Carl Sagan's foreboding

[cilla4progress]

19. Either way it's all superstition and myth and wilfull ignorance

I have a different take on religion than do the scientists. While I agree it is not a substitute nor explanation for whence we came, why and where we are going on a tangible level, I do believe it serves its purpose on a spiritual level, and "can" be quite beneficial in setting behavioral norms - how we treat one another, animals, the planet (I was raised by humanists...you can tell.)

Obviously it can also be quite damaging. I heard a good quote: religion is good for good people, bad for bad people (very subjective, obviously..)

The golden rule, essentially - in fact, that may be it, all, the ultimate and only true religion: treat others as you would have them treat you. Have compassion, walk a mile in their shoes. Do no harm and pay it forward.

I want to explore Buddhism, because I think it speaks to this and is non-deist?