Youch

The Pope is a socialist. To me, that discredits him in all ways. Just as with state-run news, at some point you just gotta stop listening. For the former, this is unfortunate....for the latter, good riddance!!

Isn't it more about belief? I've not ever heard religiosity being about logic or magic. To me, such descriptors are meant to dismiss.

Thx. I find the quote to be, to/for me, a nice reminder to bring some important things into focus and proper perspective. Regardless of station or position, in the end life is broken down into simple acts.

When hungry, eat. When tired, sleep. I think it's a zen thing about living in the moment, and the awareness thereof.

More completely, "Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood and carry water." Thoughts?

Because it is a threat to those who dismiss it as such.

No, it just used to be something unexplained. It was always natural. I believe religion was born from our early naivete as a means to explain the world around us.

Nice to see you and others still here.

Titles are how some people accessorize themselves. Some consider titles the same as accomplishments. I think the best of the ordained did it as a means to an end. I'm not sure I fit into any of those boxes, as I've never told anyone ("risk"), nor have I ever used it.

Hello! Is this still an active forum? It's been several years!

Since you know nothing of the Muslims I've met, known and "seen," your point is absurd. But, since you say that we've "seen" different Muslims, do explain their utter lack of intolerance and opposition to the greater jihad of their faith?? Please and thank you, as finding such a kernel of evidence would be very welcomed. Did I ever attempt to "convince you" "they're all bad?" I'm beginning to think you do not read with the intent to understand. Please provide the avenue to chose to "go out and get info" yourself?!?!? I think that would be interesting. (B.S., of course, but lets go with it....) You make a claim of something I don't understand, while not specifically identifying that certain something, then project your desire of stupidity upon me by asserting, as many good liberals do, that any contrary thought must somehow be faulty and lacking. Pre tell, what is it I don't understand? I lay open and exposed to all comers...bring it on. What am I missing, he/she/it?

You had to look it up? And that was "distressing?" Really??? Israelites already know the definition, and their level of "distress" is likely 9 to the umpteenth power compared to such an effort of looking up a common word. Instead of "feeling" I think what this discussion warrants is more thinking. And many a great thinker lurks the halls of this forum. Wish more would post.

Many of my responses to him are for him. Oh groan..... Just what is it am I not understanding? You're not an expert on the muslim world, haven't even been there and apparently have no idea what is going on there. Want proof of my contention? To wit: you say "Israel wants to wipe out Muslims, too." I added the comma. You have not a shred of evidence of this lie. It does not matter that Israel is simply trying to defend itself, does not matter that that they have no jihad and have made endless consessions....all that matters, it seems, is anti-Semitism and arguing with me. If the question is, should we understand Islam? Well, yes...but not through the news media and youtube or whatever sources most people use.....how and why is the obvious? Most people, it seems, don't understand the desperate plight of Israel (or the regional history)....the mainstream media has proven themselves anti-Semitic in their ardent support of Hamas, and more to MY point, our own President, in the span of a few years, as switched sides from being historically a defender of our democratic friend in the region to being a blatant critic of their actions to defend themselves. So, wanting to "understand" a religion that, at it's core advocates a jihad against infidels might be worth while if said effort lead to truth rather than appeasement or excuses. This is not finger pointing. It is simply a general statement of fact. Take it as you will. Or not. I think it will make some of you feel better to simply argue against my post, so in this way, I am promoting world peace.

I don't believe you've posted on this site since I proved you wrong about universal energy. This is unfortunate, as you are/were one of my favorite people here. Yes, of course what happens in your brain belongs to you and you alone. To attempt to blame anything else is a farce, legally and rationally.

So many important topics dry up once the original and emotional explosion cedes to rational thinking.