KillaBuzz - just like Ermitonto said, to each his own. The way I see it, is that Christianity, Judaism, Islamasism (sp?) and most other 'religions' only take away your freedom by telling you what's right and what isn't, you don't choose for yourself.

Secondly, most religious people did not choose that religion, it was thrust upon them. These are the people that I get saddened by. People who have NEVER questioned their own beliefs, never questioned the religion they are a part of, but won't listen to anyone else's point of view. Shit, I don't believe in God, but if someone wants to sit with me and try and reason with me that there IS in fact a God, then i'll listen with an open mind.. when you can't do that is the point when you need to step back and take a look at yourself. That's why I believe that organised religion is taking away people's freedoms, simply because, in my honest opinion, it is a form of brainwashing, and people are afraid to doubt their own beliefs, which I feel is the worst "sin" of all

Seriously man, I grew up in the shittest religion to grow up in as a kid.. fuckin JW's! I hated it. As soon as I was old enough to question the JW theology, I did, and I didn't like it.. But other JW's I know don't even question it, because they're afraid to.. Just like Catholics consider it a sin if you question Gods existence etc etc..

I, like ermitonto, don't believe in any deity. Just as erimtonto said, if an omnipotent and omniscient deity did exist, then he/she/it would preclude free will..

also, ermitonto, I'd like to hear more about the Daoist philosophy you were mentioning.. I've heard it mentioned but didn't look into it.. If youve got the time, of course

peace