Thanks for the warm welcome. I really appreciate it. This is the first time I've tried to express my own particular feelings on these subjects because on most forums, I'd just be shot down and ridiculed. I am extremely thankful that I can enter into rational discussion about things very dear to my heart. A reason why I am always a little nervous when discussing matters of religion and mysticism are the negative connotations that come along with them. I mention God, Jesus or the Bible and people automatically think of bible bashing, hypocritical, judgmental christians. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of people who call themselves christians are exactly this. I think Ghandi put it best: "I like your Christ, but not your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." I want to put that on a shirt and wear it to church (which I don't attend any more, I've had enough of that to last a lifetime.) Either that or: "Personally, it's not God I dislike, it's his fanclub I can't stand."

A lot of what we're trying to discuss, be it the psychedelic experience or religious/mystic experiences (which at the end of the day, in my mind, amount to the same thing) are entirely ineffable. Language fails to describe what is happening, so we're stuck with trying to muddle along. Once I reach a certain point when tripping on Mushrooms, I almost entirely stop talking because language just seems so inadequate for what's taking place.

I don't get too hung up on religion. I have borrowed a lot of my personal mysticism from Christianity, and because of my personal (negative) involvement with the church I may tend to harp on and draw comparisons from that. I think that organised religion has more downsides than its benefits. I have to quote this bit of your post again:

I could not agree with this more! Too many people spend so much time pointing out the negatives everywhere, rather than getting off their asses and actually doing something about it! Life is too big and amazing to put into a little box. The people who believe they have all the answers are usually the most narrow minded of the lot. The more you know, the more you realise there is to know. I suppose that some people need restrictions imposed on them so they won't hurt themselves or others; but as long as you follow a basic moral code (Try not to be a dick!) everything else is optional.

I think that's enough for now, thanks for the warm welcome! I love this place. The fact that you filter new members helps keep your "temple" pure and unadulterated from the usual detritis that appears on most internet forums. You have my respect for this, and I hope I make a welcome addition!