Religion   For some, it might be innate, a genetic disposition, a yearning for more than sense or science can provide, a better way. For some, it’s all bullshit, and boring besides. For some, of course, the bullshit is the whole point — the iron rules, the sticks for beating sinners, making them submit. For some, it’s miracles and magic tricks, anything but decay and death. For some, it’s an insider’s code of hidden meanings, a shadow play of symbols, a dumb show beyond the books. For some, it’s obscene, a refuge for charlatans, hypocrites. For some, it’s music, hymns of peace and love and freedom from Babylon. For some, it’s a joke. For some, it’s all of the above.     © Michael Fleming Putney, Vermont May 2024