Yes, it's about time religion was given the respect it deserves...

Mixed feelings about Druidism getting 'True Religion' status; on the one hand, it takes the piss out of all other 'religions' and shows them up for what they are since they are no more provable or disprovable than Druidism itself, but, on t'other hand, they now get charitable status and are effectively subsidised by us tax payers! Jeepers. That should end for all religions - immediately.

Although a fairly rabid atheist, I don't subject my views on anybody - until they bring up their counterpoint first. I have to admit I do then get quite a bit of pleasure from finding out where that believer's 'line' lies - y'know, just how far their delusion goes; at what point does their blind faith encroach uncomfortably into complete lunacy. By offering examples from the bible (did Lot's wife really turn into a pillar of salt just because she sneaked a look at the fireworks going on in Sodom and Gomorrah?/ did Moses really massacre hundreds of innocent women and children on God's word just because his people built a golden calf when his back was turned?/ etc.etc) and asking whether their belief goes that far, it beautifully shows up how they've tailored their faith into something that suits just them. I thought only Woolworths did pick 'n mix.

Anyways, must come off me high 'orse.

I've mentioned that my sister is a vicar. She believes absolutely that the earth is only 4000 years old ffs!

The beliefs of those guys in the link above are no more ridiculous or far fetched than anyone else's to my eyes, it's all nonsense. Having said that, people have the right to believe in anything they want to because in the final analysis the only people they are then fooling are themselves. The harm comes when we are ordered by law to respect those beliefs even if we don't share them, why should we?

I'm all for each to their own, just so long as I am also free to go my own merry way.
Religion, like homosexuality, doesn't particularly bother me, just as long as they don't make it compulsory.

Personally, I'm not in the slightest bit into religion of any sort, BUT I do find it fascinating, and I do think it's remarkable as a glue that binds societies for good or bad. Basically, people have a huge desire to belong to something:a nation, a class, a football tribe, a subculture (punk, ted, mod, rocker, emo, rave, goth, metaller, skin, rudie?).
Politicians exploit the gaps between these groups to turn people's collective attention away from the things that are really happening while they systematically cock things up! ... and the thing that annoys me is that a majority of people fall for it EVERY time!!

I too find psychology fascinating but don’t like the way most people studying the subject are ‘’guided or brain washed’’ if you like. Too me it is the exact same way religion is schooling us.
A true free person is one who is able to live without falling in to the track that everybody is. To dare not to become ‘’streamlined’’ and scared of being an individual.
Now days are no different maybe less religious but money, greed, snobbery, prestige and the list is endless, is our daily bread. The Danes were the last people to become religious and the first to give it up but look at them today. Totally brained washed to be well educated, polite and another long list, never the less all the same, a complete classless society. At the same time, we in the west are so busy telling the entire planet, how to live. Psychology is around us 24/7 and need to be ‘’played correctly’’ it will never stop, survival of the fittest.

Good evening

"The Danes were the last people to become religious and the first to give it up but look at them today. Totally brained washed to be well educated, polite and..."

Such a funny and good point! Our Scandinavian friends are often cited as an example of how a 'good society' can work, and I admit to finding its basic ethos very attractive. But I understand cracks are beginning to show even there, with some factions getting a bit tired of the neat, thoughtful socialism and are wanting to install some good ol' selfish, capitalist greed - not to mention suicide rates which tend to be higher than that of the US of A, for example. Is the Danish example of seemingly how to love a decent life also an example of brain-washing as our resident Viking suggests?! Have we any hope for pity's sakes?!!!

As rational as I think of myself as being, I know that I'm very often anything but. But damned if I can do anything about it - it's just part of me

I've not bee brain washed into doing anything. Normally my girlfriend nags and bullys me, and she finds that far more effective.

It sure is pure indoctrination from the minute you are born. The Danes are the happiest on earth, right why and how come? Who is bringing up the kids in Denmark? From 6 month old, majority are off to day care, kindergarten, school, and further education. The whole society is very well organised and follow a striking similar pattern decade after decade. 20 year of systematic brainwashing and you are cooked, only to repeat what your parents did. Nearly all Danes do not question this as they feel happy in the pond being just like everybody else. The church was no say anymore and are replaced with the ‘’ the American dream’’ with some ties to socialism. Janteloven (tall puppy syndrome) is holding everybody in check. Psychology is also constantly playing it role. If you don’t follow the heard you are out. After living 20 years in Australia, we settle in my home town but quickly family and friends told us that we didn’t fit in any longer so we left. Still it’s a lovely place for the Danes and others if you happily pay the highest tax in the world and conform to the rest.

Politicians exploit the gaps between these groups to turn people's collective attention away from the things that are really happening while they systematically cock things up! ... and the thing that annoys me is that a majority of people fall for it EVERY time!![/quote]

Magicians favourite, slide of hand- you look one way something happens the other way

Are you sure that she is not Danish

I'm all for quiet anarchy, me. With the odd bit of noisy guitar and diy.