Originally Posted by Ray E. Strode
Well stevie,
I posted somewhere up above that the Jury is still out on Organized Religion. And so it is. The 64 Dollar Question is how did we all get here? And the 64 Dollar Answer is nobody knows. As you stated, the Universe, in it's present form, is appooxamently 14 Billion years old. That is in Earth years of course. BUT who is to say that this is the first time around? And this is certaintly not the last! While I cannot answer how we all got here I am more than sure that we will be here forever, in some form. Since we cannot answer a lot of pointed questions, all we can do is "Read" between the lines and Judge for ourselves. Actually Jim is doing a pretty good job of understanding the issue. I have never cared what other people believe, but when they come to me with their beliefs, I reserve the right to defend myself. Don't you?


Hi Ray,

Everyone has to answer these issues for themselves when all is said and done and far be it from me to tell you or any others what to believe. I can, however, share the road I've traveled, where it's led me and more importantly, why. I do think it is very important to know not just what one believes but why and to be as informed as possible concerning other schools of thought in making one's life decisions.

I hope in my discussion with Jim that I did not seem arrogant or haughty. I was merely addressing issues he brings up often and the way he speaks condescendently to Christians in particular and those who believe in God in general. I was answering his points one by one, at least where space allowed and I know it was a very longwinded read, lol.

I reflected some today on my tone in a couple of places and probably came on too strong from an argumentative standpoint, as if to win a debate rather than in love as is the way Jesus would probably have handled it although he never backed down when answering his accusers. In that I apologize to any I may have offended, particularly Big Jim. But Jim is a big boy and can take care of himself. Plus, inspite of our spirited debate I do consider Jim as a friend and I'm sure if we were to meet in person, we would have a laugh and enjoy each other's company thoroughly. Nuff said about that.

As a side note, I see you hail from Brunswick, Ga. I lived there for a short time in the mid 80s and helped open the Domino's Pizza on St. Simon's Island. Sherri and I were married at the courthouse in Brunswick. Good times.

Take care my friend,

Stevie

I'm the only person here who is not unique.