Of course the dogmas and rituals evolved out of the ways people always did things. But the dogmas and rituals aren't what matter. Protestants and Catholics are too caught up in the former and the latter, respectively, and scoffers in their reaction are of course too caught up in both.

But the change of heart is what matters.

And stories of this abound. People nitpick over the whiz-bang miracles recorded in the book, but a sudden, drastic change of heart (a.k.a. repentance) from egotism to altruism is a much more important miracle, and one just as impossible in a mere animal, and yet happens all the time.

For movie buffs out there might I suggest a few interesting documentaries on religion? They are easily found on Netflix:

"Waiting for Armageddon"
"Constatines' Sword"
"Islam"
"The Tabernancle"

They are all very interesting finds, especially "Waiting for Armageddon". It give the outlook of the end time phrophachies from evangelical christians, but it also gives the perspective of the Jewish faith. It is well worth the watch and kind of scary to think that there are those out there trying to fulfill the end time prophecy.

I enjoy this particular subject of the roots of christianity. But, I think within this particular discussion something not given proper perspective is the claims of factual evidence. I'm not sure how one can read any ancient text and scream "look there it is evidence!!!" Everything has bias. Claims of constantines baptism being demonic or not done for a personal spiritual reason, although it may seem to be the case, I for one would not be willing to make that assertion. Or that religion was created to keep the masses in check. That statement doesnt have any evidence to support it. What there is evidence of is the use of religion by people in power. Religions origins are not known and I seriously doubt it will ever be known. With the similarities we can find in certain stories that exist from one culture or civilization to another is very interesting and worth a careful study in many cases its far enough apart to argue they were not shared as easy the opposite argument.

But that is the beauty of opinion and interpretation, you can read the information and make your own. I do hope that people do not stop searching with things like zietgest and the like. Although I personally enjoyed the film I found it to be lacking in presenting complete pictures of the subject matter.

Finally, a bit about me. I am an atheist. Unlike many I 100% support religious practice and see the beauty in it that others do not. And yes, I know the problems, the killing, and oppression it has caused but that doesn't change my stance.