Mike has the right idea here, but I take it from a slightly different perspective: By definition religion deals with beliefs that are NOT provable. They cannot be proved to be TRUE, but they can also not be proven FALSE. We will, therefore, not fall into the trap of discussing them here. It is both a waste of time, and it leads to flame wars, over which, otherwise very nice and valuable people leave the list. This thread (the religious branch of it) is DEAD. No more posts on this subject, or be ye removed. (sorry, I couldn't' resist) -- James Newton, PICList admin. -----Original Message----- From: piclist-bounces@mit.edu [mailto:piclist-bounces@mit.edu] On Behalf Of Mike Reid Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 23:15 To: 'Microcontroller discussion list - Public.' Subject: RE: [OT]: Unbelievable and a bit scary! I'm always intrigued by people who call religious beliefs imaginary and fake, etc. It's like telling someone who has traveled to a certain area of the world and seen things that you haven't that they are wrong and making it up. Don't' disparage something that you haven't experienced. I just returned from 2 days of four wheeling in southern Utah. We were in a remote but beautiful area. Rock scrambles and steep inclines that seemed impossible to climb, but we took them all on and were successful and had a great time. Can I paint an adequate picture of what I experienced by writing it here? No way. That's the same with religion. If I've traveled a religious path and had an enlightening experience, how do I share that with a non-believer? In order for them to understand, they must undertake a similar journey. I guess it's easier for some to be skeptical and disparage what I've experienced. Yes there are con men and women out there that take advantage of others in the name of religion. That is the nature of humanity, the good with the evil. I'm religious and while we are asked to tithe our income, there are no donation boxes at church and donating is a very private matter. We don't pass the plate either. People need to be careful when painting with a big brush! Hi Dave, On Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 9:29 PM, David VanHorn wrote: > I'm sorry you find it offensive, but I think it's entirely in context. > Religions take in money and other valuables in exchange for > preferential treatment in their imaginary realm. The catholic church > sold indulgences, essentially the same IMHO as buying Neocash with > real cash, then to buy a fairy paintbrush for your scorchio. > -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist