09-01-2004, 03:57 AM
Actually Kak... by definition Buddhism is a religion. It is a system of spiritual beliefs that influence a followers life style.
As for the Qu'ran... it's kind of hard to verify that Gabriel actually talked to Muhammed.
It would be pretty easy for me to say that the Archangel Bob told me that the end of the world will happen if I don't take on a geas to end all flame wars. I could then write a book about the words of the Archangel Bob and start peddling it as my religion.
For the record, I'm closest to Agnostic. I do believe there is spirit but I'm not convinced by any of the existing religions that their approach is the correct one. I believe that we are something beyond a simple chemical reaction that has developed conciousness. I don't believe there is a single guiding force behind it all though. Until I have a religious experience (as close as it comes that night with Betty in the back seat of my car just doesn't count) I'm going to remain skeptical of all religions.
I agree that faith isn't something you just choose because the alternative doesn't sound good to me. That's just playing lip service to a bully and not actual faith.
As for the Qu'ran... it's kind of hard to verify that Gabriel actually talked to Muhammed.
It would be pretty easy for me to say that the Archangel Bob told me that the end of the world will happen if I don't take on a geas to end all flame wars. I could then write a book about the words of the Archangel Bob and start peddling it as my religion.
For the record, I'm closest to Agnostic. I do believe there is spirit but I'm not convinced by any of the existing religions that their approach is the correct one. I believe that we are something beyond a simple chemical reaction that has developed conciousness. I don't believe there is a single guiding force behind it all though. Until I have a religious experience (as close as it comes that night with Betty in the back seat of my car just doesn't count) I'm going to remain skeptical of all religions.
I agree that faith isn't something you just choose because the alternative doesn't sound good to me. That's just playing lip service to a bully and not actual faith.
Gullible isn't in the dictionary.