Hi everyone. I was thinking it must seem kind of strange for someone to hear me say belief is useless and to think less, that will likely mark me as nuts by both stereotypical camps so I thought I explain a bit.
First of all, let me say that as far as I'm concerned there is no reason to think that generally, belief, religious or otherwise can't be an honest attempt at describing reality. However, that's the whole crux of the matter - I think it's important to distinguish between reality and one's description and model of it. As accurate as some models may be it can never replace the real thing, certainly not when it's merely concepts in your head.
If you believe the bible, you would agree that creation reveals the glory of God. Well, in Judeo-Christian language that's all about appreciating God's work isn't it? However, I think there is a serious danger of looking at the descriptions, even worshipping them, rather than the real thing. Look at it this way: You have this line of God creating.. well everything, and then humans being part of that creates beliefs. Even if you believe it's a revelation you have to acknowledge that the information gets passed through the filter that is the human mind, and in that process it would certainly get filtered a bit wouldn't it? And what are you doing worshipping a thought in your head anyways? What makes any of us better than the rest of God's creation? So I say enjoy the gift of life, that is what is actually closer to the source in this sequence of things. Don't even think too much about what I'm saying here, but just enjoy the abundant life that's around you and IS you. What objections can there be to that, and what better way can there be to get in touch with the sacred?