im not really good at discussing the generalities of religion in writing. but i will say this, i feel that religion is merely the practice of the minimum requirements for social and personal peace. i know many will disagree, and i welcome any discussion on the particulars. to try and discuss religious scripture in general, well lets just say that the books of the bible and the quran are quite lengthy. as well i will say that i do not regard religion as an organization or institution, nor can it be dictated, lead or even totally agreed upon in its peripheries. as best to my knowledge it is meant as a core personal code of ethics with practical social application. ive noticed that the quran rarely specifies methods of punishment and actually encourages debate. i sense that it proposes debate as the mechanism of relevance in theface of the ever-changing climate of technology and information.
as for the religion versus freedom, i think it very important that freedom not be confused with carelessness or selfishness. and may i note that i think the constitutional america is more islamic than any nation in the world, but i fear that along with our monetary system (the fed) there have been some very unamerican changes in present-day america, in other words americans have been bamboozled to coin a phrase. you may notice that the philosophies of the american constitution, however poorly realized, are quite religious. they are a systematic and practical approach to social and personal justice in which all are individually obliged to participate to create and maintain the welfare and security of the whole. but slowly america slides, we have become again, a nation where free speech does not necessarily preclude false speech (as the ability of the citizenry to hold accountable its government is practically non-existent), distribution of wealth is distribution of power and is not controlled by "the people(majority)" and the old taxation without representation issue is in arguable debate and the list goes on. true religion requires individual perspective and participation, and the lack thereof can be traced to any ill of any society. the laws are fine, the realization of them stands a bit weak in the knees. i apologize if i sound a bit critical, but i believe we've mistaken "freedom" to be inherent within our society or mistaken it to enable or endorse apathy. good works are the result of good works and so on, this is causation. youll find this idea in abrahamic faith. i guess ill sum it up as such:
the lord implied to murat," here me oh murat, im the lord, as far as you know, aka causation... know that lust, laziness, aggression, or any irrational compulsion yadda yadda yadda, will cause you harm, if not now, eventually.. good works that ease pain, support life and follow truth in and about your environment will result in goodness and peace of mind, and as you are a function of your circumstance, its good for you too, so stop being stupid!! or i (causation) will smite you!!"


to address your very gracious compliments, i feel it is the duty of every human to be patient, honest, humble, principled and compassionate. to me that is what it means to be a "submitter" to the truth, ego has no place in peace, but cut me some slack with a kind reminder please for i do stumble at times. im stupid like that.

p.s.
i wonder if any of us are anywhere near eachother, i would love to meet and talk about whatever, even religion, as i feel religion was meant to be discussed in person. its a very different feeling in person. almost as if, it is religion itself, that cushy mushy togetherness thing, ya know?

peace