1. Hinduism and Buddhism offer much more sophisticated worldviews (or philosophies) and I see nothing wrong with these religions.

Comment #114515 by The Crucified on January 22, 2008 at 10:51 am

I find Buddhism, Zen in particular, difficult to dispense with on the same grounds as the monotheistic travesties. However, a few points have recently come to mind that seem worthy of consideration:

1. I believe in the 4H chat Hitchens mentioned "surrendering the mind" as the danger par excellence inherent in religion. Buddhism doesn't escape this.

2. Buddhism, like the monos, is a "morbid practice" by which I mean the promised rewards can only be realized after death(s). Our current lives are denigrated, even if necessary. Of course this seems to follow naturally from the belief that "all life is suffering,' due to our being in a state that isn't much different than original sin, which isn't particularly sophisticated or healthy. The entire cyclical nature of existence can only be founded on faith.

Having said that I think you'd find many Zen practitioners would readily agree that there is no Zen, or God, or enlightenment, or suffering. :D