Not sticking up for you mate Conc any more Ake? He is obviously far more intelligent than anyone on here. Having 2 firsts from Oxford and all that.

One truism that you have come out with though. Religious rituals are indeed far more than a chance to socialise. They are used to subdue, steal and corrupt as well.

As for inspiration, well, I am inspired by a myriad of things. Like Stu I can see beauty and inspiration in nature, music, art and other people. Non of them having anything to do with religion. If you need god to inspire you, then I feel sorry for you because of what you are missing. Remember, I have had both and I know which one is best for me.

D.