It is a sad irony indeed. The "belief" actually keeps the followers from even *considering* what (in my opinion) is the "real" (metaphorical) teachings. Not only that, people consistenly prove how attached they are to their interpretations by being all too willing to kill for them.
This is spot-on. If the so-called believers took to heart the message of the teachings instead of picking apart each literal word and using it to buttress their own prejudices and desires, life would be a lot less complicated.
_________________________
- Tony C
my empeg stuff