SecularFuture

A piece of chicken and a fountain drink.

Aradia

This only shows that religion doesn't help *you*. It says nothing about everyone else in the world.

You won't win any points by grouping all religions together under the name of "religion". Absolute statements are almost always in error.

There you go generalising again.

It's only the ignorant or arrogant who wish to oppose scientific progress. Don't place the blame on religion when it should be placed on religious practitioners.

1) Catholic hospitals.
2) Buddhism supports scientific progress.

1) I don't know what hope buddhism can offer you. Maybe some, maybe none. Not all people walk the same path.

2) As meaningful as you want it to be.

I can't just assert *what* and win the argument?

Aradia

No, you're thinking of *broccoli*. What can replace *broccoli*....

BadBadBad

Ok, I propose a medical study. Let's follow the next 2000 patients that come through the emergency room at Bentaub hospital in Houston. Half we'll give full access to all the facilities of a major regional trauma center. Half we'll leave at the hands of all religions of the world combined. We'll compare death rates, disfigurements, and healing times. We'll also survey friends family, patients and loved ones. The survey will assess the meaning of life and their level of fear during the trauma and afterward. Just a thought. In this survey, how do you think we should score death? We'll compare the effects of religion to the effects and certainty of medical science. Then shall we agree on the results and decide which belief system and philosophy to move forward with?

BadBadBad

Read the OP. What can replace christianity? I don't know anything about Buddism or it's history. It's not an issue in my life. People don't condemn me for not believing in it. I'm happy it gives you solace in life.

SecularFuture

hehehe...

Aradia

Invalid. Religion and philosophy are not meant to cure disease or save lives. That fact, however, does not make religion and philosophy useless.

Aradia

Yes, what can replace *christianity*. So say "christianity". Choose your words more carefully.

BadBadBad

This is a discussion about having a meaningful life without fear, in hope, and happiness. Just person to person, which would you rather have in the face of death, medical science or religion (which ever religion makes you happy)? Faced with the death of my child and with the knowledge I have on the effectiveness of prayer, I had no solace from religion. Was the solace Christianity offered my wife a placebo? Is that meaningful? Would Buddism have offered anything better? Or am I better off putting my faith in the doctor? I've been saying that an easy answer is medical science as opposed to any religion. The promise of god is nothing compared to the promise of a doctor.

BadBadBad

Actually, that's a very interesting question. We're stranded on a desert island. I'm a sedistic atheist doctor. You've offended me with your blathering about Jesus (see I excluded you Aradia). You're dying. I can save you. I say to you "convince me you have renounced your religion, or I'll let you die." What would you do? These Christians come here and pester us with responsibility for our free will choices, like we have a choice. Here you have a choice to chose the doctor or God. How many people have enough faith in their religion to die for it?