h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As it's not likely anyone will ever come up with absolute proof one way or the other..I think it will remain a matter of opinion.

For whatever reason, those who choose to believe..remain certain that they are right..and all the other religions of the world are wrong.
It's rather fascinating though..to observe the changes that have happened over the years. As society and morals have changed..so too have the dictates of various religions. Being more aware of Christianity...it's easier to notice the changes..from biblical times..thru early years of the church when only the clergy were literate..and thus dictated to the general population...then thru the reformation.. where the might of the church was used for decidely non-religious purposes to persucute..and confiscate..
then the witch trials.. where mainly women..(who had a little knowledge..or threatened the male dominance) were presecuted and executed in the name of religion. Todays modern church.. depending on the flavour.. (sect - denomination) either accepts or rejects homosexuality, polygamy, blood transfusions, birth control, etc. All in the name of "God" . But who interprets "God's Will" or his wishes... men..humans...fallible people.. who wish to impose their wishes..and use the name of religion to do so. Funny many Americans seem to think "God" is on their side.. that they have the moral justification to do whatever. Sort of like in the Bible and God's "chosen" people... but if their god was such a loving god... why would he forsake all of those who weren't chosen.. who might never have had the opportunity to be enlightened.. as in this day and age when missionaries..ensure that his word is spread door to door.

Then there is the difference between Jewish people. the ultra orthodox... and the barely practising. Will they all go to their heavenly reward? And what of Christians..who believe in part but not all of Judism. If one of these groups is right and the other wrong.. what happens to the ones who are wrong.. they have some of the correct beliefs..how does "God" decide what to do with them..whether to let them into heaven.

We could also look at the Islamic population. They are just as fractured as Christians by their different inter[retations.
From the ultra dogmatic like the Taliban in Afghanistan.. to the more liberal interpretations.. in Western nations..or even Turkey. Here again it is not "God's" will but man's interpretation of his will. Seeking to impose man's ideas on the population.

We cannot see God... cannot prove or disprove his existence. Just as we cannot see the air we breath (unless you live in a polluted city..but assume you catch my meaning). Just because we can't see the air.. does not mean it isn't there. As much as people have tried.. no one can completely explain a person's soul... that which makes them so different from plant life.. that which raises them to a higher level of intelligence than most animals.. that which allows them to feel... emotions.. . If some people take comfort in religion..if it helps them to comprehend life... satisfies their curiosity..then who am I to criticize. Just as I would like the return tolerance from them..allowing me to think the way I choose..and not belittling my beliefs.. or lack there of.

my only problem with that take is that religions aren't tolerent or anyone. Look at the crusades where they went across Europe trying to convert the "hethans" and the Puritans of colonial America who believed they had to combat the devil in his "last foothold on earth."

I don't honestly think you can compare the people of the past with today's people

surely civilization has advanced some. granted there are still those who wuld seek to impose their will..as the religious right in the US.. but have found many "tolerant" Christians.. who will discuss their religion.. listen to others.. and not try to force their beliefs on others.

In the past when there was mass illiteracy.. when there were fewer "people in control" ..meaning the rich and powerful.. it was easier to hie behind a religion.. force people into a mold... but now with the diversity of thought.. larger numbers of literate people.. who have the opportunity for independant rational thought.. it's like letting the genie out of the bottle... hard to put it back..

they still aren't tolerant. Just powerless to do anything (isn't our country great). My parents complain about everything and are completely intolerant, but they don't do anything about it -- just complain.

somehow think you are American.. which I am not. But think your parents may be typical of people in many countries. It's easy to complain..but hard to do something about it. Not always the case.. but find young people tend to be more idealistic.. feel that they can make a change so work towards it. Their protests.. or whatever.. don't always get immediate results.. but the certainly draw attention to problems.. which is a step in the right direction. People are only powerless if they believe they are. Many changes are the result of one or two people who felt strongly enough about something and set out to do something.. whether a simple petition..that mushroomed.. or look at the guy who started "America's Most Wanted". I believe he lost a child.. to a crime.. and his way of seeking justice was to publicize criminals.. eventually resulting in the show..which has led to the arrest of numerous criminals.. who had evaded capture.