Originally Posted by Biggles

Religion divides? wow... that's a first. Now I'll give you that Catholicism divides.. that religion in itself is a joke... they pick and choose what they want to believe and rationalize things to fit in with their lifestyle. I believe their motto should be "if it doesnt hurt me or anyone else, it's ok." Forget true morality and doing what's right... they can rationalize anything they want and it's ok.

However, I don't believe that Christianity in itself divides people. I believe it brings them together. I can't count the number of times I worked at the soup kitchen, or visited the elderly at nursing homes, or how many times my parents took meals to less fortuante families, or handed out refreshments to people on hot days, or the many times I gathered money with friends and bought groceries and presents for families... this divides people? It seems to me that I was helping... and I did through youth groups and churches... I did it because I cared and my morality is based in my religion. Never have I experienced religion seperating people except when Libs like you can't accept that I believe in God, and Jesus, and the Bible.

I can't make you believe.. that's all on you... but don't criticize me for KNOWING who my God is. I'm not lying to myself. I'm being truthful when I say there is one true God... when I say he sent Jesus to free us from sin and save us... when I say I believe he will come back at the end of time to collect those who have accepted him and followed him and given their lives to him... I'm not lying to myself when I say God has no beginning and no end... how is that a lie and infinity in terms of numbers isn't? Can you name the last number at each end of the number spectrum? No... just because I don't know every specific detail doesn't mean he doesn't exist in my life... The Bible has given me enough details to know who my God is and to know how to live my life every day.

Like I said.. you don't have to believe but don't you dare accuse me of lying to myself because of my beliefs...

Now... back to the topic at hand... the new Pope doesn't really affect me... the old Pope didn't either... John Paul II was a good man who lived his life for God and brought many religions to respect each other. He didn't try to form one national religion, but respected that other people belive other things. I think this new guy has a hard act to follow, and I hope he does a great job leading.

Go ahead... flame on. I don't care... I don't expect to change your views, so don't expect to change mine.

-Ali