Fried Eggs

RichBecker Well, almost every religion has had people do terrible things in their name. And so have non-reglious movements. It's a human failing, not necessarily one of faith. There is also significant separation between Christian churches, whereas some do not necessarily recognize what becomes institutional tradition over belief systems. I sometimes think that people who have faith, but do not practice with any sense of righteousness, have a disadvantage because they are the least likely to defend their faith in the face of criticism, leaving only the most fervent to argue with sometimes violent certitude whereas those who are most hurt by the attacks on faith are generally quieter because their faith is personal and held together by love of even those who do not know them and yet profess their beliefs, whatever they may be, are worthy of scorn.

9/02/11

GreenLady7 Still, Rich, we seem to have gotten pretty far off course from the original intent. There is no need to defend because I am not attacking. Just saying I have questions. My own faith is very personal, too, and very strong, and I scorn no one else's.

9/02/11

RichBecker Oh no, I didn't mean to defend or suggest you laced your post with scorn. It kind of goes along with my own questions about people in general. Having been all over the map and back again, my own spiritual journey has given me great insight into many perspectives, beliefs, etc., especially when because I shared them. Even so, I've always been perplexed at the fervor some (not you) have taken to make a case against any and all gods. Because if there is none of that, then it seems silly to press the point into its own quasi-religious fervor. Anyway, I only engaged you to answer your question ... look not to the religion for the abuse of it; only the men (or women) who abuse it, much like it is sometimes worth to do in all matters of faith, patriotism, race, creed, and values. Make sense, my friend? :)

9/02/11

GreenLady7 Of course, Rich. It's people who screw everything up. Did you ever read "One" by Richard Bach (any relation?)? He has one chapter on good and one on evil that break the two down better than anything I've read on the subjects. And it's why humans always mess up, even those with the most heavenly intentions.

9/02/11

RichBecker Yes, I loved "One." I expect I'll be rereading it again in the near future too. I like that we mess up. The tricky part is messing up in ways that don't mess other people up.

9/03/11

GreenLady7 Do you remember the part about "the Pages"? I'm going to have to reread it again myself. Those two chapters were a revelation to me. As for the rest, I'm just grateful I'm not the Only one messing up. (We Need emoticons here!)

9/03/11