Rick, My computer crashed this morning while I was reading your note and I lost my mail. I'd like to respond, but I'm having a hard time remembering everything you wrote, so I apologize if I miss/misinterpret something. I also feel pressed to say "one more thing," and move on. I worry that in arguing for some inclusion of religion I have run the risk of shoving down the throats of our fellow tipsters. I think we're getting farther away from the mission of tips. You mentioned religious atrocities in this country. In my patriotism and ethnocentricism, I was speaking more of "Gee, I'm luck I'm not discriminated against and terrorized for being a Christian." It seems like no matter where you live, being a minority (religious or otherwise) is a tough deal. But, I would maintain there is a heckuva lot more freedom of and from religion in this country than many others. Even for religious minorities. You can say anything hateful you want about Jesus and make some enemies (btw, the bibles teaches Christians to love their enemies so the treatment should remain the same regardless of behavior/ideology) but I don't think you're too likely to wind up in jail or six feet under. Maybe I should have said I was grateful for how much freedom we do have, relatively speaking, instead of implying there is no oppression, religious or otherwise. Christian missionary friends repeatedly tell me I have no idea what it is like to live in a country where you can get thrown in jail for publicly professing different beliefs than the majority of the country (or even for suspicion of doing so). Certainly there is persecution of religious minorities in this country, but I don't see it reaching the degree and frequency that it does across the sea. As far as the churches and ministers you mentioned harrassing, victimizing members of a religious minority, well there are kooks no matter where you hang your hat. Just because that happens doesn't necessarily mean it is condoned by any kind of majority. There is certainly no biblical basis for shooting abortion doctors, harrassing gays, blowing up government buildings, killing minorities, and just basically being a public menace. I don't care what some church member did, or some church, or some minister -- these kinds of acts are not justified by the doctrine of Christianity (look it up) and the majority of churchgoers. Jim P.S. I am still appreciative of the opportunity to speak my "religious mind" on this list and have it to be so tolerated. I don't think I have too many people on my side on some of these issues, but for the most part people seem to be pretty professional and intelligent about how they respond to the topics and to me.
