First of all: I have here on my desk a list of about 30 names of JMDLers to
whom I was going to send a personal message, wishing them all the best for
2003 and saying how good it is to know you, but I have to admit defeat and
do it now all in one go. I hope you all know who you are (if you think you
are, then you definitely ARE!) unless some are Joni-onlies, for whom I fail
miserably.
This debate (starting with the Middle East and ending up with religion) has,
to my mind, again been demonstrating the quality of our list, our JMDL
family. People have been sharp and intelligent, yes, but mainly staying
interested in opposing views, taking arguments not at a personal level but
at the level of furthering our own understanding.
At many times I have felt like jumping in, but knowing I would not have time
to do it properly, I have sat on my burning fingers to stop them from
rushing to the keyboard.
Now I'm posting, not so much to throw myself into the debate, as to make
some comments from the sidelines - and with my apologies for remaining in
that boring position - maybe the day will come when I have more time and can
become another fiery debater right in the ring!
Sara, I have admired you for your honest postings. By honest, I mean you
come out for what you believe to be the truth, and because you keep looking
for the truth without ever closing your mind. I like having you on the
list. And yes, you have fellow humanist atheists/agnostics here!
Susan, thank you for your beautiful piece on being a humanist - you saved me
so many words!
Colin, I just LOVE your logical analysis, your refusal to accept any
"bamboozling" as you call it, and even though here and there I think you
jump a step too fast (and my own fault and responsibility for not having the
time to take up these points with you and see where we end up) I do agree
with the majority of what you say.
Laurent and Barcelone Mike, I admire you too for keeping the debate open,
respectful and intelligent at all times.
Bob and Vince and WallyK, thank you for all of you being, in your very own
different ways, such good examples of "good" christians. I have grown out
of my catholic upbringing into a resigned acceptance that even if there is a
god, it (he/she) does not care, does not communicate and does not interfere.
A bit sad, I would have been much happier with an eternal conscious
afterlife, but hey I know the distinction between WANTING and BELIEVING...
Seems to me god is only what people project, what they fear or what they
hope and want. But god or no god, we cannot escape the duty of being good
people. And so my only criterion for any religion is: does it make for good
people, or does it make them bigots? Does it provide the incentive to be
caring and loving, or the excuse to be hateful and judgmental? Well you are
all wonderful examples of "good" people (I don't want to say this in a
patronising way, I'm not sitting in judgment, I just feel inspired by you!),
so thank you for that!
I'm very much looking forward to sharing this new year with my JMDL family!
Lots of love,
Lieve.
_____________________________________________________________
This message may contain privileged information. If you have received this message by
mistake, please keep it confidential and return it to the sender.
Although we have taken steps to minimise the risk of transmitting software viruses,
the EBRD accepts no liability for any loss or damage caused by computer viruses and
would advise you to carry out your own virus checks.
The contents of this e-mail do not necessarily represent the views of the EBRD.
______________________________________________________________
