You wrote -
"The real joke is this silly illusion of power and knowledge that science gives to so many people. It's completely unjustified. "

I will agree with you that knowledge does give people power. My only thought is that I would rather power be held by people who must give evidence for their claims(even though I realize I fail to do so in here, haha), than by people who believe in an invisible entity pulling our strings for the interest of providing a "moral" society. Either way you cut the mustard, rational thought (or the "illusion" thereof) will always win out when compared with superstition.

You wrote -
"Anyone claiming to know about God who never died is, in my opinion, a liar."

That is a bold statement - I love it. People who claim that God talks to them have always seemed a little shady. Why them and not me. I don't think "God" plays favorites and I certainly don't think it cares who wins the super bowl.

You wrote -
"I'd rather say that religious devotion is a by-product of deep questioning and contemplation."

Is that possible? Contemplation about something that may or may not be the biggest farce ever foisted upon humankind does not seem very noble. I don't think anyone who is a devout religous practitioner has ever had a deep thought, if so, they surely wouldn't be devout. In my estimation, deep thought and blind faith can never go hand in hand.

Thank you for treating my response with a dignified response of your own.

Scott

• Some more opinions - aurino - April 18, 2002 - 12:51 UTC