Semantically, intuition is related to observation. In many ways, though not all, the GR 7-D universe is Platonic...and since the ideas of Plato, and others of the ancients were influenced by their observation of periodicity in the universe, religion Philosophy, and science are linked.

The search for entropy reducing and conserving mechanisms in the universe is a valid scientific pursuit. Take my word for it. that search is at its heart, metaphysical. The sum total of complex biological systems is equal to more than the sum of their parts. At a certain astronomical level of complexity, the universe begins to understand itself, and influence its own internal condition, torquing entropy to lower, more complex levels and creating new forms of yet higher complexity.

I don't believe the universe honors presumption in the search for truth by anyone. The triumphs and disasters of human history are obviously part of a larger picture. Our repulsion at atrocity and abuse is part of the way the universe influences us to be vehicles for change- for the better, not worse.

At one of Hitler's death camps, the Gestapo hung a small child in front of everyone. Even hardened SS people were appalled. It took the child 30 minutes to die, and everyone was forced to watch. The person who wrote about this incident mused as to why God failed to act. They said their faith in God ceased as they watched this hideous act.

But God DID act. Hitler is dead. He killed six million jews, Gypsies and social misfits, and six million German civilians perished in the war he started. At the end of world war II people were grinding German orphans into hamburger to feed starving people.

Like I said, lets not be presumptuous and assume we know everything about everything in the universe. Was it within God's ability to protect that child? Yes, and to God, "death" is a part of existence. We all die. God removed that child from the horror of that place and put him where he was safe- and comforted.

Why presume that what God has given us is evil? I remember I built lights for the local basketball court once...spent a thousand or so. Next people wanted more and more and more. Their greed angered me. If God is anything like us (and the universe strongly implies that He is) I'm not all that sure I would be quick to forget and be unthankful for all that I have received. Why not just appreciate the magnificence of what we have been truly gifted and make the most of our abilities?

Religion based on Baboon-Troop Psycho-sexual dynamics is horrifying. I agree that if people want to act beneath the dignity of lower animals, they would be well advised to avoid the cloak of religion. I also believe the universe has something special in store for such people, just as God had something special prepared for Hitler and his Germany. (By the way, Germans learned their lesson about caring for others much better than the victorious Americans.)

Still, lets not forget that throwing out the baby with the bath water is a dubious activity. The idea that science is a benevolent substitute for God is hogwash...just plain unadulterated garbage.

Finally, I don't see why the people who contribute to the Hawking forum are "anarchists". I'm sure Stephen himself would agree that much of what is discussed here is cutting edge science!

Best Wishes, Sam Cox