re: #53 LudwigVanQuixote

A definitive statement that impossible things do not exist, however, is an acceptable one.

And I think that you’re underestimating the importance of the synthesis of Buddhism and Shintoism that was in Imperial Japan, if you’re referring to WWII. Given that the status of Emperor as divine was one of the sticky points in negotiation, WWII Imperial Japan definitely had religion as a large component of its culture.

. I ask that the other side remember that not every religious statement is horrible a-priori and the many of the teachings that would also be wiped away if you got rid of the whole enterprise, are things you might actually also admire - things like: social justice, duty to those in need, kindness and compassion for those around you, love of culture and continuity, self sacrifice, refraining from instant gratification in the face of larger goals.

None of those are religious statements. They are often statements made by religious people, derived from what they believe god— or whomever— wants. But in so far as you have written them, they contain no religious elements.

There’s great wisdom in the religious texts; you’re absolutely right about that. Everyone should read the Bible, though skimming in Kings is acceptable.

Everyone should also read the Bhagavad Gita, I think.