Men over the years took the words and ran with them.

Why? How is that insulting and who does it insult?

Inquiring minds want to know.

You're being purposefully dense to suggest that a concept is the same as a human being. It's the same thing I tell people about the US Constitution; as much as you want it to be alive, it ain't gonna happen. It cannot possibly do all you want to believe it can. In short, it's insulting to sentient beings, imho (but I believe everyone reading this thread knows that there are a plethora of individuals on this site that may not quite fit into that category). But I do believe you were trying to be cute or cleaver (that's sharper than clever), so I'm willing to let you off the hook.

Christianity influences those who suffer hardship in life and are not educated in the history of how this religion was founded.

Those who are educated in the history understand that this foundation has many contradictions that are not true to believe.

Today much of Europe does not practice this religion anymore. I know that in Germany approximately 66% of the Germans from ages 18 to 27 are Atheists and 14% are agnostic. The older generations still hold on to their religion for it is mixed with traditions that are enjoyeable. The rest of these Germans at this age bracket believe in somekind of spiritual force, god, are what have you. I predict in twenty years from today many will hopefully bypass this belief system and work on more important and dire things that we as humans need to survive the future.

Christianity primarily concentrates in poorer nations today. Africa is a big stop for the missionaries as they know that they will have followers.

In America advertisement is the biggest weapon Christians have as they create their belief system in all kinds of mega big buildings and have you watch a arena of 10,000 or more people listening to a very influential priest that can combine modern stories with the teachings of the bible to make you believe in the stories that where written by men over 2000 years ago.

As time goes by, I believe that the religion will die off, but it won't die off peacefully as I see how mediterrenean mythology urges power and order and get discouraged. Those in power will do anything to stay in power. This also means influencing our governments and waging wars if have to.

One can only hope that in the future wise politicians will know better.

Christianity, Muslim, and the Jewish faith is an illusion of peacekeepers as they have you think that they represent this, but in the end it is a myriad of initiutives using the arts of persuasion to gain control and power.

This is an opinion that I share and am aware that there will be some readers who disagree. If you strongly disagree and are a follower of any mediterrenean mythology then perhaps it is time to study mythology and history to understand where these ideas came from in the first place when written thousands of years ago.

Christianity discourages brotherly love.

Apparently that is "fake" Christianity.

Thanks but I am not on any hook so I don't need you to "let me off of it."

Further, I am not trying to be "cleaver" (or clever or cute.) And I am completely serious.

MEN created religion. If not men, then it must have been those galaxy aliens.

But men perpetuate it in the need to worship something or to be worshiped themselves.

I understand what you're trying to say, but you never refuted or even answered my point.

I feel that it's the opposite of that.

Then I guess I just don't get your point. All I said was that men created religion.... which they did. Unless it was aliens... which is another possibility.

You said that was insulting.

I really don't know why it was insulting or how it was insulting. It is just a fact. Men created religion.

So please tell me what your point is.

Sorry I took so long to answer this post, I've been elsewhere.

Jeaniebean,

I've been saying that for years! Except I take it one step further and say that...

"...and then man created god in his own image!"

Personally, I think that if you do not have curiosity, if you do not ask questions, if you do not doubt, then you will be hard-pressed to have a strong faith.

Looking through the pages of the Bible, you see a transformation of belief throughout the centuries of composition and compilation. That transformation of the belief in God, of what it means to be in relationship with God and what that relationship actually is demonstrates the importance of continually seeking "the face of God" through questioning, bargaining, arguing, etc. with God.

I also have an understanding of the Church universal as one slow to change (and loathing it) but also one that understands the need to change. God continually calls us to examine our faith. Often the "little c" church loses sight of this, I think. There is too much focus on doctrine and not enough on the evolution of faith and the need for evolution. Though, as I'd like to point out, the problem here is humanity's fear of change, not God forbidding it.

Hmm...maybe we are in need of another "Reformation?" It has only been 450-ish years...

OK, so I'm not a book-worm nor am I as articulate as some of you in expressing myself in words. Still I hope to be able to make my point here!

Religion ABSOLUTELY kills curiousity. It was not blind faith that has caused humans to advance this far, it was doubt! If we were all to follow Biblical instructions word for word, where would we be now? Still running in the sand barefoot and riding on camels! (some still do in the middle east!) Next time you get sick, no matter what it is that's ailing you, don't go to a doctor, just cut yourself and bleed a little. I forget what the Bible calls that, blood-letting or whatever it is, and that's supposed to cure you. If your arm breaks, or is hurting you, then cut if off, again, instructions from the Bible!!!

Each time you take a medicine, or go have a life saving surgery, you are being treated by technology and advancement in medicine made possible by men and women who didn't rely on blind faith. Instead, they questioned things, experimented and now, instead of praying to
Allah or Jesus to remove a tumor from your neck, you can have it surgically removed.

Yay for doubt and curiousity!