UD Said: I think everyone needs to give "religion" a rest, and just live decent lives without sweating the details (like the Pharisees) and just be good little humans making the most of our short time here by working hard and enjoying ourselves. Gee... that's even in the Bible.
That's my stance on it too. I don't know the answers. But my 'common sense' tells me that it is most likely impossible that any person can live up to the Bible's moral code. Any takers on that? So, since I know I can't live up to that and have no faith in organized religion (which is a HUGE money maker) I just try to live the best life I can and treat others the way I want to be treated. And try to save 10% of my income for retirement rather than give it to somebody's ministry.
This releases me from the burdens of guilt for not living up to the Bible God's perfect standards; and fear of the end of the world, hellfire, etc. For me life is much better here. But as I've said before, some people NEED Religion. More power to you. I am no man's judge on that one.
Also, do you think the fact that the majority of mankind expect God to either save or destroy the earth affects the way they treat it? I mean, if God can straighten everything out, why worry about pollution or global warming, depletion of earths natural resources, clean drinking water, extinction of plants, insects and animals .....?
(sweet tee of the 'on account I used to be one' class)