>>Capitalism and Communism both have wonderful theories behind them. However they both suffer one basic fault when placed into use. Humans control them! Therein lies the weak link.
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>Sure, it is impossible to build a perfect society with imperfect humans. Therein, it is my understanding, lies the role of religion - to educate human beings. Technical education is important, but it is really the spiritual (moral, ethical) education that makes a difference between a useful and a harmful individual. And between an "ever-advancing" society, or one that falls into disaster.

Sometimes we do have to wonder about that too, though, Hilmar.
Religion did much bad/poorly in its efforts to Christianize the "new world". I've got no reason to suspect differently for Africa, the far east or wherever else they did their work.

Even in very modern times I have heard some famous Christian 'ministers' say things like nuclear weapons would be justified to avenge the Sep. 11, 2001 attacks and that Islam is an evil religion. Some even advocate Islam's elimination. Very recently one labelled The Prophet Mohammed a terrorist.

I agree that religion teaches fine principles, but far far too often these become mangled by the preacher/teacher.


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>Hilmar.