As a fundy I separated god (a being) from religion (a system). I hated religion. Yet in actual practice it's very difficult to live a separation between god and religion. Religion always creeps in.
Religion fails when it uses a (interpretation of) sacred scripture as an ultimate authority instead of using reason to find the answers.
For example consider the difference between the statements "god says you must not gossip" or even "what would Jesus do" verses explaining that gossip is wrong because it hurts other people and it also hurts you (you break people's trust when they hear you gossip about other people. When no one trusts you it damages your relationship with them). When people learn how gossip effects other people it encourages them not to do it (sometimes). When they learn how gossip hurts themselves it usually discourages the action. Either way it's a suggestion instead of a rule from an ultimate authority. It's a suggestion that a person can think about and then decide for his or herself the validity.
Religion fails when it uses a (interpretation of) sacred scripture as an ultimate authority instead of using reason to find the answers.
For example consider the difference between the statements "god says you must not gossip" or even "what would Jesus do" verses explaining that gossip is wrong because it hurts other people and it also hurts you (you break people's trust when they hear you gossip about other people. When no one trusts you it damages your relationship with them). When people learn how gossip effects other people it encourages them not to do it (sometimes). When they learn how gossip hurts themselves it usually discourages the action. Either way it's a suggestion instead of a rule from an ultimate authority. It's a suggestion that a person can think about and then decide for his or herself the validity.
I have studied the Bible and the theology behind Christianity for many years. I have been to many churches. I have walked the depth and the breadth of the religion and, as a result of this, I have a lot of bullshit to scrape off the bottom of my shoes. ~Ziploc Surprise
