don't). It would never change the opinions I have.

[lilwip]

AMEN to that.... LOL