<p>I appreciate the good-will. I would like to point out, though, to those of you who may not have considered this, because of your own agnostic/atheistic viewpoints (with which I have no quarrel, of course) that some of the arch commentary here concerning Christianity (including Catholicism), Islam, and other religions can come as a visceral <em>kick in the gut</em> to people who hold these beliefs as they innocently peruse these threads. I think it’s commendable that ldmom06 and ellemenope can partake in these discussions with such good humor (and I very much appreciated marite’s contribution), but I tend to shoot from the hip when something strikes me as wrong.</p>
<p>Of course religious fanaticism of any kind should not be condoned, and I agree with ucsd<em>ucla</em>dad’s comments above, most definitely. But overall, I do think the world’s major religions have been a force for the good in the world. Of course I know others vehemently disagree with this. </p>
<p>I’ve read what I have thought were very insensitive comments (“Christian-bashing”) on other threads, one especially not long ago on which only fountainsiren spoke out against the bigotry, which she was brave enough to label as such. To me it’s a simple matter of respect. I felt the time had come for me to put my 2 cents in.</p>
<p>I think I will change my posting name (I hate to shop). :)</p>
<p>At first, I thought of the posts you described as bigotry as well. But as I read more on other topics from the same posters, I realized that these are not intolerant people here. Unfortunately, Christianity, Islam and even Judaism have been getting a bad rap lately because of so much press attention to zealots…and it does cause people to get a bad taste in their mouth for all organized religion. The task at hand for me personally is to demonstrate that not all Christians are narrow or closed to discussion about their faith or unwilling to answer to criticism…and strangely, when I figured that out, I stopped feeling offended.</p>
<p>Btw…shooting from the hip is okay. Makes for very interesting discussion!<br>
So shoot away…no one ever reeeeallly gets mad here anyway. :-)</p>
<p>Ellen, of course I believe in heaven. It’s going to be a wonderful place with soft, cozy beds, buff men catering to my every whim, utterly delicious and non-caloric chocolate, a never-ending library . . .</p>
<p>My wife and I often joke that hell is individually crafted to each individual. My hell will be to return as a short-tailed cow in a field full of flies… Ewwwwwww…</p>
<strong><em>ROFLMAO</em></strong> dig!!! Mine would have to be <em>ANY</em> place without <em>REALLY</em> good food (preferably seafood or any time of Asian and Mediterranean food and tiramisu) and an internet connection! :D</p>