My thoughts...

[C22H19N3O4]

Neonracer, I agree with most of what you said. But, these "debates" are not meant to solve anything. It's an avenue to share ideas and perhaps open a new door to Creation and Evolution. Like most forums dedicated to religious discussion, the posts here revolve around the same handful of zealots that quote scripture and Google every response. The unfortunate result is that most Christian devotees will remark, " You're going to hell. Your day will come. You will be sorry when judgement day comes." Well, I live in Georgia so hell can't be all that bad. Living in the Bible Belt doesn't help matters when discussing religious issues. You can't go a block without seeing a church pop up. Churches have become a franchise in the south. If Christian values hold them together why not revere God in fewer Mega Churches? Why does every man of God have to open his own church? Why have Black churches and White churches? Affluent White churches wouldn't dare bus inner city minorites to their suburban church, b/c it might ruin there religious encounter with God for the week. I bet churches love the tax breaks. :jerkit:

Religion has been used as means of control for a very long time. Yes, religion was used as an excuse for many wars, and religions is used as pardon for heinous crimes. Christian doctrine is matter of convenience for most people. " Oh I cheated on my spouse, but God is loving and he will forgive me." When does the forgiveness well dry up? People need this faith in God to know when their lives end....it won't just end. They take solace in the fact that after 80 years of life, the fun won't just stop. The belief in Heaven makes their life that much more bearable. People need that reassurance that something good will come of their lives even though they did nothing in this life to aid humanity except quote scripture and blow up abortion clinics. Having faith and hope is a wonderful thing, but you have to realize that God doesn't control what you or anyone else. Morality is not just for religious fanatics.