Youch

I understand what you are saying. But I disagree. I think that it is a primal yearning of all humans to want to be free. Perhaps, as you suggest, some are born to be subsurvient to a regime, but when given the chance the aggregate will always choose freedom. The human world, in all ways, reflects this. This leads to a much larger conversation, of course.... There is a small island in the South Pacific who's people are referred to as the Cargo Cult. I posted about this a couple of years ago. Then there are the Jedi people. And, of course, there are all the peoples of the world who worship something other than your God. I post this with no disrespect to your beliefs. I simply point out that disparate belief systems are both good in terms of freedom and diversity, and bad in terms of the proclivity toward tolerance and peace, and of course the issue that they undermine religious veracity as a whole.

Religious intolerance and oppression is rampant in many parts of the world. And this is not new. But it has gotten more focused in the last decade or so, and certainly the 24/7 media amplifies both the good and the bad in the world. As opposed to the East? I think you mean "as" concerned. Actually, the people of India would be more concerned. Such is the way of cultural perspective, priority and proclivity. Things that happen in San Juan, or to Puerto Ricans around the world, are more important to Puerto Ricans, for example.

Extremely!!! Just because I debate unhappy people does not mean I am one. Lest we forget life, and life in America, remain exceptional things. I think that is true for most. For me, I am happy because I have toured, seen and experienced the alternative.....and me no likey. So, understanding and appreciating the things that count leads me to happiness.

True. People are born with a whole host of abnormalities, and none should be "condemned" by any religion or otherwise. "Random outcomes" such as the whole host of abnormalities SHOULD be dealt with by way of natural selection. But today, it is cleary not. What religion has to say about that I will leave to others. It seems to me that many of you are talking about things outside the realm of nature. The super-natural, perhaps?

Either you meant to say "thought by many science fictionists" or it is utter nonsense. Nothing in plate techtonics could lead anyone to think what you are suggesting.

Wow.... Other's have sent your Dad well wishes. I will send mine to you, instead. Allow yourself to grieve, then remember that this too shall pass. Be strong, Brother!

In what stage did they discover the cancer?

While it depends on the eye of the beholder, I did like Eye of the Beholder.

What kind of church? What religious affiliation? The family member is irrelevant, so what do the county Probation and Mental Health organizations have anything to do with it?

In the "world according to Mike" I'd say no, you have no legal liability. In the world of liberal and litigeous Mule Fritters in which everyone blames everyone else for their own actions and behaviors, I would say legal liability is only a matter of time. I recently saw online where a Japanese robot manufactorer created a robot minister to officiate nuptuals. This will likely be the secularist answer.

"Space is the Place" with your helpful hardware man!

Exactly!

I totally agree. As such, I do not think there is "less understanding" so much as a loss of control for those who have benefitted from the more stricter adherence of the dogmatic interpretations of what was likely, as I believe, originally allegorical. But as others have suggested, is straying from the dogma of established religious institutions really only a "different flavor" of that institution, or is it more of an interpretation and spiritual journey of a singularly individualistic nature? I say it is the latter. And thus, I agree with those who assert that to truely be Christian, in the institutional sense, one must believe and accept the strict tennants of the Bible. How can it be otherwise? (The Constitution keeps coming to mind, as well...) Otherwise, like me, and perhaps you, we simple take the wonderful allegorical lessons found in the Bible, and elsewhere, and apply them to our lives to the best of our ability, as a society and as individuals. And both are fantastic!! Live and let live! The religious-bashing nature of many athiests, and the holier than thou attitudes of the orothdox, is all rather annoying, among other things. And while I have many detractors on this forum, I think my attitude on this subject is what ULC is all about....which is probably why they allow me to stay!! and ,

Hi Pete! Please know I am not criticizing ANYONE's belief systems. I'm just a curious onlooker. Regarding the bolded part above: Why do you suppose the "understandings of today" are different than when the texts were written? Are we less able to understand today, or are we confused by the encroachment of alternatives? Nor does it lead to any sort of unified religion. It becomes a free-for-all. Watered down standards and definitions that mean whatever fits easiest. Perhaps well-intentioned spiritual people attach themselves to religious affiliations, even when the square block does not fit into the round hole, because it offers credibility or importance to their specific spiritual belief? Well said!!

Much like the liberal view that the Constitution is a "living document" to mean whatever they want it to mean, the bible says what it says and if folks are not going to follow what it says, maintain some sort of standard, then it really calls into question the veracity of the document and the belief in the first place. Generally speaking, this liberal view is just too conveniently self-serving and avoids the hard choices and sacrafices required to maintain standards, definitions and commonality. Having said that, I think I agree with the majority here that if a certain faith makes a person a better person then the particulars ought not matter. But while spirituality is a personal thing, religion is an institution.....if a member of that institution is not going to ascribe to the tennants of that institution, then it's kinda like a diehard Yankee's fan buying season tickets at Dodger Stadium, that is to say, merely faithless convenience and opportunity. and , The Agnostic

Regardless of your faith or lack thereof, Merry Christmas! Oh, and while I'm at it, regardless of whether or not you recognize the Gregorian calendar, Happy New Year!

In addition to being a federal holiday, Christmas is a birthday celebration that has largely turned into massive consumerism, political correctness and material expectations. To varying degrees for different people, this "HOLIday" representing the birth of likely the most influential person ever discussed, is a sacred religious event, paid time off from work, an excuse for a family gathering, or a chance to buy and/or receive something new. It is also an annual opportunity for the secular community to be divisive. We get to hear the same 40 songs played about 100 times. And there are also good movie marathons and football on TV. Mailmen work their buns off...... Merry Christmas, everyone.........

I have several openings for which I am currently interviewing. Due to growth, I anticipate having openings throughout the first half of the year.

"Live each day as if it is my last." I forget it all too often.... Seriously? Interesting.... I dig it.

I think you are right.

I hold a meeting with all of my employees each Monday. On 12.7.09 I mentioned that the day was an anniversary of "one that will live in infamy" and I got a large room full of blank stares. This, from a room of college grads and hourly workers alike. I am forever amazed at this lack of perspective, but it explains much of today's political discourse.

It is with all due sincerity and respect that I thank you for sharing that pearl.

Roy, that is a wise post. As an agnostic, I would welcome any evidence of a supreme being. I dream of it. I desire it. I want it. I cannot find it. But for some inherit, natural reason, I think it must exist. I don't know why.

Are you a public bus operator?

An excellent question and an excellent thread topic!!!