Originally Posted By: wdecker
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Joe;
Allow me to take this thread in a slightly different direction.
What you seem to be speaking against is 'Religion', which is a man made construct that seeks to approach G-d and seek to control Him (HER?). This is best seen in people who:
a) Say 'I am spiritual, but not religious'. These people seek to learn about and control G-d for their own desires and purposes. 'Pray for what you want', etc. This is not what I believe.
b) People who were 'brought up' religious but had parents or Church members or leaders who let them down (or abused them, as is, sadly, common) and learned about sin and hypocricy and brokenness at a early age and are scared and scarred and seek to regain some control of their lives by rejecting religion as 'primitive' (thereby elevating themselves above others and seeking to feel superior), 'old' (rejecting long tradition in search of the latest fad) or 'cruel' ('Look at all those people G-d commanded killed'). This is not what I believe.
I believe in G-d, the Ancient One who pre-existed all I percieve and who Loves me and who wants to have a personal relaitionship with me. A 'loving Father', who like all Fathers delights in their children and wants to see them grow strong, tall and good.
This is the G-d described in ancient texts, commonly known as the Tanack (Old Testement) and the Brit Chadaisha (New Covenant).
Carl Sagan was a frustrated old man who thought that he knew better than anyone else (I have personally met him) and failed to learn the single most important lesson that most of us get in kindergarten. 'I am not the center of the Universe, there are others out there who are worthy of my love and service and sacrifice.'
In other words. Joe, You are free to believe what you want to believe (this is one of the greatest gifts that G-d has given us) and I am as well. Your choice is, first, last and only, your choice, as is mine.
I just hope that, as you make the single biggest choice in your life (and, in a real sense, the ONLY choice in your life) that you choose wisely, with great thought and study and careful study.
As He said, 'Choose Life'.
Hope this helps.
--
Will Decker
Decker Home Services
Skokie, IL 60076
wjd@DeckerHomeServices.com