Ok so I read the whole thread. Gulp!
At least religions evolve (despite protestations to the contrary), new ones come in, others die out.
Just be glad it isn't adherents of the old Aztec or Mayan rites who are up in arms- their reactions to insults might be even a little harder to swallow, given they might be more likely to wear YOUR heart on their sleeve than their own!
I think its easier to be tolerant of other's beliefs when your teacher hasn't made your own or your loved-ones' entry into paradise contingent on offensive or defensive play against the other guys' teams. Compound this with belief that your own day to day well being depends on the good will of the whatsit upstairs, and add in a good dose of general economic hardship that demonstrates one's just deserts up or down the pecking order. Voila! A recipe for widespread unhappiness.
And EVERY major religion I've ever heard of exploits such notions.
Personally, given the scope and nature of the actual physical universe we so love, I've slowly come to the conclusion that life-as-we-know it is not some anthropic necessity, but rather an unintended consequence. I wouldn't be surprised if whatever creator there be (if any) was hardly aware of our existance at all, and rather less than concerned if so.
Wouldn't that be a kick in the head?
Of course that leaves plenty of room for beings of lesser omniscience or omnipotence to come around an play with our heads. Boredom breeds contempt. And idle hands...
Jess Tauber
At least religions evolve (despite protestations to the contrary), new ones come in, others die out.
Just be glad it isn't adherents of the old Aztec or Mayan rites who are up in arms- their reactions to insults might be even a little harder to swallow, given they might be more likely to wear YOUR heart on their sleeve than their own!
I think its easier to be tolerant of other's beliefs when your teacher hasn't made your own or your loved-ones' entry into paradise contingent on offensive or defensive play against the other guys' teams. Compound this with belief that your own day to day well being depends on the good will of the whatsit upstairs, and add in a good dose of general economic hardship that demonstrates one's just deserts up or down the pecking order. Voila! A recipe for widespread unhappiness.
And EVERY major religion I've ever heard of exploits such notions.
Personally, given the scope and nature of the actual physical universe we so love, I've slowly come to the conclusion that life-as-we-know it is not some anthropic necessity, but rather an unintended consequence. I wouldn't be surprised if whatever creator there be (if any) was hardly aware of our existance at all, and rather less than concerned if so.
Wouldn't that be a kick in the head?
Of course that leaves plenty of room for beings of lesser omniscience or omnipotence to come around an play with our heads. Boredom breeds contempt. And idle hands...
Jess Tauber
