Message #11306

[goldenearring]

I agree that religion should never mix with politics.  I don't believe in religion, either (a different set of rules for everybody, "Catholic religion" "Lutheran religion" etc.)  I believe that faith in God belongs in all aspects of society, however.  I believe that people who say they don't believe in God are lying, regardless of how forcefully they deny it; I believe that they *hope* there isn't a God so they can justify ignoring what he has to say about human beings in general and the way we ought to live their lives.  (Don't go reading anymore than what I just said into that statement.  Everyone has a good idea of where they stand with God, in my opinion, and only they know what they need to do to "get right" with Him.  It is not up to me to criticize, condemn or judge another because of my misguided notion that I am more spiritually enlightened; that *always* leads to a downfall of one sort or another.  We've all got our own, special set of problems to overcome and only God knows how to help each one of us, individually.  It's a personal relationship type of thing that each person has to come to grips with - - like the natural and spiritual laws that rule this universe we live in.  And, I believe that each person only gets so many chances to take care of his/her business with God before it is too late.  It is, in some respects, similar to our getting only so many chances to take care of ourselves physically, before it is too late.)  There was a polygraphic study done and, of course, I don't have the details but in it, time after time, without fail, EVERYBODY, even atheists, when answering the question, "Do you believe there is a God?" made the needle go off the chart (as in what they believed and what they said didn't jibe).  (This study was referred to by Zig Ziglar in an audiocassette program I recently listened to.  I have no doubt in the integrity of Mr. Ziglar; however, I realize not everyone even knows who he is so they may not be as persuaded.  Everything else here is strictly my viewpoint of things.)  Even Darwin denounced most of his theories on evolution shortly before his death as being the ramblings of an arrogant young man.  Darwin died a Christian.  He recognized that, in all of life, there are certain "rules"/"laws"/"whatever you want to call them" that govern the existence of every single human being, and you either get it or you don't (or you "won't" (an act of free will)).



As far as everything else, I think we are a "vibrant salad," getting more and more vibrant by the day. Obviously, we both have different life experiences.  I see people of all faiths (even if it is a faith that there is no faith) being blended in every day.  I also see conflict, though, like you do.  I think we have different views on *when* this country of ours got its start, and that's o.k.  I wish you the best, Yankeestarbuck, as I do those who think I'm so wrong that I don't know my head from a hole in the ground.  You're right.  It is the freedom afforded each of us in this country that makes it the best place to be.  Now, if we could just wave a magic wand and get everyone to use their freedom responsibly and open up to change on a daily basis, we'd really have it goin' on.