Hello Larry,
Myself, I am more of a spiritualist, than a believer in organized religion. However, I am just as against those that are intolerant of
athieist thought as I am of atheists who become beligerant at the mere mention of religion.
You are correct in saying that religion has been used as a toll for control and power in the past, and that probably happens to some degree today also. However, that is more of a reflection on those individuals who are using the tool, than the tool itself. Religion can also be a wonderful and beautiful thing when practiced with what I believe is the original intent, and that is for enlightenment and good works.
It is more a condemnation of the specific people who misuse or misunderstand the true purpose and intent then it is on the purpose and intent itself.
As I said previously, I am more interested in spritual pursuits, than I am in following the dictates of modern day religion. However, that doesnt necessarily mena that any of us have the right to try and dictate or denigrate the beliefs and pursuits of others, as I see done as matter of course on many of these threads.
JMHO,
Mark
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