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I agree with most of that, except Buddhism isn't a religion. It's a system of Philosophy based on a teacher's lessons, much like Taoism or Platonic practice (Plato, by the way, believed many were too stupid to make it on their own and should be slaves under their mental and social betters).
But the idea that religion allows people to excuse the thought process is just wrong. Listen to Jewish Sanhedrin argue over the Talmud as they seek a way to live with the Law. Like Ned Flanders said, they have to figure out how to obey the parts that contradict the other parts.
The idea that all wars were fought over religion is also a moldy canard. All wars were fought over riches, frequently in the guise of religious conversion.
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I think the Apocalypse is happening all around us. We go on eating desserts and watching TV. I know I do. I wish we were more capable of sustained passion and sustained resistance. We should be screaming and what we do is gossip. -Lydia Millet
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