I think that's the key to it right there...free will...so many people around the world, Europe and the US included, are driven in nearly everything they do by their religion. This, I believe, is very dangerous. I think religion can be good in shaping basic moral tenets and such, but I think those who take their religion with "a grain of salt" get more done and in a more peaceful fashion. For instance, I personally was raised Catholic and consider myself to still be, though non-practicing. However, my personal beliefs are tempered by an understanding that bible verses are thousands of years old and may not dictate what is "right" today. :2 cents:
PS-D-rock: hope i didn't misinterpret any of what you said
Maybe a little bit. I agree with a lot of what you had to say.
I have beliefs about what is right and wrong and I don't believe in a "right today". I think things are either right or wrong based on my religious beliefs and don't think they change just because time changes. What I was referring to was the fact even in religion people should accept it because they have did thoughtful introspection and some soul searching within themselves and not just because it's what other people have always told them or it's the way it's always been. I think much of the institutions of religion are places of social control and not for spiritual growth anymore. They, like all things, have been influenced and controlled by people to get what they want and to make people do their bidding. I also think the teaching of religion have been warped to that effect. I would never think something just because a church said it. Maybe the most important thing should be for everybody to be their own spiritual leader. People should consider and decide for themselves and not have somebody do it for them.
