[Gandalf Parker]

Arryn said:
The burden of proof falls upon those making the claims. And the more fantastical the claims, the more rigid the proof must be. Religion fails miserably when subjected to such tests. Believers have always resorted to shifting the burden of proof to those that disagree with them, which isn't a legitimate defense, but works most of the time because people are too lazy to avoid falling for it. (The same can be said for supporters of supply-side [Reagan/Bush] economics.)

Yes, Johan, you can believe whatever makes you sleep better. And I'm sure you can find comfort in whatever "proofs" you can dig up. Just as there are people who believe that the Apollo moon landings were faked and have "proof" of it. Religion has, and always will be, nothing more than an opiate for the masses, and it's just as addictive and dangerous.

Interesting. Just because Im wondering, are you a book-thumping fanatic for the other side? You talk about religion and beliefs and use the word "proof". Do you also use the word in quotes when you speak of the other side, or are the words technology and science as automatically comforting and unquestionable to you as their beliefs are to them?

People use to use the word "magic" to satisfactorily explain things they didnt understand but give them the peace of mind that things would continue working because others understood it. Now the word is "technology" and is used by the same level of public for the same reasons.