I don't recall Parris Patton's particular pronouncement of peculiar pandering pious prose, but alliteration is always awesome.

I remember NOT commenting about Patton's lte because I found it to be based upon a false premise in a secular society such as our own.

I've typed it so many times I need to just put it on a template, but at it's core religion is a subjective belief and value system, and I cannot condemn anyone who practices their own in a non violent and non judgemental manner.

As regards to Christians, in the course of a lifetime I've known some hypocritical ones that used their religious beliefs as little more than a justification to belittle and condemn those of dissimilar beliefs - and thus shroud themselves in a faux veil of superiority - while other Christians of my acquaintance have been among the most honest, sincere and caring persons I've ever met.

I could never be compelled to criticize the latter group. Any individual who has reached a level of perpetual inner peace through their religious beliefs and has the desire in a non judgemental manner to have others feel it too is beyond reproach in my book.

Opiate of the masses?

Maybe, but what if they're right?

James, you must have had your coffee before composing. Good one.

Well said, Jan. Non violent, non judgmental.

"There are three basic questions that cannot be answered naturalistically: "Where did I come from?"; "Why I am here?"; and "Where am I going?""

Buddhism answers these questions "naturalistically."

Religion is all about judgment; what one judges to be right or wrong, good or evil. Lots of folks don't mind if one practices his/her religion, as long as they don't make judgments. How can you do that and be religious at the same time?

Phillipa, we are surely free to and should judge our own actions and thoughts. However, when it comes to judging others we should be careful. I think our actions toward others and our own lives are the way to win others.

I fear that the actions of some who call themselves religious are turning many off. Any religion which teaches hate and violence is not a true religion to me.

Thank you Carol, well said.

In retrospect, for the sake of clarity, I perhaps should have used the phrase "non condemnational" rather than "non judgemental".

Zhak,

I might agree with you if I could get my head around the meaning of "naturalistically"

Nitpicker--

Check it out, I thought it wasn't a word myself....

nat·u·ral·is·tic Pronunciation (nchr--lstk, nchr-)
adj.
1. Imitating or producing the effect or appearance of nature.
2. Of or in accordance with the doctrines of naturalism.

natu·ral·isti·cal·ly adv.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2003. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. (http://www.thefreedictionary.com/naturalistically)

Oh, and in Buddhist practice there is no judgement. Same for Shintoism.

Zhak,

So there really is such a word? Wow. I'm used to hearing people make up new words all the time so I figured that was the case here.

'Electronical' is my favorite, I think.

I studied Buddhism and the other major religions, but I must admit that it was many years ago. From what I remember about Buddhism, there was basically a focus on becoming perfectly enlightened (or Nirvana?) and I remember some time studying the Four Noble Truths.

Honestly, Buddhism did not really appeal to me becuase it almost seemed like the goal was to find religion through human effort. The idea of getting rid of the 'self' by yourself just seemed unattainable. I'm not sure if I ever felt capable of such an endeavor. I don't remember any focus put on an afterlife but there may be one. The other thing is that Buddha seemed to originate from a common man many years ago. There seemed to be no God to follow or no explanation for the Universe. I just couldn't see doing something that I was instructed to do by a mere human. I questioned what authority he had to say what was right or wrong.

Of all the major world religions, I'd describe Buddhism as the most peaceful. I can also see where a following of Buddhism could coexist with other religions in the fact that the Buddhist is pretty much encouraged to examine the religions of the day.

Zhak,

I apologize if any of my statements might come across as offensive to you. Buddhism wasn't for me but I've always believed that everyone must decide for themselves.

Peace.

One of the things that I like about American English is how flexible it is, how new words and phrasings are introduced and absorbed, nouns become verbs, idioms go from pervasive to obsolete. Being rather old fashioned (I go by Strunk & White) if you can say it in one syllable, don't use two. 'Naturalistically' is a bit over the top for me.

While American English can be very precise, misunderstandings occur when words are not used thoughtfully. The recent controversy concerning what circumstances to use the word 'fascist' illustrates the point. In this discussion a couple of words have been used without a commonly agreed upon definition of terms. 'Judgemental' is one. Religion is another. At first glance most people would say, 'well yeah, I know what religion is...' but try to define it without using the word religion in your definition. And try to encompass the whole of religion, not just one small faith group. It's harder than it seems.

And Nitpicker, I am so impressed that you offered an unsolicited apology. That's so, so, civil. But I don't take offense to anything you said.