Terminally Skeptic

I found myself nodding away (not to be confused with nodding off) as I readKurtz article regarding skeptical inquiry. He managed to state, far morearticulately than I ever could have, many of the exact thoughts and questions Ihave had regarding religion and experience with the paranormal. I like toconsider myself a naturally logical person, I have trouble with many"faith-based" or evidence-less claims. I find myself often asking for moreproof, even regarding arguments that have withstood basic analysis. I sometimeswonder if there is such a thing as being too skeptical or if it just amounts tobeing realistic and practical...One major issue that I find myself frequently encountering as far asreligion goes, is that it can never truly be reconciled. In fact, as time goeson, the number of religions continues to grow exponentially, with a new branchstarting up every time a difference in belief or interpretation surfaces.Religion is an intensely personal, individual thing masquerading as communitybelief. Each individual views God,what is expected of them through theirreligion, their concept of heaven and hell, the power of prayer, thejustification of God's will differently. This does not just vary betweenreligions but also within relgions. As soon as there is a discrepancy regardingany aspect of a religion, the individual becomes free to dismiss or disregardthis part and apply only what works for them at that particular moment. It is anever-evolving belief system, constantly revised and justified to suit presentsituation. As Kurtz so poignantly states, "religion does not give us knowledgeor truth; instead it expresses mood and attitude."