You know Stringsinger, I have to agree with you. I've been done dirt in my life and cheated by some but some of the worst has come form those who purported to be my "brethren"! So much so that I came up with the phrase "Beware the Brethren!" Not all that goes by the name "Christian" IS Christian---not by a long shot. And that, more than anything, is why the name of Christ and His house are clobbered in the public arena.

When you don't take a stand for anything much, I guess not much is expected of you. You screw up and the common opinion is that well, you're only human. But when one takes the name of Christ you are supposed to live by a higher standard. We are ALL human and Christian and non-Christian alike have failings and short-comings but most of us on either side of the demarcation do try to live honestly and meet our own standards at least. Those who use Christianity as a cloak or a key into the group for their own ends are lowest of the low.

When one takes the name of Christ, asserts that he is a follower of Christ, that is a kind of oath and that is why he is watched differently and more closely than those who don't. That's just the way life is, I suppose. Cynics jeer and hope he stumbles because they do not believe it. To them, the whole thing is a sham or some mental aberration. Some don't care but there are those who watch and wait to see if there really is a difference in the believer's life. The same holds true for other religions and religionists too. I admire and respect someone who is true and honest to their beliefs, especially if those beliefs promote the good things and bring the best out of Man. I even hold a grudging respect for those who are adversely opposed to my rights and beliefs. At least they are true to what they believe.

An oath is many things to different folks but it does say one thing; I have take on this undertaking and I will do all that I can to remain true to it and accomplish what I have set out to do or at least you will know why!