Christine, re fact and belief, IMO, whatever your view or my view on the existence of "God", it ALL comes down to belief.
I think you and a couple of others are persisting in the notion that I want to argue that I "have it right". Your view of my belief doesn't matter to me. Neither do I have a desire to convert you to my belief or point out the possible absurdity of your belief, or lack of same. I hope you and your family are well and happy. It's not my place to critique what works for you.
I don't like people throwing stink-bombs in my yard or doing the electronic equivalent of a drive-by, shouting "you people are stupid assholes!"
Now, if you want to make of list of mean stuff Christians have done in the name of Jesus, we can talk, argue, whatever. There's plenty of great material there.
But I expect you to humor me a little by showing some respect for my belief, regardless how goofy you might think it is. Feelies get a little bent when people start posting, "Yo' Mama" and "Yo' God" -- on the street, worse things happen. In my book, there are limits. You can go over the limit, but don't expect anything good in return.
There is no shortage of bloody history in the making of the modern and earlier worlds. A significant amount of the blood was spilled by Christians -- AND -- a significant amount of the blood was spilled by Christians.
I can answer only for myself. I feel no shame for what the Pope did not do in WWII. I feel no shame for Japanese Americans being kept in pens (was kind of racist, but I had nothing to do with it). I feel no shame for the suffering of the Jews. I feel no shame for the existence of slavery (which, by the way, did not originate with Christians).
I AM ashamed that I did not develop my abilities to a fuller degree. I am ashamed that I wasn't a better father and husband. I am ashamed that I wasn't a better son. I am ashamed I was not a better friend.
I keep trying.
Please do not waste any more time digging up quotes revealing the intent of the founders re religion. Doesn't mean squat to me, one way or the other.
I find it ironic that Del (and yourself, to a degree) have a fondness for quoting various "scripture" in the same manner as those Christians who have a bible passage ready for every occasion.
Our time on earth is measured. Whether yours is richer through belief of some kind in a God or belief in your personal role, whatever you choose that to be, just live it!
Don't waste too much time with your nose in the Bible or Alta Vista.
"A World Lit Only By Fire" Wm Manchester. I have already recommended this once. This is a second and stronger recommendation. Please don't make me stoop to twisting your arm, Christine.
About time for right coasters to cop some Zs.
Best to you, my friend,
Mike |
