Bob we have established a rep as being one of the friendliest and least controversial forums on the net. We would love to keep it that way. Religious discussions in general are not conducive to that.
You're right, and I would prefer friendly.
Religious convicts (conviction created convicts") generally can't take but so much slaughtering of their sacred cows.
(I work with a bunch of Hindus.)
I'm TEASING (making light) now by the way.
(I worship the sacred chao.)
(I'm also a Bokononist - have you read Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle? As a Bokononist I like to play footsie with gurls, and I fervently believe "Live by the foma that make you brave and kind and healthy and happy." I am a convict re that tenet of Bokononism. But my wife won't let me play footsie with gurls anymore.)
Politics and economic systems are the other 2 big areas of human contention and controversy.
Some of my Hamilton ancestors living in the Elkins, WV (formerly VA) area, fought on the Union side of the Civil War.
On the Stump side, my father's father's father's father (of Floyd Co., VA) fought for the Confederacy until he got shot in the hand.
Then, he apparently regained his senses and returned home (AWOL or not I don't know) and returned to farming.
I am still curious as to your church denomination (but don't want to argue religion anymore) and your specific beefs with the US govt. (I don' want to argue politics either.)
I know nobody likes taxes, and I may agree with you re the govt. bailouts of big business -- I was and am against it.
I'd guess you're also against the anti-religion slant of US govt., and if so, I agree. US was built on Freedom of Religion, NOT suppression of religious expression.
Sorry I blasted you in private email. I actually LIKE YOU, until we get arguing religion and politics.
Peace,
Bob