Religion is a context, within which some people live their lives - it is not the only good path one may take, but it has infinite value for many people. No, "You don't need religion to be gentle, generous, thoughtful, rational" - but that wasn't my point.

My point was that the stereotyped view of religion as a narrow, mind-controlling ideology is invalid. I suppose the stereotype holds true for fundamentalists - but for many others, religion is a path that brings depth, meaning, generosity, and joy that they might not otherwise have with such intensity. Rather than being an authority that restricts them, religion can be a path that draws them to freedom.

I suppose there are two different things that we call religion, and they seem to be radically opposed to one another although they do have some elements in common. One is fundamentalism, and that is truly a shallow, rigid, authoritarian, ideological way of life that I find totally repulsive. The other "religion" is almost the complete opposite - it is a deep, questioning exploration of the mysteries of life. This second "religion" is rooted in a rich, ancient religious context and tradition.

But no, religion is not the only good path one can choose.

-Joe-