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Too bad this study won't be circulating in secular circles...

Archeology has shown that religion -- spiritual practice -- is about as ancient as mankind. The oldest remains of human societies have artifacts that tens to lead one to realize that humans have a basic spiritual sense and need. Art, music, dance and story-telling (literature) are ancient and also have a religious base.

The idea of humankind without religion is interesting but implausible.

The question is what religion? What truths are we best served by spiritually? It seems that every major religion has undergone tremendous changes, although basic core beliefs remained the same.

Since women were mentioned in the article, it is clear that in the New Testament women were equal or almost equal participants originally. This was a break from Judaism at the time, but the earlier form of Judaism included women prophets and matriarchs, who were vitally important. Today, in many branches of Christianity and Judaism, women are equal or becoming equal to men in their roles.

I am a woman and the founder of the first religious theory of art from the USA, UnGraven Image. Fifty ears ago there were few women artists who were recognized. As a woman I would have been shunned by churches and synagogues for my work -- based only on my sex. Yet today, I am welcomed with opened arms. The basic theologies did not change. Nor did The Bible. Understandings changed.

Throughout history people who are really less spiritual and close to God have used whatever they could to gain power and bully others. These people have often used religion to gain authority. They used and will use anything they can.

The problem is not as much with religion as it is with those who use it for power and control over others.

I strugglesd in life with many issues and still do, but a change took place instantly, an obvious change to those around me. I had accepted the fact that I was me. My personality however abrasive along with my language was out of control. I met with someone who has been real in my life, It sounds crazy but my heart changed my bad language instantly was removed, words and ideas have been place in my head from out of the blue, I had a realization of my inadequacies. But it wasn't religion that changed me, it was a man, a God, a Messiah, no doubt to me and millions of others like me, it was Jesus. Until you experience it doesn't exist in an understanding way, for that I'm truly sorry. If you really desire the Truth do these things, Read the Bible in a way of meditation, Pray seeking the truth be revealed to you in a real way, during this time remove other devisive doctrines and give Him, the Bible your time 6-8 hours a day, that's not much time for someone that wants to know the truth and it will set you free.

Religion is ridiculous. If no-one else was bothered by the idea of invisible beings, immaculate conception, zombies rising from the dead, and all the other bunk that nearly every religion dishes out, I would be seriously disturbed. Contemporary religions, in almost every culture oppress women, require monetary contribution, and lie to oppress reason and science. Thankfully most people I know have given up these silly childhood beliefs that were forced on them by older generations, and can now focus on being wonderful human beings who give back to their communities, friends,and families. The selfless acts that atheists do, simply because they enjoy seeing people happy, greatly outweigh any acts performed out of fear of retribution or hope of salvation from some conceptual goddess or god.

Judy Rey Wasserman, you give the bible 6-8 hours a day? thats a lot of time for a bizarre, violent ancient book! imagine the good you could accomplish in the world around you with all that time!