To stay or go

[tekla]

But the Truth (VERITAS) of an archaeologist is somewhat sketch at best. 

And, archaeology is, in the classical sense considered a humanities based, rather than a hard science, curriculum.  Which is not to say good or bad, but it is to say 'more or less' scientific.

[cindybc]

The field of human artifacts yes, I also meant the study of artifacts, structural remains like the great pyramids etc. I have always found those studies fascinating.

Cindy 

[cindianna_jones]

Angel,

Deep down, your beliefs are very simple as David has mentioned.  I hate to do this, but I think my analogy may have some value.  Think of taxes.  We all put a little money aside to help our country.  Now look at the tax code.  It consumes volumes, cabinets filled with senseless paper to define it all.

The "sense" you make of it all will eventually be your own.... it should be your own.  If it is defined for you, you may be forever miserable in a belief of guilt instead of life enriching truths.  Your faith should be uplifting, it should fill your life and overflow to benefit others.  If it does not do that, simplify your perspective.  There is no problem in studying the details, but please, don't get lost in them.

You may never be able to get science and religion to coincide.... Oh I shouldn't say never, for I believe that I have from my perspective... but most people can not.  Science is based on collecting facts and creating explanations.  In religion, the explanations are given to us from someone else and we are asked to believe them.  The two are naturally diametrically opposed... but this is by design.  If you can bring them together, you'll never invite another guilt ridden day into your life again.

In any case, I'm glad that you are questioning and redefining your perspectives.  It is the enlightened approach to make the world a better place.  If we don't grow, we stagnate.  The rot is never cleaned out.

Cindi

[tekla]

Taxes are a good example.  Lots of people pay a lot, some rich people pay next to nothing.  Corporations, major ones, pay even less.

Like tax codes are written for people who can afford to by people to do it, religion has always been good for the church, less so for the rest of us.

[VeryGnawty]

Consider this.  Jesus said to love thine enemy.  Gandhi promoted non-violence.  Many Buddhists believe that intentionally harming other beings delays enlightenment.  And Jain monks are so particular about preserving life that they tread carefully so they won't step on ants or other small insects.

See any similarities here?  Each of these practices are quite different, but they are all saying the SAME THING.

The key to understanding religion, and God, is to seek the truth no matter where it is found or how ridiculous it may appear.  Because sometimes, that crazy person talking nonsense on the street corner is the most divine man you'll ever meet.

A true master learns to take information from all sources and filter the truth from the lies.

That's what faith is.  Faith isn't believing something because someone else said it's true.  Faith is believing in something despite other people saying it's false.

[tekla]

I always thought Faith was a belief in that which one could not prove. 

[VeryGnawty]

I always thought Faith was a belief in that which one could not prove. 

Nothing can be proven anyway.  Solipsism and all that.

Even a scientist has to have faith in his original hypothesis, and faith that he hasn't left out confounding variables in his research.

[tekla]

get real, lots of stuff can be proven.  Do not think you can kiss headlights on the freeway.  Its about more than simple belief.