TheQuest
The heaven's-gate, saviors-behind-the-comet folks is one example of an unreal religion. Most of what most religions are about is the virtual reality of the ancients. Like today's virtual reality, it feels real and seems real (to some people) but (like dreams, hypnotism and brainwashing) it is not real. I do not currently believe in a God or gods, probably because many folks project on to God unpleasant characteristics like vengeance, cruelty, racism and sexism. I have a theory that God was given these characteristics by ancient male priests/writers who projected on to God the characteristics of their ignorant (in today's terms) patriarchal leadership. An intelligent and informed belief in God would require updating these flawed early concepts.
To say that God created every thing, every life and every purpose is much too easy of an answer. The real answers are coming out of science. The needs of society can best be achieved by de-dogmatizing religions and by infusing the field of science with a dogma-free moral vision. For example, the Judeo-Christian Bible needs about a thousand ammendments to its many dogmas. Blessed be the sermon that is short and to the point.
For any religion (old or new) to have merit in the 21st century, it should admit its profound spiritual ignorance and it should not require anyone to accept any dogma with blind faith. This statement is also relevant to governments and corporations.
TO SUM UP: I do not have faith in today's corrupt politicians and yesterday's irrational gods. I do have faith in the scientific method (which could use some updating) and the perfectability of the human race.
© 1997 rsaxton@cyber-dyne.com
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