I was thinking the same about the boat not being able to goto far.

I am still seeing Arthurian connections. The conflict between Christianity and paganism. Consider the following:
*Colleen is a very Celtic name
*The funeral is very pagan (no Christian symbolism). More Druid than Viking. The word Druid has as one of its meanings "seers of truth"
*The name Desmond is Celtic in origin and means "man of the world"

And how about this as a connection between Merlin and the Smoke Monster:
He [Sir Gawain] was bewailing aloud his evil fortune as he went through the forest of Brécéliande, when suddenly he heard the voice of one groaning on his right hand; and, looking that way, he could see nothing save a kind of smoke, which seemed like air, and through which he could not pass. Merlin then addressed him from out the smoke, and told him by what misadventure he was imprisoned there.
from Thomas Bulfinch (1796–1867). Age of Fable: Vol. III: The Age of Chivalry. 1913.

I believe that we may find that the show is a conflict between revealed religion and natural religion. Guilt and sin (elements of free will) versus utilitarianism and fate (elements of predestination).

Not sure yet; just random thoughts.

The only reason i could think of that they would have brought Jack out to see the funeral (which seemed to suprise Juliette) was to show them how civil they really were.

I guess i didn't really see the ceremony as cult-ish in any way. Though odd that they set the raft on fire, i thought their white robs simply symbolized purity or good intentions...something along those lines. I guess this is reinforced in my mind due to the fact Ben had Jack put on the robes as well. He wanted everyone to represent the same thing. I have no first hand experience, but it seems like in cult settings, they only want people who are a part of their cult to dress like them/attend such a ceremony.

looked creepy and hippie to me, with those uniform-like white shirts blinking 'religious fundamentalist cult' to my face ...kumbalayaa

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"Bear...? Is that you?"-- Hurley S03E4

I think you mean Hari Krishnas or Latter Day Saints...

I bet that wasnt even Colleen's body. they probably ate her. oh no.... they chopped her into a hamberger patties and fed it to JACK!!!!

aaahhh!!! no thats twisted, but i can see them doing it. Juliet did say she went through a lot to make it!

next week they'll show him another video tape but this time its over the burger they prepared...!!!

Its all a sham.

LIES LIES LIES.

EW! She did say "render the fat" - like Fight Club? Double EEEEEWWWW!

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`Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!'

-- Alice, from “Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland”

The funeral at sea thing reminded me of in "The Lord of the Rings", Boromir's body was placed in the boat with his sword and set adrift down the river. But they didn't set him on fire!