"In the name of God my Step-father has worked as a Minister .He and my mother have given services,joined voices to sing which gave them and others joy,answered phone calls at all hours of the day,visited the isolated,the lonely,those needing comfort in a way they could offer in their last hours and given support to their families then and afterward,conducted funerals which honour the deceased in a way that pleases the deceased and their loved ones .
..without 'the Church' they wouldn't have been called on and able to comfort and assist others in this way....a way that those who had need of them needed.
I won't talk about my own Faith ...I would probably get by some (not my Step-Father and Mother ) that I'm a sinner because I don't know my Bible well enough or go to Church on Sundays lol"
That is really nice, I'm sure there are good people in the churches, including ministers and priests who are just as horrified about what bad things goes on in the "name of God" within the system.
Personally, I don't go anywhere near churches or religions, but that is not to say I don't believe others shouldn't, it's a personal thing.
"The inventors of these commonplace blessings were motivated by a desire to improve the lot of mankind and therefore could be described as inspired by God"
I believe that some believe that, however, "inspired by God" (in my opinion only) is purely subjective and therefore, I guess it could be argued that with or without "divine inspiration", the human mind does great things on it's own as well, but then, who can prove what from the religious point of view?
Humans are very versatile.
"There are still many evolved individuals, even groups who work for the benefit of mankind. Unfortunately their works tend to be overshadowed by the bad children"
I must admit I have never heard or seen that kind of statement before, I'll have to think about that one most profoundly. Who are the "bad children" who overwhelm those who work for the benefit of mankind?
The positive way is excellent, I like that too, but at the same time, in my opinion, it's equally important to be aware of the other side of human nature, that way, it's safer ... 
I do believe there is a creator though ... 
@azureline** wrote:Did I suggest he did? I have nothing against him. Nothing for him either.
from wiki: A noted critic of religion
Surprise, surprise, Hitchens was criticised for his "sensationalist approach". But never mind. People will believe what the want to believe. We could be arguing debating this forever. Bob is always more than happy to provide the opportunity.
