It seems to me that there is a fundamental misconception in discussion of religion generally.

There is a vast difference (which goes unrecognised by many) between religion and faith.

Faith is what an individual implicitly believes regarding the existence of God. It is untrammelled by imposed parameters, and relates solely to the relationship between said individual and his concept of a creator.

It has no co-relation with the beliefs of others, and is a matter solely between the individual and his concept of God.

Religion, on the other hand, is a purely human construct (and intrinsically fallible), based in the need for some human beings to control and rule others.

There have always been those who profess to understand God's "message", and to know his purpose, an example of extreme hubris which has been the occasion of some of the worst atrocities in the history of humanity (e.g. Torquemada, and the Spanish Inquisition).

The basis of MOST religions is an implicit belief in being the "one true faith", and it is this unshakeable belief that has led to much of the misery, torture, warfare, and hatred that has occurred over the centuries.

If a creator exists, then all believers are worshipping the same entity, yet they are apparently unable to develop a tolerance toward those who worship him in a different way than their own.

I can't help wondering what stage of civilisation we might have reached, had we spent less energy on trying to convert our fellow humans, and more on co-operating to advance the species.

Don T.