My view on beliefs and religion

Though I do not believe that a deity is in charge, or gives purpose, of my life, I consider myself a believer.  Because everybody--indeed, everybody on this planet--believes in something.  Some people believe in God (whatever name used) or intelligent designer, others in miracles and angels, still others in some dear leader imposing some ideology (aka political religion). 

I share Bertrand Russell view that religion developed upon fear, fear of the unknown.  From men hiding in caves from pouring rain and thunder to men building majestic pyramids to reach the sun after life, ignorant human beings did not understand and thus feared mysterious phenomena and the awe-inspiring might of the nature that gives, sustains and destroys life.  So, here we have Amon Ra, The God of Sun, and Zeus, The God of Thunder. 

Religious devotion inspired the creation of the most beautiful music, paintings, poetry, and architecture.  But any religion (or ideology) is also capable of confining the human spirit and creativity, stopping progress, and justifying irrational thoughts.  Since the times of Egyptian shamans, knowledge has given power to those who possess it (remember Prus's Pharaoh), so it was deliberately withheld and jealously guarded from the masses; it is so much easier to manipulate and control ignorant people.  This practice continues in modern world; we all witness the narrow scope of madrasas curriculum in Islamic countries. 

The only answer to backwardness caused by zealous religiosity is EDUCATION.  As education becomes increasingly important for more and more people, I believe religion will be inexorably marginalized in future.  And, of course, the church will fight to keep its power over people minds, hopefully through reform, not through the age-old persecution or open conflicts.  What future holds is uncertain; could be more tolerance, could be more terror.