darth_ender said:

Your comment did not offend. I do, however, feel this thread (as well as the Catholic thread) have become far more like "Reform the foolish believer" threads rather than engaging in understanding why we believe what we believe. I don't mind that sort of discussion, but it would probably be better in its own thread, where the OP doesn't feel compelled to defend religion on his own. You don't have to believe in God, but I assure you that 50 years down the road, people still will. Instead of dwelling on what damage this world may have seen from religion, look at the good it has provided. Most great discoveries have been performed by religious believers. The freedoms enjoyed by this world's greatest nations have been founded by believers. It can be used for ill, but so can the lack of religion. If you truly subscribe to the belief that religion is the reason for most suffering on earth, then I encourage you to think things through a little more, my friend.

I think I'll start a new thread soon.

I'm sure you probably know the recent history of Northern Ireland, where I live, and are aware that things have been pretty good for a decade or so, last Christmas we had a bit of trouble, demonstrations leading to riots etc, I work in a video production unit and have been involved in making a film demonstrating the GOOD work that the Clergy have done in trying to maintain peace in this region. They have taken an active role in keeping all denominations talking through the EU Peace III initiative....(European Funding), so I have heard testimonies of some fantastic work and initiatives that has been done over the past year

I don't think I have ever said that I viewed that most suffering on earth to be the result of religion and I don't think you need to patronise me by advising me to think things through.

I have never been rude to you or Ric2, I've just asked questions that (i think) are loopholes in your faith....to make you question.....I don't think you are foolish, or that I am wise, some times when you are so close to something, you don't see what it looks like as others see it from afar