Jonathan H. B. Lobl

Other words that might help -- Light, Devine, purification, mastery, Love, Fellowship, Enlightenment, Worship, Path, Way, Salvation, Avatar, prayer, meditation, heart, open heart, sacred heart, etc.It would help if I knew more about your focus. What do you want to convey?

Yes. Just so.

It is nuance. Agnostics don't "know." Atheists don't "believe.". Apatheists don't "care. 😇

I understand the claim. Why does the God who made all things need scribes?

Just so. Physical existence does come with grief. The world is not yet perfect. Well, we must work with what we have.

The Bible says that God said that God authored the Bible. It's highly circular. Not quite the same as God doing so "Himself." I think if "Himself" had created the Bible -- it would have been a direct creation. Like the world in six days. No need for a scribe for that one. Why then does "God Himself" need scribes for "His Word?"

1. Sure there is. 2. No. 3. Sometimes, words fail. 4. It does not mean anything at all.

A very small point in passing. Dr. Tyson prefers the Agnostic label over the Atheist label. He said that the only "ist" he is, is a "scientist." Beyond that, I agree. I do not perceive the Cosmos as being benevolent.

I wish I could say something helpful. I will be thinking kind thoughts in your direction. Jonathan

Judaism is many different things. If you know what you want -- and what you don't want -- it can be as good as any other path. So, what do you want to find? And what do you want to avoid?

If you wish to work with spiritual energies of a non-"religious" nature; there are options. These are the words to do searches for. Enjoy. Reiki Therapeutic Touch qi gong PanGu ShenGong (pangu.org) Pranic Healing

What of the victim's free will? Another problem for the believer. In the language of an insurance policy; an "act of God" is never anything good.

Close enough. It's "a grain of salt."

It won't change anything for the true believers.

Maybe not. I suspect the people with common sense would decline membership. Leaving a church roster of those without common sense. Amusing, but futile.

There are some things -- music, art, pornography -- which can be recognized but not defined.

My maternal grandfather was a Jew from Russia. For him, the worst insult possible was -- "You have a Christian heart." I go by what people do. Not what they preach. When the preaching and the doing are not the same; I take notice. Like my grandfather.

I hit quote instead of edit. Sorry about the confusion.

I think my intent here has been misconstrued. I have been hit on by gay men. Also by straight women who I was not attracted to. This is not a matter of sexual orientation. It is a matter of rude people who don't understand that "no" means "no."

Judaism had animal sacrifice in the Temple. If the third Temple is ever built, the sacrifices will resume. Don't bother quoting at me. We all know about the "Lamb of God."

The Inquisition comes out because they are afraid. They think you will lead them to Perdition.

Or is said to be a "witch." Not quite the same thing. In Africa, this probably means an "Anamist." Or it could be a Christian with an enemy. Being accused of "witchcraft" doesn't seem that difficult. You had a lesson in "Christian Love." I'm glad you survived it.

To a point. I don't need to be gay in order to relate to gay men. I've had the experience of being a man in love. I can extrapolate the details. I'm a reiki master. I really don't get the vampire thing. Alright -- I don't get that part. Not a problem. There are lots of things I don't get. I think that what we have in common as people is more important than all the things that separate us. One small distinction. I do not have "tolerance" for you. I have "respect." Respect is much better. Tolerance suggests that I'm putting up with you.

I'm surprised that I have to say this. Still, nobody else has. It is an awful, despicable thing, to gaze upon the victims of religious violence -- and expound on their alleged "sin." It is providing justification for monsters, whose hands are red with the blood of the innocent.

Interesting. You're being gay is the part I understand. There are so many gay people. Vampires, not so much.