[thomaswest]

The wonderful thing about science is that it works whether you believe it or not.

The curious thing about organized religion is that it schismed into 189 Protestant sects, 12 or so Catholic sects, a 100 or so non-Christian sects---and each one claims to have "truth". And a thousand cults.

So, it is clear that there is no special reason to believe Biblical literalists; they contradict each other. One can meet the Flying Spaghetti Monster, the Queen of the Pixies, or the 'Grand Designer' in dreams and fantasies. Death ends these dreams, and fears of damnation end there, too.

[hellbender]

"The curious thing about organized religion is that it schismed into 189 Protestant sects, 12 or so Catholic sects, a 100 or so non-Christian sects---and each one claims to have "truth". And a thousand cults."

Another poster says there are 4000+ religions. Which is it, now? You anti-religionists contradict each other too.

The fact is that most of humanity adheres to a handful of major religions, most of which are monotheisitic and acknowledge much of the Christian Bible. Another fact is that most Christians agree on major doctrine. And what are these "12 Catholic sects?" All Catholic churches follow similar doctrine. They differ only in details of liturgy.

[Doctor Stochastic]

Islam once had 72 sects.

The Grape that can with Logic absolute
The Two-and-Seventy jarring Sects confute:
The subtle Alchemist that in a Trice
Life's leaden Metal into Gold transmute.