I suppose I have the same instinct to avoid death as everyone else, but its not a big issue to me. I've lived a very rich and meaningful life, and if I were to die tonight in my sleep I have no regrets. Quite honestly I think the fact that life has an end is part of what makes it meaningful. Every time I try to imagine some kind of eternal heaven, it ends up being more of a hell for the basic reason that ANYTHING that goes on forever eventually becomes boring. I'm probably one of the most religious people you'll ever meet, but if I had to wager, I'd say that this world here and now is the best one imaginable, and its up to us to make it more of a heaven or hell.
I suspect that religion had its roots in our awe of nature, eventually looking for what is behind nature. I was very impressed with the June issue of National Geographic which explored the origins of religion, and how it is religion which gave birth to civilization, meaning agriculture, cities, art, literature, etc.
Leo, I think that I approach religion quite differently than most people, largely because I have been influenced from quite an early age by JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, and the Inklings in general. I consider the LOTR to be my "Other Bible." I don't see myth as "wrong" simply because it is not historical. Our deepest truths and values are communicated via myth. May I suggest you revisit Adam and Eve from a, well, mythopoeic point of view? You might be surprised the value you find. When you can read Tolkien's "On Fairy Stories" and understand it, then Grasshopper you will have learned.
