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[zan]

Religion is just another answer to the very first question in a conscious mind and that was "Who and what am I".

It was necessary for our development but I find it hard to believe that educated people still have a need for it.

[Filitsa]

Zan, In light of your latter statement, this is how I personally reconcile it:

The Greek Orthodox tradition is a cultural treasure that has been bestowed upon me by the generations before me. I see myself as one of the many "curators" of this treasure. Do I believe it is the path to eternal life and salvation? No. Do I believe that its very basic Christian tenets keep me grounded, reminding me that I am simply part of something much greater than me? Yes.

[zan]

Zan, In light of your latter statement, this is how I personally reconcile it:

The Greek Orthodox tradition is a cultural treasure that has been bestowed upon me by the generations before me. I see myself as one of the many "curators" of this treasure. Do I believe it is the path to eternal life and salvation? No. Do I believe that its very basic Christian tenets keep me grounded, reminding me that I am simply part of something much greater than me? Yes.

Can common sense provide the same?
What do you mean greater than you by the way...God?

[devil]

I find it hard to believe that educated people still have a need for it.

Are you saying that education replaces spirituality? That is like comparing apples and bananas, two entirely different things. Religion may be the opium of the masses, but it can be also a part of the lives of the most highly intelligent and educated people. Let me tell you about a few that I know intimately:
1. Dr. K. An ex-director of a leading Indian research institute. Devout Muslim, has done the Hadj twice.
2. Dr. S. Now retired, chief chemist of a leading US research institute and visiting prof of the MIT. Devout Roman Catholic.
3. Mr. B. Ex chief chemist of one of UKs top 10 companies. Professed atheist.
4. Prof. M. Nobel prize winner, prof of UCLA, devout Catholic.
5. Mrs C. Language expert and one of the UKs leading technical book editors, works for the EU. Devout Presbyterian.
6. Dr. A. Director of a Japanese government research institute. Practising Buddhist
7. Dr. A., Economist and Director of part of the US EPA, agnostic
8. Rev. Dr. C. ex-principal of a Presbyterian seminary, deeply religious.
9. Devil, highly educated corporate ex-leader and leader of UN bodies. Religious but not formally practising a given religion.

Are you saying that any of these highly educated persons, including top world leaders of their respective branches are all hypocrites because they have no need of religion? P_L_E_E_E_Z_E!

[zan]

I find it hard to believe that educated people still have a need for it.

Are you saying that education replaces spirituality? That is like comparing apples and bananas, two entirely different things. Religion may be the opium of the masses, but it can be also a part of the lives of the most highly intelligent and educated people. Let me tell you about a few that I know intimately:
1. Dr. K. An ex-director of a leading Indian research institute. Devout Muslim, has done the Hadj twice.
2. Dr. S. Now retired, chief chemist of a leading US research institute and visiting prof of the MIT. Devout Roman Catholic.
3. Mr. B. Ex chief chemist of one of UKs top 10 companies. Professed atheist.
4. Prof. M. Nobel prize winner, prof of UCLA, devout Catholic.
5. Mrs C. Language expert and one of the UKs leading technical book editors, works for the EU. Devout Presbyterian.
6. Dr. A. Director of a Japanese government research institute. Practising Buddhist
7. Dr. A., Economist and Director of part of the US EPA, agnostic
8. Rev. Dr. C. ex-principal of a Presbyterian seminary, deeply religious.
9. Devil, highly educated corporate ex-leader and leader of UN bodies. Religious but not formally practising a given religion.

Are you saying that any of these highly educated persons, including top world leaders of their respective branches are all hypocrites because they have no need of religion? P_L_E_E_E_Z_E!

I am a little confused as to what you are saying here but....


Are you saying that they cannot function as well without religion?

[Simon]

What he is obviously saying Zan is that being religious/spiritual has nothing to do with your level of intelligence, as you seemed to imply. Whether intelligent people NEED religion is completely besides the point. It is not a question of NEED but BELIEF. Some people choose to believe because of personal experiences, upbringing, inner-senses etc. Everybody is different.

[devil]

I'm sure that their respective faiths or lack thereof have given them the insight or psychological boost that has taken them to the top of their professions. I have had the privilege of working with all of them, with much mutual respect. I should possibly have added a Mr. F., who worked with me in Israel at a high governmental level. He was one of the lucky ones able to walk out of Auschwitz. He was a practising Jew of sufficient faith that he was angry with himself that he could not reach home, one day, before Shabat started. We had many Talmudic discussions and he taught me a lot about Judaism.

[Filitsa]

Common sense is not enough. For example, my husband's common sense, based on logic and reason, dictates that my son should be permitted to continue to hang out at his friend's house for long periods of time without parental supervision because he has yet to get into trouble. My common sense, often induced by intuition (call it maternal, if you will), dictates otherwise because, without the watchful eye of a parent, trouble will happen and sure enough.

I purposely choose the words "something greater than me" because "God" has a different connotation. What I mean is that my existence on this earth is not all about me. This little I know.

[zan]

What he is obviously saying Zan is that being religious/spiritual has nothing to do with your level of intelligence, as you seemed to imply. Whether intelligent people NEED religion is completely besides the point. It is not a question of NEED but BELIEF. Some people choose to believe because of personal experiences, upbringing, inner-senses etc. Everybody is different.

I don't think that by being educated in one department gives you the wisdom of solomon Simon. I did not mean that you have to be educated in another way in order to find true enlightenment without religion either.

I do not believe in many different levels and the most important one, as in what you are saying, is that I do not need to believe. I do not have a desire for religion. I can be good to my fellow man without it and I can be faithful without it.

[Filitsa]

Faithful to what?