Earthling
David Henson
I have to break this down into parts or it would be much too long from the start. This, part 1 consists of my definition of religion. The difference between organized religion and religion in general. Part 2 will be my understanding of the major organized religions. Part 3 will explain my decision regarding which religion is closest to the truth and where my criticisms of that religion are and how that effects my beliefs.
Part 1 Religion
I define religion, in it's most basic sense, as a strict adherence to a set of principles. In this regard everyone is religious.
I see organized religion as being potentially harmful, especially to it's own original teachings. No organized religion has ever remained true to itself. It always transmogrifies into something else. People tend to think that everyone should think like they do. On an individual level deviation from the norm is less harmful, potentially, and is typically perceived that way. On a more massive scale it tends to be abused for the sake of power and money.
The same applies to charitable organizations, politics, sports, fashion, art, music, science, history, grammar, and every other consideration of mankind.
Speculation on the origins of religion (religion in general) is only speculation. No one knows. Often such speculation is socially / politically motivated xenophobic attempts to silence one world view with another.
Part 1 Religion
I define religion, in it's most basic sense, as a strict adherence to a set of principles. In this regard everyone is religious.
I see organized religion as being potentially harmful, especially to it's own original teachings. No organized religion has ever remained true to itself. It always transmogrifies into something else. People tend to think that everyone should think like they do. On an individual level deviation from the norm is less harmful, potentially, and is typically perceived that way. On a more massive scale it tends to be abused for the sake of power and money.
The same applies to charitable organizations, politics, sports, fashion, art, music, science, history, grammar, and every other consideration of mankind.
Speculation on the origins of religion (religion in general) is only speculation. No one knows. Often such speculation is socially / politically motivated xenophobic attempts to silence one world view with another.