Wow, Erin, that is astounding.
Whenever I hear stories about these people I always get angry as they just serve to further enforce reasonable people to go further away from religion.
I believe in a higher spirit/order/God, but not anything that would dictate me to follow set rituals and traditions. I believe some practices are good for the mind and body, but I believe any religion that forces people to do things to show veneration is at once going to run into trouble.
That is why I embrace Buddhism in the sense that it is a lifestyle and the most tolerant religion in my opinion. Of course, there are various sects and types of Buddhism, but the one I espouse is the one that is the most tolerant and forgiving of others. In fact, I see personal development as a religion much like Steve does.
Arrrgh! So-called religious people sometimes really piss me off. They think they are furthering their cause when all they're doing is being ignorant and too caught up in their beliefs. Sigh...
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