"What I find disappointing about most religious beliefs is that they are a kind of statement of contempt for nature and reality. It's absurdly hubristic. It holds the myths of a few thousand years above nature's many billion-yeared journey. It says reality is inferior and less satisfying than the stories we make up."

That is unless you're hell bent on reading these texts literally.

I've never thought of the creation in Genesis like that before but I think you're right John. I agree with you.

@tanyamm,,Ditto many cultures have beautiful folk lore fairy tales that are beautiful not guilt and negative like that Adam and Eve tale.

It doesn't matter... If you all don't believe it and accept it, you're going to suffer in hell for the rest of eternity.

But he loves you!

There comes a point in everyone's life when it's necessary to leave home and parents (a point prought up in Genesis itself) and make one's way in the world. It's the immature who cling to parental coatstrings, including that conception of the "ultimate parent".