I agree, I view the Christian cross as a powerful symbol of an incredible act (an innocent sacrificing his life to save the lives of others). I do not worship the cross but the person who died on it.
As for the comment about atrocious acts being done in the name of religion; well... it's easy to stand for nothing. I personally think the world is a better place for religion where millions of people accept rules (like the 10 commandments) that basically don't come naturally to humans. I think it takes more courage to "stand for something" than to stand for nothing.
There is also the saying "ask not what my country can do for me, but what I can do for my country". The core philosophy of most religions is that it is more important to give then take...
I really find it hard to understand people who think that spirituality is 'an optional extra' in life... that they can pick it up and assess it like a product on the supermarket shelf "hmmm, is this product right for me? nah I don't need it, it's got nothing to offer me". I think that attitude is misguided. Does it occur to people that they might as well tell themselves that the laws of physics are 'not for them'. "No, I don't need gravity, it's more convenient to ignore that cliff". For me there is enough evidence that the laws of God are present whether it is convenient or not. Most of us can see and distinguish kind acts and evil acts.... we know the difference yeah? Do we really think we can distance ourselves from the two opposing forces behind all acts?
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