Religion

[excerpts from a response to a question on the nature of religion]

i've observed an interesting pattern [in people] though...people get dissatisfied with their lives, and they seek ways of changing their circumstances...they often look outward, to money, physical stimulus (sex, drugs), politics, hobbies...trying to find a way to satisfy themselves...and they may, for a short time, find that satisfaction...but it's short-lived, so they inevitably go looking again.

eventually, some people find other sources of satisfaction which are much more permanent... and for the sake of discussion, we'll call it inspiration...not like the artistic kind, but the kind that fundamentally alters a person's paradigm. some people find it in Hinduism, others in Wicca, others in native american tribal beliefs...(other religions too)... ultimately they all come down to something spiritual or philosophical, but it has to penetrate their souls... so... yeah... that's what changes people, though sometimes not for the better.... as a friend of mine says "ideas have consequences"

so for me, I pursue that which I find to be true and trustworthy, which has the best outcome from pratical application. before I believe something, I study it very carefully, and examine it's eventuality... and I believe I've found Truth, and its Author, you might say. ... though I don't presume to have a corner on it, since I know full well that I don't comprehend its entirity ;)