razd: Personally I find most religions rather confining for any God I can envisage, but I think they all have some kernels of truth.

One has to wonder what the purpose is served by so many different religions, so many different sects within each religion, if it isn't to make you think out side the box each presents.

There are many paths to the top of a mountain.

lindaLou:

That's a pretty good summary of my own thoughts RAZD. When I was 18 I discovered the writings of a researcher in comparative mythology called Joseph Campbell. I'd never had any religious education apart from in my own religion, and what I learned just blew my mind. The spiritual box I've grown up in was suddenly much too small, and there were many things to be learned. There still are . . . always.

So, Linda, do you also find religions confining for a God? I thought at first it had to do with lifestyles and possibly does, but can you clarify how you mean that and what is confining? Like churches confine God? Is that it? RAZD?

My daughter (17 - pretty little thing) just bought a t-shirt that say's "I can't. I'm Mormon" She thinks its funny but she adheres to the teachings and is proud of her virginity. I know some like to have a little wine...(or whatever) so our religion in particular can seem too confining. My husband had to come to grips with that one : )

Linda, are you an Intelligent Design thinker? I thought you did at least believe.... I personally think all this knowledge can kind of veer you away from true wisdom. That may sound vague but so does the statement made I'm referring to.