cognitive dissonance. the recent discovery of a fossil fish that is the missing link in the evolutionary chain (something that christians love to point out) and the newly discovered "gospels of judas" revealing that jesus and judas were best homies and co-conspirators, will certainly make bible studies very interesting -- for those of you whom you know, attend bible study.

could either, or both, of these revelations prove to be a major blow for christians (and catholics, etc) across the world? probably not. i've come to terms with that idea that that most important f-word having to do with religion is not "facts" but "faith." regardless of new findings, (ir)refutable evidence, and best selling books, those who believe will steadfastly believe, and those who do not, will not. short of god himself coming down from the heavens and declaring his will and intent to us in a way we can understand, nobody on either side will be swayed by a few bones or old scraps of paper.

actually, god himself did come down to earth about two thousand years ago to speak to us but most people at the time didn't believe him. he was supported by a very small minority of followers and eventually ended up being tortured and hung on a cross. maybe you know of him.

as excited as i am to see these religious "breakthroughs" dominating the headlines, it's more food for thought than actual thought for change. i mean, is anyone really going to undo their entire spiritual make-up just because of a few scientific discoveries? highly doubtful.

i try to remember that the thing that's always interested me about religion is not actually any one particular religion, but more what people do with their beliefs. i'm more interested in how a religion shapes and upkeeps who people are, as opposed to what a religion has to actually say. but of course, to gain any insight into what people do with religion, you have to know what a religion does, or stands for. so, in maintaining an active interest in religion over the past few years, i've become more disenchanted with certain schools of thought and more attracted to others. and now i'm starting to think "who cares" while at the same time looking for ways to start talking/thinking about it again.