Dear Straight Talk: Society has changed greatly since Jesus Christ walked the earth, but human nature has not. People still fear what they don’t understand or disagree with. If religion can be considered the ultimate “advice column,” what good “advice” does each panelist take from the five major religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism? If you don’t believe in God or religion, what moral base guides your excellent advice? This is not a trick question, I’m eager to learn. —John (an elder) in Pennsylvania

Moriah, 18, Rutland, Vt.: Raised Christian, I carry many views Christianity held before it became extremist. I dropped the title when I realized all the contradictions Christians displayed, like telling children to follow the Bible, but hitting them for talking back. My education included all the world religions and I take parts from each. They all teach us to be good people. My moral drive: Regardless of whether a God is involved, there’s a future to protect for upcoming generations. Actions matter. Whether I’m reducing my carbon footprint, or modeling kindness, living for a better future helps me be a better person now.

Samantha, 23, Toledo, Ohio: Raised in a closed-minded Catholic family, I was taught Catholicism was the only way. Despite this early deception, the Church is “home” and I focus on my personal relationship with God rather than some of the rules. How can I say it’s wrong that gays marry? Ditto for divorce, even as the sanctity of marriage is precious to me. Peace begins when we clean our own houses not point fingers.

Brandon, 23, Mapleton, Maine: We’re the questioning atheist generation; we learn morality from personal deciphering, not scripture. In my teens, youth religious membership was “bought” with concerts and mouth-watering food. I didn’t jump on that free ticket to Hoobastank, but many kids “believed” to get out of the house and are not churchgoers today. I can’t tolerate the hate for LGBT, color, and liberals by many mainstream Christians. On the other extreme, Christians who “forgive” school shooters make me thankful that, here on earth, we have a judicial system.

Meghan, 21, State College, PA.: As an agnostic, I draw from religion, science, mentors, experiences, etc. No one source teaches with certainty, and all should be questioned (including agnosticism). Powerful forces propel existence: creation, love, energy, mystery, etc., and each contains its opposite: destruction, hate, stillness, knowledge, etc. Existence is whole, dual, and everything between. Being open to life’s totality, along with always questioning myself, optimizes me to find positive solutions and spread goodness effectively.

Colin, 21, Sacramento: Aside from my Bar Mitzvah and holidays, my reform Jewish upbringing was secular and I just can’t believe in a deity. That said, I hesitate calling myself an atheist because the ignorant fervor of the religious right mirrors the “new atheist” fervor of people like Sam Harris. Both serve the same elite imperialistic agenda: more war abroad, more repression at home, more state spying. Half of earth’s wildlife has been killed off since 1975 — a death wave that will sweep up humans as well. Can religion save us on this planet we’re destroying? Other than Pope Francis stepping out for the environment, religion’s role in social change has been untapped or misused.

Dear John: Your question riveted the panelists and many more responses can be read on our website. Humanity is engulfed in a spiritual-environmental crisis — and I agree with Colin that modern religion has “missed” on inspiring social change. To bring humanity’s quest for beauty, comfort and learning into alignment with the laws of the Creation (which we have the technology to do), religions need not hypocrisy, corruption, hateful partisanship, ignorance of science, or fluffy “positivity,” which leave the masses alienated and adrift, but true moral leadership that includes nature. Pope Francis is speaking truths that are galvanizing millions toward needed change. May other leaders follow. —Lauren

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