This is a really interesting post. I’ve had similar questions (I’m a Christian still). This one and “Why does a good/powerful/loving God allow human suffering on the scale currently extant in the world?” are two of the more troubling questions I think about.

I wrote a book about this, too, which just came out recently. I was amazed that a Christian publisher was interested. But it turns out a lot of people wrestle with these questions, even in the church.

Anyway, thanks for the post.

Matt

To me, imaginary friends are imaginary beings we create ourselves that isn’t a physical being but we feel that he/she/it exists. It is usually created when we are lonely and in need of companion, which occurs quite often in children. But that doesn’t say they occur only in children–older people can have them as well (who psychologists sometimes label them as having a mental disorder). We think only children creates them because they are usually the most prone to loneliness and in need of support.

And I also think that we shouldn’t pave the way for our children, but rather they should make their own. This means they can think for themselves and it also helps bring fresh, new ideas. That is very important to progress and innovation.

I was raised Buddhist, but I have little care for the religion. My country is far too dogmatic and shortsighted to realize that making laws not to insult the ‘main religion’ (which should be Hinduism, not Bhuddhism) of Thailand may limit innovation, development and creativity.

I was raised by atheist parents, but went to a private Church of Christ high school because it was the only real option considering the impoverished city that I grew up in. I had all sorts of B.S. forced down my throat, and the ramifications of this religious force-feeding still haunt me.

I don’t know what the answer is. Separation of church and state is one thing, but diving into family lives is another. It is a fine line, my friend. I just sometimes wish religion would go away, already.