Hey, Russ <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

One correction here...



I neither believe nor disbelieve in evolution just as I neither believe nor disbelieve in Christianity (though I certainly steer more towards the former than the latter; I am not an evolutionist nor do I claim it to be factual, only possible). Nearly every discussion I partake of on this forum is for the purpose of playing "Devil's Advocate". I see Christianity, Evolution, and a multitude of other beliefs as mere possibilities, and I find it's generally a conglomeration of them all which makes the most sense.

On a slightly broader and different note, I've taken a look at most world religions and I've got to be honest, I find Buddhism the only remotely convicing "faith", mainly because, paradoxically, it's not a faith so much as a philosophy. There is no concern for a creator god according to Buddhist practices, it's sole aim is to help one deal with life: here and now (not in some potential after life that, frankly, may or may not exist). Startlingly, it is infinitely more humane than Christianity, to me, and for the following reasons.

- Christianity (and monotheism as a whole) dwells on a negative rather than a positive. All the "Thou Shalt Nots" should more appropriately point us towards what we SHOULD be doing. And any humane and sincere "God" would realize this, whereas the mythologists who pondered it up clearly hadn't at the time. Instead, they likely desired to tack up a list of unrealistic rules, defining humans as sinners where there is nothing sinful about human nature (the good aspects AND the bad aspects both).

- Historically speaking, Christianity miraculously has the uncoincidental ability to become a tool for blood thirsty psychopaths while, no less amazingly, Buddhism has always been an outlet for compassion and caring individuals ONLY. Why would a "God" even want his "religion" associated with genocide, murder, rape, torture, etc.? Especially so damn much of it! If I were "God", I'd tell everyone to stop being Christian and start being Buddhist simply so my "believers" aren't associated with the most violet religion the world over. All the "Good" Christians of the world pale in comparison to the vile deeds done in their faith's name.

-Through rigorous mental and phsical yogic practices, Buddhists are capable of miraculous feats, from severing all sensation of pain to heating their bodies in frigid, potentially lethal cold conditions, to otherwise coping with fears and ordeals the likes of which Christianity, frankly, has no outlet or remedy for besides "prayer" and hope.

You have some very valid points, Russ, but I ask you to consider that I'm not arguing in favor of Evolution per se, rather, I'm simply asking for "Why not?" explanations, some of which you've answered, thank you. When I defend something, it's not because I necessarily believe in it, I just like to see all angles of a debate opened up. Most forums dominated by Christians tend towards narrow mindendess and it is for this reason that I typically steer my argument towards evolution than not. Point me towards an evolutionist discussion board and I'll start throwing creationist ideas in their face

Cheers!