I don't want to piss people off with my opinions about religion (which I do not care for) but, it seems that most people (without thinking) automatically approach this topic from the viewpoint of the "bible". Well let's take into consideration, who wrote the books of the bible? What nation were these people from? The "god" of the bible, whose "god" was he? I mean, come on really??? That book was written by Jewish believers in JEHOVAH, the Jewish version of Whatever/Whoever "god" is. If you ever want to find some enlightening reading, just google "murder in the bible", and you will find out just what this jewish god thinks of everyone. It is "HIGH" time that we get honest with ourselves about god/religion, etc. If/When we do, we can honestly declare that WE DON"T KNOW! We weren't there when the solar system was put into motion; whoever/whatever did it, sure didn't ask our opinion on the matter. Did we have any say on being born? Do we have any say on our dying? Life is simply a gift. I don't know how I got it, but I did; and thanks goes to the creator whomever he/she/it is. I don't know if it's a force, a person, a spirit, an entity, or simply that it IS.
I think alot of the problems with religion occur, when you look at human suffereing in the world, and try to reconcile this with an all knowing, loving, nurturing "god" of some sort. People die, but we don't have to explain it away like there's a flaw in human design, or that we're sinners, or that it's our fault. Why can't we just accept things for what they are? Life and death are just a part of who we are, what we are. I hope there is life after this life, but I really don't know, and neither does the pope, or any other "preacher", who makes false claims to the contrary. Here is a question that is fun to ask "bible" believers.....Which single word in the bible did Jesus write? NONE, NOT ONE. Did he say those things written in red? Don't know, I wasn't there; and those that claim they were there, were writing these things after he was dead and couldn't object, or agree, with them. JUST BE, and let's look after one another in the process. Much love. And we all should do what we can to stop the expoitation of HUMAN BEINGS for the profit of the few.