Don’t try to separate yourself. If you think there is some god and you believe the bible is a good source of information, you are part of a religion, sounds like christianity to me.

“Most scientists believe in a higher power”

Do you have any examples?

“because there has to be something greater than us which allowed all of creation to come together in a way that let us grow into the intelligent beings we are”

There is, it’s called Evolution.

As far as the commentary on religion goes, I believe that there is a lot to be learned from the bible, and that there is a God who can do amazing things in our lives if we’re open to it. Unfortunately, Religion can get in the way. When religious people make it their business to butt in on everyone else’s business, forcing their twisted views of the scripture down everyone else’s throats (true for Taliban… also for some Evangelicals), or taking advantage of believers who are lost as Tilton did (a real preacher talks about answering God’s calling, not focusing on money), they’re just as guilty as those who steal or murder or commit adultery.

We’re all guilty of “sin” in some way shape or form… it’s human nature to be sinful, but according to the bible, it is in forming your own personal relationship with God, recognizing your shortcomings, and striving to overcome them that you can live a good life, and not die with a tortured soul. The bible is a collection of teachings that point us toward all of the good aspects of human nature, and away from the negative aspects. The same is true of the Koran, the Torrah, etc.

Don’t think there’s enough evidence for the existence of God? I don’t care if you call it God, Nature, Budah, Alah, or whatever… there’s definitely a higher power at work here. Ask the scientists who study the natural world, and they’ll tell you that there are more mysteries to be solved today than ever before. Most scientists believe in a higher power, because there has to be something greater than us which allowed all of creation to come together in a way that let us grow into the intelligent beings we are, and which drives us to seek a better understanding of the world around us.

” Whether you dislike everything some ministers do or say, they still profession Christianity and who are you to say what their relationship is with God?”
So what?
Just because they work in a church they are somehow entitled to different treatment from the rest of us?
A pastor is allowed to frame people and steal their money because he preaches your so-called ‘word of god’?

That is of course, asuming we accept the existence of god, for which there is no basis at all. In the same way, I can say that you’re not allowed to judge me, because the invisible pink unicorn has decreed that people named Alcari are allowed to do whatever the please.

“So I hope you’ll go get a life and keep your nose where it belongs, in your own business.”
this, coming from a Christian, warrants only a single responce:

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *ahum* AHAHAHAHAHAHA

Certainly, aspects of this site parody the believers as well as the belief, but much of the posting is really about the problems with the belief itself, rather than any disparaging of the people. Are you opposed to criticism of religion, or just criticism of people?

Furthermore, those who “profession Christianity”, in your words, should not expect that their views will be received uncritically, particularly in the face of so much evidence that Christianity is simply, well, nonsense.

Unfortunately, the Christian religion is rife with those who push their particular religion on others, particularly in the US. Frankly, that and other aspects of Christianity as practiced in the US are making the US the laughing stock of an increasingly secular rest of the western world.

If indeed you are opposed to examination of your religion, then beyond the “permission” of your god that you think is required, why really do you think that your religion is beyond criticism? As has been said many times, is it so deeply flawed that it cannot withstand criticism? That appears to be the case.

Have you made your thou$and-dollar vow of
faith yet today, ya know uh derrr ??

Etonda lala basoya,
Bob

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Tilton