[redshift]

Great stuff Tex, thanks for taking the time to put it down.

I at one time did call myself a Christian. And I know many people who call themselves such, while merely going through the motions. I also know many who hold closely to the tenets without actually labeling themselves. They, as I, feel that any such label is a limiting factor. And yes people tend to put themselves in a box, or consider themselves "a breed apart" when all that does is propagate arrogance and more division.

Some of the least tolerant types are the ones who proclaim to have more faith than the average faithful. Naturally many of these end up in positions where they can, and have done significant damage, genocide, etc.

And Tex I think you're plenty wise to know that someone who calls themself an atheist, is not automatically a demon worshiper. You didn't state any such thing, just throwing that out there for others... But many believers do assume such things. They leave no middle ground, and I have a serious problem with that. It doesn't help that so many of the world's "leaders" have hijacked one religion or another and used it to cheapen the real thing, and naturally to get away with unthinkable things. That goes for every nation, no exceptions. We as individuals are so much better. And most of the more ignorant types even know this deep down. The-powers-that-be preach tolerance and understanding, they practice the exact opposite. We could do a hell of a lot better. That's one thing I DO have faith in!