How do we grow?

[Eudaimonia]

I do not have an argument.. I only have a way of seeing the world.. And (with the exception of a few close friends) in general, I find it silly to argue with people about things that are emotionally driven.. If you wish to believe in the Easter Bunny, as it stands now, I have no desire to convince you otherwise.. It is a waste of my time.. But if you wish me to clarify my own positions so you can understand them.. I do not mind at all..

To answer my position as it relates to religion stems again from my previous answer:

• Evidence – Empirical data derived from scientific methods
  
• Faith – “Belief” stemming from an authoritarian relationship with one's belief in god in the absence of empirical evidence
  
• Religious Thinking – The worldview based off of faith that one’s belief in and understanding of God is the source or root of all things.. and that theophanies are evidence of God’s existence or guidance from God.. and which are the psychological basis (window/framework) through which one interprets and draws conclusions about reality..
  

and would add..

• Unless one could prove (their particular definition of) god's existence utilizing scientific methods, I do not see where there are grounds to discuss god at all..

I prefer to say empirical data derived from scientific methods.. rather than couch my position in terms of material or non material.. As I am unsure if what was previously thought not to exist could be found to exist.. (ala germs/dna) ... I do not trust non scientific methods because the process inherently is too easily subject to the observer's whimsy or wishful thinking..

Belief in the existence of a non proven authoritarian entity may be a practical step in development for the type of mind that is not prepared to deal with the world without an authoritarian guide.. even if the guide is imaginary..