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phoenix1002 · 04-30-2003, 09:05 PM

Sometimes, the cynic in me thinks that the world would be a better place without organized religion. The religious groups do a lot of good things... but they also do quite a few bad things in the name of religion. Just think of all the wars that have taken place in the name of religion. Organized religion can also lead to ignorance. It disturbs me when I hear that some places in the south do not teach evolution. I don't care if they do not agree with it, but it is currently the accepted scientific belief, and not teaching it to students only hurts the students. It is possible to still be religious, yet believe in evolution, and other things strongly backed by science.

I don't see science as disproving supernatural things. Everything I've learned in my science classes has made sense, and I accept as truth. However, I've also seen things that don't really have any sort of scientific proof. I have seen a girl forced down onto her knees, unable to walk any closer to a cross. This was a rather extreme scenario, which I cannot really describe, but it happened in one of the holiest places I have ever been. I honestly do not think she was faking this. Also, I wonder what the scientific proof would be for PataQ's experience. Sometimes people attempt to use science to make sense of something, but it doesn't work. I don't see this as disproving anything, rather I see it as more proof to the existence of the supernatural.

The whole idea behind most religions is faith. Faith works without scientific proof, so calling someone ignorant or foolish because they believe in something that cannot be proven is doing them a great injustice. Do you love someone? How can that be proven, scientifically? To my knowledge, it cannot. But I do not question that love still exists. Does this make me ignorant, or stupid?

I am not really sure of my own beliefs at this point in my life. By name, I am a United Methodist. However, I am not sure if I really believe everything that goes along with Methodism.

My beliefs, such as they are, seem to be pretty close to Alpha Phi's. I think there is some higher being/power, and I suspect it is the same as the one in most religions around the world, whether it is called God, Allah, or any other name. Any underlings are what would be called in the Christian faith angels, and possibly devils or demons. I think treating other people well and helping those in need is more important than what religion you put yourself under.

I respect those with strong faith, in some ways I envy them, as they have found something, a belief in something, that I have not. However, when I see faith cloud rationality, that is when I am afraid, because irrational actions in the name of faith tend to be some of the worst actions ever done in history.

04-30-2003, 09:05 PM	#63 (permalink)
phoenix1002 Psycho Location: lost	Sometimes, the cynic in me thinks that the world would be a better place without organized religion. The religious groups do a lot of good things... but they also do quite a few bad things in the name of religion. Just think of all the wars that have taken place in the name of religion. Organized religion can also lead to ignorance. It disturbs me when I hear that some places in the south do not teach evolution. I don't care if they do not agree with it, but it is currently the accepted scientific belief, and not teaching it to students only hurts the students. It is possible to still be religious, yet believe in evolution, and other things strongly backed by science. I don't see science as disproving supernatural things. Everything I've learned in my science classes has made sense, and I accept as truth. However, I've also seen things that don't really have any sort of scientific proof. I have seen a girl forced down onto her knees, unable to walk any closer to a cross. This was a rather extreme scenario, which I cannot really describe, but it happened in one of the holiest places I have ever been. I honestly do not think she was faking this. Also, I wonder what the scientific proof would be for PataQ's experience. Sometimes people attempt to use science to make sense of something, but it doesn't work. I don't see this as disproving anything, rather I see it as more proof to the existence of the supernatural. The whole idea behind most religions is faith. Faith works without scientific proof, so calling someone ignorant or foolish because they believe in something that cannot be proven is doing them a great injustice. Do you love someone? How can that be proven, scientifically? To my knowledge, it cannot. But I do not question that love still exists. Does this make me ignorant, or stupid? I am not really sure of my own beliefs at this point in my life. By name, I am a United Methodist. However, I am not sure if I really believe everything that goes along with Methodism. My beliefs, such as they are, seem to be pretty close to Alpha Phi's. I think there is some higher being/power, and I suspect it is the same as the one in most religions around the world, whether it is called God, Allah, or any other name. Any underlings are what would be called in the Christian faith angels, and possibly devils or demons. I think treating other people well and helping those in need is more important than what religion you put yourself under. I respect those with strong faith, in some ways I envy them, as they have found something, a belief in something, that I have not. However, when I see faith cloud rationality, that is when I am afraid, because irrational actions in the name of faith tend to be some of the worst actions ever done in history. __________________ I'd rather be climbing... I approach college much like a recovering alcoholic--one day at a time... Last edited by phoenix1002; 04-30-2003 at 09:13 PM..